O's progressing toward deal with Sanders as first base coach

The Orioles are whittling down the vacancies on their coaching staff. Their talks with Anthony Sanders appear to be gaining momentum toward an agreement, though the proximity varies depending on the source.

He's certainly become the frontrunner for the job and is expected to land it.

FOX Sports reported that Sanders and the Orioles are close to an agreement. He would replace Arnie Beyeler as first base coach and also has the background to assume the responsibilities as outfield instructor.

Sanders has spent the past 14 seasons as a manager, coach and instructor in the Rockies system. He's served most recently as outfield and baserunning coordinator.

The fact that Sanders, 45, comes from the USA Baseball coaching staff certainly works in his favor.

New director of player development Matt Blood spent three years as director of its 18-and-under National Team Program.

Sanders appeared in 13 games with the Blue Jays and Mariners from 1999-2001. He won an Olympic gold medal in 2000,

The Orioles also need replacements for assistant hitting coach Howie Clark and bullpen coach John Wasdin.

* Former Orioles right-hander Mike Wright has a deal to pitch next year in the Korean Baseball Organization.

Wright, 29, posted a 9.45 ERA and 2.025 WHIP in 10 relief appearances with the Orioles and a 6.75 ERA and 1.813 WHIP in nine games with the Mariners, who acquired him in an April 24 trade and later outrighted him.

The Orioles selected Wright in the third round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of East Carolina University. They dealt him to the Mariners for infielder Ryne Ogren, 22, who appeared in 92 games with Single-A Delmarva and slashed .253/.343/.318.

Ogren played every infield position and left field and also caught one inning.