Report: Talks between Orioles, Rasmus 'gaining steam'

Colby Rasmus must've said all the right things when Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter visited his Alabama home last week, as contract talks between the free agent and the club are reportedly "gaining steam," one source told ESPN's Jim Bowden.

Showalter made an excursion to Alabama on Saturday to determine if Rasmus would be a decent fit in Baltimore's clubhouse, and the veteran skipper reportedly made a "very favorable impression" on the laconic 28-year-old. The Orioles remain eager to augment their lineup - and their outfield, in particular - after losing both Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis to free agency earlier this winter.

The Orioles, however, aren't the only team in the American League East with interest in Rasmus, as the Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly had dialogue with the former first-round pick this offseason.