O's keep interest in Burnett

Orioles President Andy MacPhail told The Baltimore Sun on Tuesday that his club has had one conversation with free-agent starting pitcher A.J. Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, though he would not give specifics.

That may not be much, but at least there is some interest. Still, it would probably take at least $80 million over five years to land the former Blue Jays' right-hander, considering that's what the Yankees are reportedly getting ready to offer Burnett.

Starting pitching is perhaps the biggest cause for concern heading into this offseason for Baltimore. In 2008, Orioles starters ranked last, with the Rangers, in the Major Leagues in ERA at 5.51. While C.C. Sabathia and Burnett head the starting-pitching crop of free agents this offseason, there are other suitable -- and more affordable -- names, like: Derek Lowe, Mike Mussina, Brad Penny and Ben Sheets.

MacPhail also told The Sun that former Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky would be a candidate to replace recently departed director of baseball administration Scott Proefrock, though that process likely won't be ironed out until at least a few weeks.

-- Alden Gonzalez