With addition of McLouth, Orioles closing door on adding any more outfielders, including Swisher

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- With their re-signing of outfielder Nate McLouth today, the Orioles are no longer interested in free-agent Nick Swisher.

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette told reporters Wednesday night that with the addition of McLouth, the team is closing the door on adding any more outfielders.

Asked whether the team would still be interested in Swisher because he can also play first base – another area of need for the Orioles – Duquette made it clear the team was moving away from Swisher.

In other news:

--  The Orioles have signed first baseman Conor Jackson to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. A former first-round pick of the Diamondbacks, Jackson’s best season came in 2006, when he hit .291/.368/.441 with 15 homers and 79 RBIs for Arizona. He spent last season with the White Sox’s Triple-A team, hitting .277/.363/.434 with 9 homers and 41 RBIs.

-- Also, Duquette announced that the Orioles have signed left-handed pitcher Jan Novak, an 18-year-old from the Czech Republic. The Orioles scouted Novak in Cuba at the 18-under World Championships.