According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, Mariners president Chuck Armstrong said that the club is "looking at" free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton.

Buster Olney of ESPN.com hears that the Phillies are OK with Josh Hamilton's annual salary demands but are concerned about the length of the deal. It's a concern probably shared by all of the teams interested in the outfielder. Hamilton reportedly is seeking a seven-year, $175 million deal in free agency, but it would be a surprise if he got that much. The Phillies seem likely to aim a little lower in their pursuit of an outfielder.

While the Orioles are interested in acquiring a middle-of-the-order bat, they are not expected to be in the mix for free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton. While they would surely love to have Hamilton, he's reportedly seeking a seven-year, $175 million deal which is well out of the O's price range. It's speculated that they could look to acquire a left fielder via trade rather than free agency.

Josh Hamilton has declined a one-year, $13.3 million qualifying offer from the Rangers. This was the expectation all along, as Hamilton is considered as the top position player available in free agency. The Rangers reportedly are only willing to offer him a three-year deal, so unless something changes, he'll almost certainly be signing elsewhere. This assures the club of a draft pick if that happens.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Red Sox are "still thinking a bit" about Josh Hamiton, but the match appears "unlikely." It's tough to get a handle on the market for Hamilton at this point. If the price on him falls to a reasonable level, perhaps the Red Sox will get in on him, but it doesn't seem to be a fit at this point. The Rangers reportedly are only willing to offer him a three-year deal.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com was told by agents and rival executives that the Nationals and Phillies could be a fit for Josh Hamilton. It sounds like pure speculation at this point, as Rosenthal concedes that it "remains to be seen" whether they'll have serious interest. He also mentions the Orioles and Mariners, two clubs that have already been linked to Hamilton. Hamilton's situation will be fascinating to follow this winter, as Rosenthal admits that "hardly anyone in the sport has any idea which team will sign (him), or how much money he will get in free agency."

Bob Nightengale of USAToday.com reports that the Rangers don't plan to offer Josh Hamilton more than a three-year contract. Well, that's obviously not going to get it done. Given Hamilton's injury and past drug history, it's a reasonable stance on the Rangers' part, but he's going to get much more than that from someone. Hamilton reportedly is looking for a seven-year, $175 million deal, with the Brewers, Braves, Orioles and Mariners being mentioned as possible suitors.

According to Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are highly unlikely to sign Josh Hamilton. FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal and CBS Sports' Jon Heyman have both pegged the O's as a possible suitor for Hamilton, but Encina -- who is around the team's decision-makers more frequently -- can't see it happening. "Here's what you need to know," writes the Baltimore beat man. "Hamilton's stats and position are a definite fit for the Orioles. The money Hamilton likely will command and the baggage that goes with him is not."

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Mariners "look like a possible new entry in the Josh Hamilton sweepstakes." The Mariners aren't often in the bidding for top free agents, but they obviously need offensive help, so perhaps they could make a splash and try to land the top bat on the market. The Orioles are also new entrants into the sweepstakes, joining the Rangers and Brewers. Heyman also lists the Braves and Pirates but indicates both would probably be longshot landing spots.

According to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com, the Orioles are interested in free agent outfielders Josh Hamilton and Cody Ross. Nate McLouth is a free agent this offseason, which leaves Nolan Reimold, Xavier Avery and L.J. Hoes as the top internal options to play left field, so the O's are weighing their options. Hamilton is considered the top position player available in free agency, but the Orioles are unlikely to be in the mix if he stands firm on the seven-year, $175 million asking price reported by John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus over the weekend. Ross would be a cheaper alternative, as he's reportedly looking for a three-year, $25 million pact, but he figures to be a very popular target on the open market.