Sports

Nate McLouth is a free agent this offseason, which leaves Nolan Reimold, Xavier Avery and L.J. Hoes as the top internal options to play left field, so the O's are weighing their options. Hamilton is considered the top position player available in free agency, but the Orioles are unlikely to be in the mix if the bidding makes it anywhere close to the seven-year, $175 million figure reported by John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus over the weekend. Given his age and concerns over injury and his past off-field issues, he'll almost certainly have to settle for less, but it only takes one team to throw expectations for a loop. Ross would be a cheaper alternative, as he's reportedly looking for a three-year, $25 million pact, but he figures to be a very popular target on the open market.