At least one reporter seems to think so. Click here for the tweet. At least the O's are trying, some would debate the degree and level of that, but they might be one of the leaders for rumors generated in the last few days here at the winter meetings.

Following word that trade talks for Jason Barlett were "dead," the Orioles are trying to finalize a deal with Twins shortstop J.J. Hardy. Backing a report in The Sun, an industry source confirmed that the Orioles are engaged in serious talks for Hardy, though a deal might not be completed today. You know how easily these things can fall apart, so don't get your hopes up until it's final. At least Nolan Reimold's name hasn't come up in talks. Hardy hit 50 home runs with the Brewers...

It seems to happen just about every year at the baseball winter meetings: Agent Scott Boras talks in a hallway and dozens of reporters jockey for position to try and hear the interview and get close enough to ask a question or two. This time, I got close enough to hear an answer or two of three. He didn't cover anything specifically on the Orioles in the time I was there, but MASNSports.com's Jen Royle did talk to Carlos Pena, who said the O's did offer him a deal and seemed open to...

We have conflicting reports on whether the Nationals have reached agreement with first baseman Adam LaRoche. One tweet says it sounds like LaRoche is headed to D.C. Another one says nothing is imminent and "not at all a lock." The Orioles can only hope that the second report is more accurate. They've expressed interest in LaRoche every winter since his T-ball days. Their choices are dwindling this winter, with LaRoche and Derrek Lee the most desirable options left on the free agent...

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail met again this morning with the representative for closer Koji Uehara. It's believed that the Orioles remain Uehara's first choice. The right-hander would prefer a two-year deal. If I'm the Orioles, I'd be a lot more comfortable with one year, heavy in incentives, plus a club option.

When I interviewed Baseball America's Jim Callis here yesterday, we also talked about tomorrow's Rule 5 draft. In last year's Rule 5 draft, the Giants took O's minor league pitcher Steve Johnson, but he eventually was sent back to the Orioles during spring training. Callis feels reliever

One official told me that the Orioles never had serious interest in Japanese pitcher Kenshin Kawakami. The Braves have contacted every team, trying to unload the right-hander and a portion of his contract. The Orioles listened but weren't close to making a deal. The Orioles want to add a veteran starting pitcher, but the bullpen, first base and shortstop are higher priorities. The Orioles are still interested in re-signing Cesar Izturis to be their everyday shortstop or backup middle...

As of this morning, the Orioles' interest in reliever Kevin Gregg still appears to be strong. The Orioles met with his agents here at the winter meetings on Monday and several teams are reportedly in on Gregg. The 32-year-old right-hander went 2-6, 3.51 with Toronto last season with 37 saves. He fanned 58 over 59 innings. Toronto had two chances to pick up options on Gregg and keep him, but passed. The Jays could have retained him for next year for $4.5 million and they also had an option...

I've read enough lies this week to last me a while. This one is true: Carlos Pena is off the board after agreeing to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Cubs. There was lots of talk here about agent Scott Boras' ridiculous asking price for Pena. One veteran scribe that I spoke with yesterday predicted that Pena would settle for a one-year deal. Boras got his $10 million annually, but on short term. Put 100 executives, scouts and writers in a room - and we've done that here - and...

With the Nationals signing of Jayson Werth this week, the focus on 2012 becomes even more exciting for Nats fans with the prospect of a healthy Stephen Strasburg paired with Werth, Ryan Zimmerman and say, even Bryce Harper? That is what Bryce is hoping for. He talked about making his debut in 2012 with Strasburg to MLB Network during the Arizona Fall League championship. But a more realistic debut for Harper would be 2013, according to Jim Callis, executive editor for Baseball...