The Orioles announced changes to their coaching staff Tuesday afternoon, with the additions of Juan Samuel and Sam Mejias to the on-field staff.
Samuel will replace Tom Trebelhorn as the third-base coach, while Mejias will replace Rick Dempsey as the first-base coach. Trebelhorn will become the bench coach and Dempsey returns to the bullpen, where he served as coach at the beginning of the 2006 season.
Samuel, 46, spent 16 years in the major leagues with seven different teams. He was recently the manager of the New York Mets? Double-A affiliate in Binghamton after spending seven years as an on-field coach with the Tigers.
Mejias, 56, joins the club after managing the Phillies? Dominican Summer League team for the past seven seasons. He is familiar with Orioles? manager Sam Perlozzo, with whom he coached in Seattle.
Lee Elia, who served as bench coach this past year, opted not to return, and Larry McCall, who was promoted to bullpen coach at midseason, has been reassigned along with batting practice pitcher Orlando Gomez.
The Orioles also announced that Jay Shiner has been promoted to strength and conditioning coach, replacing Tim Bishop, who resigned after 14 years with the team.
MILLAR, HAWKINS BECOME FREE AGENTS: First baseman Kevin Millar and right-handed relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins filed for free agency Monday, joining infielder Chris Gomez, catcher Chris Widger and right-handed pitcher Russ Ortiz as Oriole players eligible to negotiate contracts with any team.
The Orioles also activated relief pitchers Aaron Rakers, Kurt Birkins and John Parrish from the 60-day disabled list, and added them to the 40-man roster, which now includes 36 players.
The Orioles are likely to be in the market for a first baseman or left fielder, as well as a few relievers.
Those who are likely to get looks for the everyday positions include Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Lee, Cliff Floyd, Trot Nixon, Nomar Garciaparra and Craig Wilson, among others.
Former Oriole Arthur Rhodes is a bullpen option from the left side, as are J.C. Romero, Alan Embree and Mike Stanton.
Intriguing options in the starting rotation could include Gil Meche, Ted Lilly and Mark Mulder.
KEY OFFSEASON DATES
» Nov. 11 ? Free agent signing period begins
» Nov. 13-17 ? General managers meetings in Naples, Fla.
» Dec. 4-7 ? Winter meetings in Orlando, Fla.
» Jan. 5-15 ? Salary arbitration filing begins
