Jerry

Hairston Jr.

Jay Gibbons is a possibility to be non-tendered if he doesn’t agree to a one-year deal. Hairston, who says he’s 100 percent following ankle surgery, might be traded.

Hairston, a top candidate to be traded, should be 100 percent by the start of spring training.

In addition to starting as the team’s designated hitter, Hairston could take the place of struggling Luis Matos (.207 batting average) in center part of the time, while spelling Brian Roberts at second. The Orioles will continue to entertain trade offers for either Roberts or Hairston.

Manager Lee Mazzilli said Luis Matos will remain in the lineup against lefty Jarrod Washburn, so it will be Larry Bigbie or Jay Gibbons heading to the bench or the DH spot. Hairston has found it difficult to adjust to the DH role. Perhaps Gibbons (682 OPS) would have an easier time with the job and could get himself going if he only had to concentrate on offense.

If Hairston proves he can handle third, the chances that Jose Macias will be bumped from the roster increase.

The Sammy Sosa trade is expected to announced on Wednesday or Thursday.

The procedure would not lengthen the 5-8 week projection for Hairston’s return. Hairston saw a specialist yesterday, and the team will get an update today.

Brian Roberts should have plenty of value in AL-only leagues while Hairston is out. The two are very similar players, so Roberts is likely to move right into the leadoff role. Roberts probably won’t attempt as many steals as Hairston, but he does have good speed.

He isn’t in the starting lineup today. Brian Roberts is back at second base and Deivi Cruz is starting at shortstop.

Hairston is going to be day-to-day for the rest of the season. His absence yesterday opened up a spot for Pedro Swann, as manager Mike Hargrove again elected to bypass Jack Cust.