The Orioles open spring training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. today.
Pitchers and catchers are the first in camp, and position players can officially begin their arrival next week.
But as the team takes the field for the first time in 2008, plenty of questions are left unanswered. The Orioles have a month and a half until Opening Day to figure out the shape of the ball club.
Here are five major story lines to follow this spring:
1 » Is Andy MacPhail done with the roster? The Orioles have overhauled the roster in essentially two moves ? sending out All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada and ace left-hander Erik Bedard for 10 younger players. But MacPhail may not be done. Various reports have the Orioles and Cubs in discussions to send second baseman Brian Roberts to Chicago. And the team may look to add another arm or two sometime this spring.
2 » Who will round-out the rotation? The Orioles have a handful of young players ? namely Hayden Penn, Garrett Olson and newly-acquired left-hander Troy Patton ? to compete with veteran Steve Trachsel for what is likely to be two open spots in the starting rotation. Right-handers Jeremy Guthrie and Daniel Cabrera, and left-hander Adam Loewen, are likely locks for three spots, but the team?s opening day starter is up in the air after Bedard was traded. Guthrie, who went 7-5 with a 3.70 ERA in his rookie year, is said to be an early favorite.
3 » Who will back up Ramon Hernandez behind the plate? Guillermo Quiroz was signed to compete for the job, and four catchers are in camp as non-roster invites, including former Mariners top prospect Ben Davis, 30. The defensive-minded Quiroz, who hit .400 in nine games with Texas in ?07, is the favorite.
4 » Is Miguel Tejada?s replacement on the roster? Luis Hernandez impressed the team with his glove in 30 big league games last summer. But is his glove enough to overcome his light hitting? Utility men Brandon Fahey and Freddie Bynum aren?t considered better options.
5 » Will any prospects impress in limited opportunities? The Orioles will get an early glimpse of the future in the early part of camp. Without the benefit of sharing a complex with the minor league camp, the Orioles will try to get a look at 2007 first-round pick Matt Wieters, and trade acquisitions like infielder Mike Costanzo and pitcher Chris Tillman.
