The Baltimore Orioles signed 1B/LF Jeff Conine today, who played with the Orioles for several seasons before he was traded a few years ago. Conine is expected to be the team's top utility player, taking over the role previously held by OF B.J. Surhoff, who was released by the team last month. Surhoff wanted to play another year, making it his 20th season in MLB, but the team decided to move in another direction. The Orioles still have major holes at first base and left field, especially after the team decided to non-tender OF Eric Byrnes, who now becomes a free agent. Because of the openings still available, Conine may become a starter if the O's are unable to acquire anymore top notch position players via either free agency or a trade. Baltimore is pursuing free agent P Kevin Millwood, who would anchor their starting rotation and provide a veteran presence that is desperately needed. However, with the holidays fast approaching, it appears talks will break down until sometime next week. Rumor has floated that the Orioles are they mystery team that offered Millwood a four year deal for $45 million, but the Baltimore Sun reported that two sources in the front office said that no deal has been extended to the pitcher yet.