As Orioles owner Peter Angelos and free-agent center fielder Brady Anderson extended their negotiations another day, general manager Pat Gillick turned his attention yesterday to the pursuit of free-agent pitcher Willie Blair and designated hitter Paul Molitor.
Gillick participated in a news conference to announce the hiring of Eddie Murray as coach, then left to meet Blair in Lexington, Ky., according to club sources. Blair, 16-8 with the Detroit Tigers last season, appears to be Gillick's most likely acquisition to improve a starting rotation in search of one more durable arm.
Meanwhile, Anderson and Angelos set aside their daily routine of talks, and it appears likely now that the issue will extend beyond the Thanksgiving end point the player and his representatives had projected. The New York Yankees failed to follow through on an expected call to Anderson yesterday. Having named Tim Johnson as manager yesterday, the Toronto Blue Jays may now be prepared to pursue the center fielder.
Gillick hopes to have deals for Blair and Molitor within 10 days, according to a club official.
The Orioles also have expressed interest in Darryl Kile, 19-7 for the Houston Astros last season. But Kile's asking price may be too much, and he is believed to be leaning toward remaining in the National League, either with the Colorado Rockies or Arizona Diamondbacks.
Gillick's policy is to offer pitchers no more than a three-year contract; other clubs have discussed as many as five with Kile's agent, Barry Axelrod. However, a shorter contract doesn't necessarily put the Orioles at a disadvantage since Kile would again be eligible for the process at 32. Gillick is scheduled to meet with Kile in Houston later this week.
Meanwhile, Angelos and Anderson spoke briefly yesterday afternoon and postponed an evening negotiating session until today. Anderson is scheduled to return to San Diego tomorrow for the holidays.
"If I go home Wednesday to see my family, I'd plan on being there awhile. If Peter told me to fly back, I'd fly back. But I'm not prepared for that. I'd probably want to stay in California," Anderson said.
The Orioles are believed ready to offer Molitor, 41, at least a one-year deal plus an option for 1999.
Meanwhile, yesterday the Orioles re-signed backup catcher Lenny Webster to a $665,000 contract plus an option for 1999.
