B.J.

Surhoff

Manager Mike Hargrove hinted after Wednesday’s loss that Surhoff might be pressing. At best, Surhoff should be a platoon player this season and probably wouldn’t ''press’’ so hard if Hargrove wouldn’t hit him third.

The 40-year-old free agent, who hit .307 with seven homers and 48 RBI this season, will try to nail down a job somewhere before spring training next season. He does not want to play if he has to sign a minor-league deal and earn a spot on a team’s roster with a strong effort in the preseason.

Baltimore would like the deal to get done before the arbitration deadline. “Looking at past history, I’m optimistic Jim [Beattie] and I will talk throughout the day, and I’m confident we’ll get something done,” agent Gregg Clifton said.

Surhoff probably won’t be activated until Tuesday, manager Mike Hargrove said.

If Surhoff had been able to come off the disabled list, Jack Cust would have been left in Triple-A. Surhoff could return Tuesday, probably taking Cust’s roster spot.

Surhoff was the DH yesterday so that David Segui could get some rest for his knees, since Segui will probably play first base this week. Manager Mike Hargrove has talked with Surhoff, telling him that his role will be a reserve as long as those currently playing continue to perform.

Surhoff underwent an MRI exam, the results of which aren’t yet known.

Manager Mike Hargrove hasn’t ruled out using Surhoff today, but seemed more inclined to shut him down.

Surhoff will be a free agent after this season. The emergence of Larry Bigbie with the Orioles will probably mean that Surhoff will have to look elsewhere for work in 2004.

“B.J. doesn’t have any great desire to go somewhere else,” agent Greg Clifton said. “I’m pretty optimistic we can get something done.”