“The likelihood of doing something prior to 2008 is very, very low in my estimation,” Orioles general manager Andy MacPhail told the Baltimore Sun.

While that might be meant to drive offers up, MacPhail has been adamant for months that Bedard – a 28-year-old under contract for another two years – would only be dealt if an offer was overwhelming.

The Mariners, Blue Jays, Reds and others have tried without success and the offseason auction of three top pitchers – Bedard, Minnesota’s Johan Santana and Oakland’s Dan Haren – has produced just one trade.

Haren went to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a package of young players, but neither Santana or Bedard has landed anywhere despite plenty of bids.

The Mariners were willing to deal outfielder Adam Jones, catcher Jeff Clement and young pitching – anyone but Brandon Morrow. That offer has been on the table more than a month, and the Orioles haven’t accepted.

While Seattle wouldn’t talk about Bedard on Thursday, Baltimore’s willingness to go into the season with their No. 1 pitcher on the roster is hardly a surprise.

Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi has said both Minnesota and Baltimore are in enviable positions – sitting on top-of-the-rotation pitchers who will either help their teams this season or, if traded, help retool a franchise.

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