Recapping the roster madness

My head stopped spinning long enough this morning for me to catch a couple of hours of sleep. So much for a lull in the offseason.

It was more like lull-a bye. (See what I did there?)

The Orioles announced their trade with the Mariners and set up a conference call with executive vice president Dan Duquette and first baseman/outfielder Mark Trumbo. They traded for catcher Francisco Pena, the son of former major league catcher and current Yankees coach Tony Pena. They confirmed that the Mariners claimed infielder Andy Wilkins off waivers because these teams can't quit each other.

They non-tendered pitcher Steve Johnson, infielder Paul Janish and outfielder David Lough, which basically worked the same as being designated for assignment. They signed pitcher Vance Worley to a $2.6 million contract to avoid arbitration. They signed outfielder Nolan Reimold to a $1.3 million deal to avoid arbitration. They tendered contracts to their eight remaining arbitration-eligible players.

What will today bring? Probably not as much activity. It's going to feel like the crash after a sugar rush.

I'm compelled to keep describing Trumbo as a first baseman/outfielder, but it's probably more accurate to say designated hitter/first baseman. Or you could go with first baseman/designated hitter. Let's see what happens with Chris Davis.

I checked again and the Orioles still haven't given up on re-signing Davis, but there's a limit to how long they can wait on him.

Trumbo's arrival seems to more directly impact Steve Pearce, also a right-handed hitting corner outfielder, first baseman and designated hitter. Pearce is better with the glove and also can play second base if needed, but the chances that he's re-signed are diminishing.

The Orioles haven't been in contact with Pearce, who batted .218/.289/.422 with 13 doubles, 15 home runs and 40 RBIs in 92 games. They could reach out later in the winter, of course, but Trumbo's presence on the roster may prohibit it.

The Orioles are still in the running for free-agent reliever Darren O'Day, believing that their offer is sufficient for his return. And they know that he'd like to stay if it can be worked out.

I'd be surprised if Johnson returned to the organization after the Orioles designated him to make room for left-hander C.J. Riefenhauser. There's enough interest from other clubs that he should be able to occupy a spot on someone's camp roster.

Johnson is in a pretty good position. He showed teams that his right shoulder is sound. His velocity increased. He averaged 11 strikeouts per nine innings at Triple-A Norfolk.

Strikeouts will get you noticed.

You won't find a nicer group of guys than Janish, Johnson and Steve Clevenger. Those are tough losses for the media.

I'm happy for Clevenger, who could share the catching duties in Seattle or earn the bulk of them. It wasn't happening in Baltimore.

Janish made a wonderful impression on the Orioles and Tides with his superb defense at shortstop. Being compared to J.J. Hardy is high praise, indeed. I really thought he would be tendered a contract.

The Orioles grabbed Riefenhauser from the Mariners to complete the trade, but they also discussed catchers Steve Baron and Jesus Sucre, according to a source. A bunch of names were kicked around before the Orioles chose the left-handed reliever.

The list of non-tenders last night included two intriguing power bats - Houston's Chris Carter and Pittsburgh's Pedro Alvarez. They're both listed as first basemen, though I'm not exactly sure what Alvarez is doing over there.

Shameless plug alert: I'll be joining MASN's Jim Hunter tonight at Dempsey's Brew Pub & Restaurant for the first "Hot Stove Show" that airs from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. on 105.7 The Fan.

Duquette will sit with us for the first segment, and Zach Britton and Manny Machado are scheduled to call into the show.