According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are reluctant to give a three-year deal to free agent Joe Saunders. Saunders is holding firm on a multi-year contract this offseason, and it's becoming clear he won't be getting it from the Orioles. However, that could change if he's ultimately forced to lower his demands, as GM Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter have stated publicly that they remain interested in bringing him back. The Mariners, Padres, Twins, Angels and Mets have also been linked as possible landing spots.

MASN's Roch Kubatko reports that the Orioles remain interested in free agent Joe Saunders. Orioles GM Dan Duquette has been in contact with Saunders, but it doesn't appear that he's any closer to signing. If Saunders isn't brought back, Baltimore could consider letting Jake Arrieta, Zach Britton, Brian Matusz, Tommy Hunter, and Steve Johnson compete for the final spot in their rotation. Kubatko believes that the Orioles would rather hold onto their first-round pick than attempt to sign Kyle Lohse.

Marc Carig of Newsday reports that the Mets are interested in free agent Joe Saunders. Saunders is being viewed as a option to replace R.A. Dickey, though it's not clear whether a formal offer has been discussed. The Mets are also considering Carl Pavano, Shaun Marcum and Chris Young to fill out their starting rotation.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Padres are among the teams interested in Joe Saunders. Rosenthal also lists Seattle and Pittsburgh as potential suitors, though the Pirates are likely out with the addition of Francisco Liriano. Saunders, 31, posted a 4.07 ERA in 28 starts between Baltimore and Arizona this past season and is likely going to have to settle for a one-year deal. The Orioles haven't ruled out bringing him back.

According to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi, the Orioles are "still in talks" with left-hander Joe Saunders. Saunders had an offer on the table from the Twins in early December but it has likely since been pulled. The 31-year-old southpaw posted a decent 4.07 ERA in 28 starts this past season between Baltimore and Arizona but he's probably going to have to settle for a one-year deal.

La Velle E. Neal III reports that the Twins have offers out to free agent left-handers Joe Saunders and Francisco Liriano.

MASN Sports' Roch Kubatko reports that the Orioles met with Joe Saunders' and Nate McLouth's representatives Tuesday. The O's would like to bring both players back for 2013 after they performed well for them down the stretch this past season. McLouth should only require a modest one-year deal, but Saunders could be looking for as many as three years.

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Orioles are looking to re-sign left-hander Joe Saunders. Saunders, 31, registered a 3.63 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 44 2/3 innings (seven starts) this past season for Baltimore. He's probably looking to cash in this winter, given that Jeremy Guthrie landed a three-year, $25 million contract earlier this week from the Royals. That deal should set the market for this crop of free agent starters.

Joe Saunders allowed just one run over 5 2/3 innings in Thursday's 2-1 extra innings ALDS Game 4 win over the Yankees. Saunders issued four free passes, but he also gave up just three hits and struck out five. Especially given the circumstances, it was a superb effort, as he rewarded Orioles manager Buck Showalter for choosing him over Chris Tillman. Saunders has now tossed 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball in both starts this postseason. The O's will give the ball to Jason Hammel in Game 5.

Joe Saunders will start Thursday's ALDS Game 4 against the Yankees. It's a little surprising that he was chosen over Chris Tillman, given that it was Tillman's turn to pitch and he fared so well down the stretch. Saunders probably earned the nod in manager Buck Showalter's mind, though, with his nice work against the Rangers in the Wild Card game.