66 Paul Kilgus P
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: Used primarily as a starter in the past, he would have to make team as a long reliever or late-inning left-handed setup man. Does not throw hard, but has a good curve that makes his fastball deceptive. He's had his moments with three major-league teams, but like many others hasn't been able to establish a consistent pattern.
24 Dwight Evans OF/DH
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: The biggest question is whether his back and legs can withstand the grind of returning to the outfield. He could be the pivotal man in the Orioles' lineup, where he'll hit fifth most of the time. Drove in 24 of 48 runners in scoring position last year, the best ratio in baseball. If he's able to play 70 games in the outfield, it would be a bonus.
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: The most intriguing candidate for the pitching staff, he's attempting a comeback after being released last May by Toronto. Had a very good spring and could be used in a variety of roles. He could be as high as the No. 2 starter, a long reliever or a late-inning specialist depending on makeup of the roster. A master craftsman at his trade, he could be invaluable as an example for young pitchers.
28 Ernie Whitt C
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: One of the spring's best comeback stories, he affords the Orioles the luxury of a veteran third catcher. He will play a limited role, coming off the bench as a left-handed pinch-hitter and filling in against certain right-handed pitchers. His strong suit defensively is a good knowledge of the league and an ability to handle young pitchers.
14 Roy Smith P
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: He's another starter who has to make his mark with the Orioles as a long reliever, at least for now. He is not a hard thrower and has to rely on an assortment of pitches and pinpoint control. He made his biggest impression on the Orioles by beating them four times in as many decisions over the last two years with Minnesota.
39 Randy Milligan IF/OF
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: Came into his own with 20 home runs in only 362 at-bats last year. A late bloomer, he has developed into one of the most dependable hitters in the lineup. Very patient and draws a lot of walks. His on-base percentage could make him very effective hitting in unfamiliar second spot in lineup. Has to make sure the move to left field doesn't affect his hitting.
3 Bill Ripken 2B
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: The "other half" of the brother double-play combination is coming off his best year. One of the top defensive second basemen in the game, he has no peer at turning the double play. But it was his bat that kept him in the lineup last year. An excellent bunter who's good at moving runners into scoring position, he can be effective by hitting in the .260 range.
8 Cal Ripken SS
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: The two best bets for 1991: His durability and defense will not improve. The Streak is at 1,411 and counting. He could multiply his errors (three) and still be outstanding. Should improve his .250 average by hitting in the middle of improved lineup. His other offensive numbers are consistent -- 21 to 28 home runs and 81 to 110 RBI in each of his nine years.
29 Jeff Ballard P
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: He could be the key to the starting rotation. Two elbow operations and the shortened spring training took their toll a year ago. Not overpowering, he relies on finesse and control; the sinker is the best of his assorted pitches. Appears to have regained arm strength and confidence after dropping from 18 wins in 1989 to two last year. Needs a good start to dispel notions that 1989 was a fluke.
23 Chris Hoiles C
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: The big question is whether he can bring the combination of average and power with him to the big leagues. He has developed steadily in the minor leagues and is projected, at this point, as a .250 to .260 hitter with the potential for 15 to 20 home runs a year. Defensively he doesn't have outstanding skills, but pitchers say he has a good feel for the game.
36 Tim Hulett IF
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: He has a lot of versatility and has decent power for an infielder. A key contributor down the stretch in 1989, but a hand injury in spring training restricted him to only 53 games a year ago. Can play second base, shortstop or third base and is a solid righthanded hitter coming off the bench.
18 Bob Milacki P
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: His control problems were the first indication that he had arm trouble last year. Like Jeff Ballard, he was hurt by shortened spring training in 1990. Is throwing with as much velocity as two years ago, but has struggled with control while making adjustments in his delivery. Has to challenge hitters more to return to form of 1989, when he won 14 games and was the staff workhorse.
27 Dave Johnson P
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: Unspectacular, but consistent. Can be counted on to take regular turn and pitch about 200 innings. Prone to giving up home runs, but his aggressive style keeps walks to a minimum. Throws a variety of pitches, none of which explodes, but all of which can be effective. Staying away from the big inning allows him to get to the sixth and seventh inning regularly.
21 David Segui IF/OF
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: Considered a long shot at the outset of spring training, the switch-hitter has an outside chance to be on the Opening Day roster. A first baseman by trade, he has adapted to the outfield without undue difficulty and has hit with consistency the last two weeks. A line-drive hitter with occasional power, he is considered an excellent prospect for the future.
1 Juan Bell IF
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: In order to make the most of his first year in the big leagues, the switch-hitting infielder has to improve defensively. He has a penchant for making careless plays, a trait he'll have to eliminate if he's going to get any playing time. He has developed into a legitimate threat offensively and his speed could be useful. But his defense will determine his number of at-bats.
