Neither Markakis' side nor the Orioles would comment specifically on the negotiations, but one industry source called the Orioles' proposal "fairly significant." That is in contrast to the July offer, which, according to sources, was worth $5 million to $6 million annually - half of what it could potentially take to secure a deal.
Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Alex Rios, who often is compared to Markakis, signed a seven-year, $70 million extension in April. Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez secured a six-year, $70 million deal in May.
There were concerns within the Orioles organization that the July offer - coupled with the club's decision to unilaterally renew Markakis' 2008 contract for $455,000 - alienated the team's top building block and helped stagnate the current negotiations.
But MacPhail said he sensed no animosity in his dealings with the player or his agent, and Markakis said yesterday he has "no hard feelings."
"You're not always going to like the first offer. But I'm not soured at all," Markakis said. "I understand where they're coming from, and hopefully they understand where I'm coming from. It's just a process. All it takes is time. We'll see what happens."
MacPhail said he would like to have Markakis and second baseman Brian Roberts, who would be a free agent at the end of 2009, signed to multiyear deals, but "there are different timetables that exist for both."
He said, "we are still talking," with Roberts and the only deadline is Roberts' desire to have the situation resolved by spring training.
MacPhail said he didn't believe a failure to agree long-term with either Roberts or Markakis at this time would adversely affect the club's direction at the winter meetings - which includes adding rotation depth and a starting shortstop via free agency or trade.
