UPDATE: The Orioles are also "confident" they'll sign outfielder Dexter Fowler, according to Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com.
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A week ago it was said contract talks between the Baltimore Orioles and Yovani Gallaro were "progressing." While nothing has yet to come to fruition, the latest rumors suggest there's still hope for a deal to get done before the MLB club conducts full spring training workouts.
The Orioles will have pitchers and catchers report tomorrow and their first workout will take place on Friday, but as it stands, Gallardo probably won't be there. It's probably more realistic he'll be ready for the team's first full workout with pitchers and position players, which will take place on Feb. 24.
"There didn't appear to be much progress on Tuesday, and while sides are still optimistic a deal will get done, they're running out of time for Gallardo to report along with other pitchers and catchers on Thursday," Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun wrote this morning regarding a deal between the O's and Gallardo.
"Gallardo is eager to get into a camp, but we know these deals sometimes take time. Patience is important. Right now, it appears that the ball is in the Orioles' court."
It makes sense why it's mostly on the O's for this deal to get done. They're the ones who will be surrendering the 14th overall pick in the upcoming MLB Draft for the right-hander in addition to making adjustments for payroll restrictions. The fact that it's taken this long to get something done could be viewed as a bit troubling, but then again there are a lot of factors involved.
Encina also provides some good reasoning as to why Orioles fans should relax.
"No one should be alarmed. Two years ago, right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez signed six days after pitchers and catchers reported, and outfielder/designated hitter Nelson Cruz signed six days after the full squad reported. We've written many times about how late February is Dan Duquette's prime season for wheeling and dealing."
Also, there haven't been many other rumors or reports linking Gallardo elsewhere, meaning the two sides could be very deep into contract talks and are working to ensure both sides get exactly what they want.
As long as there's continual optimism, Gallardo should be wearing an Orioles uniform in the near future.
