Orioles Q&A with Jeff Zrebiec

John, Bel Air: What do you think the Orioles' starting rotation will look like at the start of the season? Has any pitcher on the roster bubble stood out in the early going?

Jeff Zrebiec: I think the top four are probably set with (in no particular order) Jeremy Guthrie, Adam Loewen, Daniel Cabrera and Steve Trachsel. The battle for the fifth spot is tough to call. The current candidates, as I see it, are Matt Albers, Brian Burres, Lance Cormier, Jon Leicester, Radhames Liz, Garrett Olson, Troy Patton and Hayden Penn. It's a little too early to say any of them have stood out. Pitchers have only thrown two or three bullpen sessions (as of Tuesday night). But Patton is a good ways behind in the competition because of an ailing left shoulder. I see Cormier and Leicester more in long relief roles, and Liz is all but certain to be sent to the minors for more seasoning.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if the Orioles' fifth starter is not currently with the club. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail is adamant about protecting his young pitchers and not rushing them. So I think there's a decent chance that the Orioles could go with a more experienced young guy like Burres in that spot, or pick up another veteran and send him out every five days until one of the youngsters proves he no longer belongs in Triple-A.

Danny: What are Scott Moore's chances of making the team? What role do you see him having?

Jeff Zrebiec: I think Moore has to be considered one of the front-runners for one of the final roster spots, especially if he proves that he can do a competent job in the outfield in a pinch. Assuming Luis Hernandez is the everyday shortstop and Aubrey Huff fills the designated hitter role, that leaves four bench spots open (Remember, Jay Gibbons will start the season on suspension, so he won't take up one of those spots). A backup catcher (Guillermo Quiroz probably) will be one, leaving three remaining spots for a group that includes Moore, Freddie Bynum, Brandon Fahey, Jay Payton, Tike Redman and Chris Roberson.

I like Moore's chances because he has the most power in that group and can play both corner infield spots and a corner outfield spot. I also think manager Dave Trembley will look to give Melvin Mora a little more time off this season, giving Moore some chances at third base. But a lot could change from now until the end of spring training.

Joe, Westminster: How does new pitching coach Rick Kranitz compare to Leo Mazzone? Do you think Kranitz's style is more suited for the Orioles' inexperienced staff?

Jeff Zrebiec: I'm probably doing a story exploring that very question later this week, so stay tuned. But the Cliff Notes version is Kranitz is more flexible and patient than Mazzone. Mazzone wanted his pitchers to perfect the low and away fastball, feeling that if they could command that pitch, they'd get anybody out. Kranitz teaches having a plan to attack each hitter and adapts to an individual pitcher's style, rather than demanding that a pitcher conform to his style. Mazzone has a great resume for a reason and it's not just because he's worked with great pitchers. However, I think Kranitz is a much better fit for an organization that is rebuilding around young pitching. Mazzone, who could be extremely gruff, intimidated some of Oriole pitchers the past couple of seasons. Perhaps, that's a sign that the particular pitchers simply aren't tough enough to pitch at a high level. But regardless, Kranitz's reassuring style should be beneficial.

Bill, Dundalk: What's Nick Markakis' relationship like with his teammates and do you feel he's poised to take on more of a leadership role this season?

Jeff Zrebiec: Markakis is well-liked among his teammates and for good reason. He plays the game the right way, going about his business quietly and professionally. He combines enormous talent with strong work ethic and baseball smarts that allow him to make adjustments. Fellow Orioles admire those qualities. Off the field, Markakis is a lot different than the guy that fans and media see. He apparently talks quite a bit and asks a ton of questions about every topic imaginable. Markakis said a couple of times recently that he's working on being more of a vocal leader. It's an admirable pursuit, but I don't expect him to change overnight. He's still just 23 years old and he's never been a vocal leader at any level. It's going to be a role that he should be allowed to grow into. I think we'll see some signs of it this year, but I think it will be more in what he does, than what he says.

Donald, Great Falls, Va.: Where is Matt Wieters projected to start this season and what's your best estimate on his timetable for advancing through the Orioles' system?

Jeff Zrebiec: Orioles officials have answered a ton of questions on Wieters this spring, but that is one that they haven't touched. They say -- publicly at least -- that a decision hasn't be reached. I think it's likely that he'll start at Single-A Frederick. Again, MacPhail has made it clear that they will not rush guys. With the amount of money they've invested in Wieters, I'd have to think that will hold true for him, too. It's hard to give a timetable for his advancement, considering he still hasn't played a game in the minor leagues yet. However, my best guess would be that if he performs well at Frederick, he could see some time at Double-A Bowie by season's end. Then, he'll start the 2009 season at either Bowie or Triple-A Norfolk and make his major league debut some time in the '09 season. Again though, that's just a guess. The Orioles are careful not to put a timetable on any of their prospects.

Related topic galleries: Major League Baseball, Jay Payton, Spring Training, Aubrey Huff, Jay Gibbons, Steve Trachsel, Luis Hernandez

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