15 Sam Horn 1B/DH
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: Provides the Orioles with their best bolt of left-handed power. His explosiveness with the bat is unquestioned, but he needs to develop more consistency. Defensive liabilities will limit him to role of designated hitter. How much he produces will determine his playing time. Tailed off after a great start in spring training, but has potential to be a big home run man.
11 Leo Gomez 3B
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: Has the potential to be an impact hitter in the big leagues. He has ample power and enough patience at the plate to hit for a decent average. He is only fair defensively, and that could keep him in Class AAA this year. But if he's not on the major-league roster Monday it won't be because of his liabilities. It'll be because the Orioles feel he should play every day.
19 Ben McDonald P
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: At this point, the main thing he has to do is get healthy and stay healthy. Has all the ability, and pitches, to be a bona fide stopper on a staff that needs one. Has excellent control for a power pitcher. Still learning, but his raw talent enables him to escape mistakes. If he can stay away from injuries, he has the tools to overpower hitters for a long time before turning to finesse.
34 Jeff Robinson P
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: Still an unknown quantity, he came to the Orioles from Detroit in the Mickey Tettleton trade. Has a lot of physical tools, starting with his height (6 feet 6). Primarily used as a starter, he may fit in best as a long reliever, at least at the beginning of the season. Has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, but has been plagued by injuries. Hasn't pitched more than 172 innings in one year in the big leagues.
25 Craig Worthington 3 B
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: This could be a pivotal year for the third baseman with Gold Glove potential. Coming off the poorest offensive year of his career after making Rookie of the Year in 1989. Not a high-average hitter, he has to drive in runs to be successful. His only flaw defensively is an occasionally erratic arm.
37 Glenn Davis 1B
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: All he needs to do to make the Orioles a more potent team is stay healthy. Every report on the first baseman is identical -- he will hit for power and drive in runs. Even the modest predictions call for 30 to 35 home runs. He should provide the protection Cal Ripken has lacked since Eddie Murray left in 1988. Davis, in turn, will be helped by a stronger lineup than the one he anchored in Houston.
12 Mike Devereaux OF
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: After two years as a part-time performer, he should be ready to play on a daily basis. Improving his on-base percentage as the leadoff hitter would greatly aid the offense, but the Orioles aren't that anxious for him to change his aggressive style at the plate. He is a solid outfielder, with a good throwing arm, and his speed also makes him a threat to steal bases.
48 Jose Bautista P
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: The perennial prospect of the pitching staff, he's a hard thrower who's being converted from starter to long relief. Despite several encouraging springs, the right-hander hasn't developed the consistency necessary to stay in big leagues. Has the physical ability to make an impact, but is running out of time. This could be his last chance with Orioles.
9 Brady Anderson OF
*HENNEMAN'S VIEW: He must improve his offense game to play on a semi-regular basis. His defense is beyond reproach and he adds an exciting element on the bases, when he gets there. To make himself more of a threat, Anderson needs to make better use of his excellent bunting skills He has to turn it up a notch to escape the role of extra outfielder.
32 Mark Williamson P
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: The most durable member of the staff until he was sidelined with a broken finger last year. Has led the Orioles in relief innings in three of the last four seasons, including last year, when he missed six weeks. Has an extremely resilient arm, but occasionally has been worn down by the workload. Would improve with more help as setup man.
6 Joe Orsulak OF
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: The Orioles' most dependable hitter for the last three years is also among the most overlooked. Had a career-high 413 at-bats last year and should approach that number this season. Could see some time at designated hitter as well as playing in outfield. Very solid left-handed hitter who has developed some power and is dependable coming off the bench.
30 Gregg Olson P
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: All he needs to do in order to improve is continue to learn more about the hitters. He has two overpowering pitches, and his curve is probably the best in the game. One of his biggest assets, the ability to get strikeouts, also leads to a trouble spot -- a high number of pitches. Improved control could make him the best closer in the game. The Orioles will continue to be careful not to overwork him.
2 Bob Melvin C
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: One of the game's premier defensive catchers, he has gone largely unrecognized because of mediocre offensive numbers. He will play more this year than the last two, a factor the Orioles hope will boost his offense. He has excellent defensive tools, including a strong arm and a knack for handling pitchers. Needs to improve his walk-to-strikeout ratio.
52 Jose Mesa P
* HENNEMAN'S VIEW: Probably the biggest question mark on the staff right now. Was penciled into the No. 2 spot in the starting rotation, but an inactive winter left him behind others in competition. Rebounding from shoulder surgery, he was impressive in seven outings in the last month of 1990. Still has to prove that he can withstand the rigors of a full big-league schedule.