Report: Orioles have discussed Valbuena

As spring training draws ever so closer, the Baltimore Orioles remain intent on adding a left-handed bat to their line-up and they appear to have found another individual they're interested in.

The Orioles have discussed free-agent infielder Luis Valbuena, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, who reports Baltimore is interested in the Venezuelan, but would prefer someone more familiar with playing the outfield.

Valbuena has appeared in just four games in the outfield during his nine-year career, but has played five other positions during his time in the bigs, which would offer the Orioles added versatility.

As it stands, the Orioles starting nine would feature two left-handed hitters, Hyun Soo Kim and Chris Davis, so the addition of Valbuena could help manager Buck Showalter balance the lineup.

The 31-year-old Valbuena hasn't drawn much interest in free agency after he underwent season-ending hamstring surgery in August.

He did post an .816 OPS with 13 home runs and 40 RBIs across 90 games before the injury, which came one season after he belted a career-high 25 home runs for the Houston Astros.

The Orioles have also shown interest in the left-handed hitting Pedro Alvarez, have been contacted by the representatives for Colby Rasmus, and were linked to trade negotiations surrounding Curtis Granderson of the New York Mets.