Baltimore Orioles general manager Dan Duquette admitted Sunday that his club is monitoring the market for free-agent Tim Lincecum, but he sounded less than optimistic the veteran will call Maryland his next home.
Appearing on MLB Network Radio, Duquette confirmed his team's presence at Lincecum's showcase in Arizona on Friday, and offered an educated guess at where the two-time Cy Young winner might wind up.
"I'd be surprised if Lincecum signs on the east side of the Mississippi River," the Orioles' front office executive said. "He's going to sign with a club that needs a starter."
Lincecum, who topped out at 92 mph and showed strong secondary stuff during his 41-pitch session, is believed to be seeking a job as a starter after undergoing season-ending hip surgery last year. As many as 20 clubs and scouts were in attendance for Lincecum's televised showcase, and reports indicate he could sign sometime next week.
Duquette said the Orioles remain interested in acquiring another veteran arm after recently agreeing to a deal with left-hander Wandy Rodriguez, though the club is hopeful Yovani Gallardo's return could quell that need.
"We've been motioning (Lincecum's market)," he said. "We're hopeful to get (the injured Gallardo) back in another couple weeks and get him into our rotation, and that will give us a little more depth."
