BALTIMORE – The Baltimore Orioles have already surpassed their projected budget for the 2011 season, so what’s the harm in coughing up a few million bucks for free agent designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero?

That’s the approach being taken by president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, who has dramatically changed Baltimore’s roster this offseason in an effort to end the team’s franchise-record run of 13 consecutive losing seasons.

MacPhail confirmed Saturday that the Orioles have submitted an offer to Guerrero, who last season hit .300 with 29 homers and 115 RBI for the AL champion Texas Rangers.

When told that fans and the local media were wondering about the possibility of adding Guerrero, MacPhail replied, “We’re wondering, too, to some degree.”

It’s already been a hectic offseason for MacPhail.

First, he obtained third baseman Mark Reynolds from Arizona for right-handed relievers David Hernandez and Kam Mickolio. Then he got shortstop J.J. Hardy and infielder Brendan Harris from Minnesota for minor league right-handers Jim Hoey and Brett Jacobson.

MacPhail followed those deals by signing free agent first baseman Derrek Lee and closer Kevin Gregg.

“We’re happy with where we are,” MacPhail said, “but we still have some active conversations and we’ll just see where those go.”

RANGERS: Texas agreed to terms on a $5.8 million contract for Mike Napoli, avoiding arbitration with the catcher-first baseman.

BLUE JAYS: Toronto avoided arbitration with Frank Francisco, signing the newly acquired reliever to a one-year, $4 million contract.

 

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