masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Winter Meetings are over, team officials have returned home and now we’ll wait to learn how strong a foundation for trades was laid in San Diego.

The Orioles still need at least one outfielder, a left-handed reliever and backup catcher. They’d also like to obtain a right-hander for the bullpen, though they seem pretty deep in that area. Never can have too many, I suppose.

The Nationals were supposed to make blockbuster trades all over the Manchester Grand Hyatt – executives and scouts…The Winter Meetings are over, team officials have returned home and now we’ll wait to learn how strong a foundation for trades was laid in San Diego.

The Orioles still need at least one outfielder, a left-handed reliever and backup catcher. They’d also like to obtain a right-hander for the bullpen, though they seem pretty deep in that area. Never can have too many, I suppose.

The Nationals were supposed to make blockbuster trades all over the Manchester Grand Hyatt – executives and scouts practically were guaranteeing it – but their only move so far was dealing left-hander Ross Detwiler to the Rangers for two minor leaguers. The news broke as I boarded my flight home.

Heck, they didn’t even have space on their 40-man roster for a Rule 5 pick. Talk about inactivity.

But seriously…

Detwiler was on the Orioles’ radar. They definitely had interest in him, according to multiple sources, but the Nationals went in another direction.

The Rangers may give Detwiler a shot at starting. He wants out of the bullpen, where the Orioles would have kept him.

nate-mclouth-bubble-white.jpgI’ve also heard that the Orioles may have interest in bringing back outfielder Nate McLouth if he becomes available. That ship apparently hasn’t sailed, judging by conversations I had with a couple of people in and out of the organization.

The Orioles wanted to re-sign McLouth last winter, but only for one year. The Nationals gave him $10.75 million over two years and a $6.5 million club option for 2016 with a $750,000 buyout. He’s owed $5 million next season.

Too pricey for a fourth outfielder.

McLouth, 33, injured his shoulder this season and batted .173/.280/.237 in 79 games. He hit .261/.333/.409 over two seasons with the Orioles.

The Nats apparently would be willing to eat some of that salary in order to trade him, but the Orioles will wait to see whether he’s released.

The outfield already includes left-handed hitters Alejandro De Aza and David Lough. McLouth may seem redundant, especially with Lough on the roster, but executive vice president Dan Duquette is in the market for left-handed and right-handed outfielders/designated hitters. He also needs a leadoff hitter following Nick Markakis’ departure.

The Orioles rescued McLouth from the scrap heap in 2012 after the Pirates released him. We’ll find out whether there’s a Baltimore sequel to his story.