Orioles rumors: Michael Bourn, Kyle Lohse

While it seems extremely unlikely that the Baltimore Orioles will sign free agent center fielder Michael Bourn this winter, fellow Scott Boras client Kyle Lohse is a better fit for the club, according to Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun.

Even after signing free agent right-hander Jair Jurrjens, the Orioles remain in the market for starting pitching. They continue to be tied to free agent left-hander Joe Saunders, and Baltimore and Lohse have been connected throughout the winter.

There are several reasons why Lohse isn't likely to sign with the Orioles. He's seeking a lucrative multi-year agreement, and it's not clear that Baltimore is willing to invest that type of money in Lohse. If the 34-year-old settles on a one-year deal, you can bet it won't be with the Orioles considering Camden Yards isn't exactly a pitcher's haven.

Related: Orioles sign right-hander Jair Jurrjens

Perhaps even more of a detractor, the Orioles would have to surrender their first-round draft choice in order to sign Lohse.

Still, everyone Connolly has spoken with in the Orioles' organization has said they like Lohse, but "not for what it is going to cost" to sign him. While he considers it unlikely, if Lohse's asking price drops dramatically Connolly could see the Orioles expressing interest in the right-hander.

Seems like a lot of ifs at this point, and Lohse doesn't fit the mold of undervalued asset that general manager Dan Duquette has targeted in the past. Still, Lohse figures to be tied to the Orioles until he signs elsewhere.