Jay Gibbons was released Sunday by the Orioles, who lost patience waiting for the outfielder to regain the form that enabled him to hit 26 home runs in 2005, according to an Associated Press report.

Andy MacPhail said on Wednesday that he is not close to dealing second baseman Brian Roberts to the Cubs and that Roberts will begin the season in the team's infield, according to the Associated Press.

Orioles' Manager Dave Trembley has named Jeremy Guthrie as his Opening Day starter, the Baltimore Sun reported Saturday on it web site.

Orioles' Manager Dave Trembley has named pitcher George Sherrill the team's closer, according to News Channel 8.

Sources confirmed on Thursday that the Cubs have improved their offer to the Orioles for Brian Roberts by including pitching prospect Jose Ceda.

Because of Baltimore's lack of infield depth, the club has expressed interest in the Houston Astros' Mark Loretta and the Chicago White Sox's Juan Uribe.

The Chicago Cubs are still sending scouts to watch Brian Roberts, who was 1-for-3 and scored a run on Tuesday.

Freddie Bynum will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and miss at least five weeks, ending his bid to be Orioles’s starting shortstop on opening day, according to an Associated Press report.

Troy Patton will undergo season-ending surgery on his shoulder, forcing him to miss the entire season, according to the Associated Press.

Nick Markakis is the latest talented young player to have his contract renewed for minimal money, according to the Associated Press.

A source has told SI's Jon Heyman that the Brian Roberts trade talks between the Orioles and Cubs are getting serious again.