No. 5 in the Top 9 and some free agent talk

Once again, I find myself promoting the MLB Network's Prime 9 program that airs tonight at 8 p.m., but only because of another Orioles connection. The top 9 third basemen in baseball history will be featured, and yes, Brooks Robinson is included. As if he could possibly be omitted. I don't know where he's ranked, but he'll be joined by Mike Schmidt, George Brett and Alex Rodriguez, among others. Rodriguez also made the Top 9 for all-time shortstops (I believe Cal Ripken ranked third). Also, just to confirm once again, the Orioles did have interest in left-hander Jorge de la Rosa before he agreed to a three-year, $32 million deal with the Rockies, but the word in baseball circles is that "position players are a priority." So says one agent. No real surprise. The Orioles need a first baseman, third baseman and shortstop before they need another starter. And the free-agent market is slowly drying up for starters who aren't named Cliff Lee or lugging around injury baggage. Here's the updated list from mlbtraderumors: Brian Bannister (30) Erik Bedard (32) Jeremy Bonderman (28) Dave Bush (31) Bruce Chen (34) Kevin Correia (30) Doug Davis (35) Justin Duchscherer (33) Jeff Francis (29) Freddy Garcia (35) Rich Harden (29) Aaron Harang (33) Cliff Lee (32) Braden Looper (36) Pedro Martinez (39) Rodrigo Lopez (35) Kevin Millwood (36) Brian Moehler (39) Jamie Moyer (48) Scott Olsen (27) Vicente Padilla (33) Carl Pavano (35) Brad Penny (33) Andy Pettitte (39) Nate Robertson (33) Ian Snell (29) Jeff Suppan (36) Hisanori Takahashi (36) Jarrod Washburn (36) Brandon Webb (32) Todd Wellemeyer (32) Chris Young (32) I never thought I'd admit that Carl Pavano looks good to me...but he's starting to look good to me.
Lannan poised to pick up where he left off in 2011
Allenson's return to Norfolk
 

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