Bedard - and trade - still grounded

Orioles ace Erik Bedard had not traveled to Seattle by late yesterday afternoon, a baseball source told The Sun, meaning any announcement involving the left-hander's pending trade to the Mariners is still on hold.

Orioles president Andy MacPhail reiterated last night that there was no news to report.

He would not say what the holdup might be. Since Bedard is still the property of the Orioles, it's their responsibility to give him the go-ahead to fly to Seattle. MacPhail would not say whether that has been done.

Because a trade would not be completed until Bedard passes a physical, and by nature, those examinations can be lengthy, it's possible an announcement will not be made until late today or tomorrow.

Bedard, 28, is the centerpiece of a six-man deal that would send outfielder Adam Jones, reliever George Sherrill and three pitching prospects to the Orioles. Jones and Sherrill had physicals in Baltimore earlier this week.