By Eduardo A. Encina The Baltimore Sun

2:12 p.m. CST, December 5, 2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—
In their attempt to find a power bat, the Orioles have shown interest in trading for Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jason Kubel.

Kubel, a left-handed batter who hit 30 homers last season, could play both left field and designated hitter, so he would be a good fit if the Orioles were unable to sign Nate McLouth.

The Orioles could retain Kubel for the next two seasons. He will make $7.5 million in 2013 in the second year of a two-year, $15-million deal with Arizona. He holds a $7.5-million mutual option for 2014.

The 30-year-old hit .253/.327/.506 last season with the Diamondbacks with 30 homers, a career high, and 90 RBIs. Despite a career-high 151 strikeouts, he drew 57 walks (1 every 10 at bats).

He's not necessarily the best fielder in the outfield, but he would allow some flexibility as a DH, especially since Nolan Reimold could see more time at DH since he's coming off neck surgery.