With Kim is hitting just .182 (8-for-44) this spring, the Orioles have talked internally about releasing him from his contract so he can return to South Korea, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com reports.

With Kim hitting just .182 (8-for-44) this spring, the Orioles have talked internally about releasing him from his contract so he can return to South Korea, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com reports.

Analysis:

Kim's two-year, $7 million contract says he can't be sent to the minors, so the Orioles are in a bind if they don't feel he's worthy of a spot on the 25-man roster. Nolan Reimold and Joey Rickard would be candidates for the left field job if Kim is no longer on the roster. However, it still seems likely the Orioles will give Kim a chance when the regular season begins given their investment in the offseason.