Orioles rumors: Baltimore sets priorities for trade market

The Baltimore Orioles are telling teams that they’re priority in the trade market is for a first baseman, designated hitter and left fielder, reports Brittan Ghiroli of MLB.com:

Orioles telling teams they're priority in the trade market is for 1B, DH & LF. Duquette said there are several clubs that match up with them

— Brittany Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) November 13, 2012

General manager Dan Duquette told reporters, including Ghiroli, that he’s spoken with several clubs that "match up" with the Orioles.

The Orioles used Mark Reynolds as their regular first baseman over the second half of the season. While he played much better defensively after shifting from third base to first, the Orioles declined his expensive option for 2013, making him a free agent.

Baltimore acquired outfielder Nate McLouth over the summer and he ended up playing his way into a role as the team’s regular left fielder. He was impressive during his short stint with the Orioles and hit well during the playoffs, but he also hit the free agent market following the season.

The Orioles used several players at DH last season, including Jim Thome, Wilson Betemit and Chris Davis, but they are apparently making an effort to upgrade the position.