Sherman Obando
What he would be doing if there were no strike: Obando, who turned 25 last month, would be preparing for his second season with the Orioles after tearing up Triple-A pitching at Rochester last season (.330, 20 home runs, 69 RBIs). The Rule V draftee is one of the leading candidates to be the team's starting right fielder. Obando may platoon at that position with Jeffrey Hammonds or at the designated hitter's spot with Harold Baines.
Where he is instead: Obando permanently moved from Maryland to a new home in Orlando, Fla.
How he's filling his time: Obando is working his way back into shape after suffering a season-ending hairline fracture of his right shin last August and undergoing off-season knee surgery. He has been running outside and on a treadmill and has been using the Stairmaster. Obando, who said he is only 80
percent but ready to play, recently received permission from team doctors to begin hitting. He is looking for a batting cage near his new home.
What he's doing when he's not working out: He's spending time with his wife, Joan, and his 18-month-old daughter, Jenna Rosa.
The last time he wasn't playing baseball in spring: "This is the first time I think. When I was in Panama, we would have been
playing in tournaments by now. I started young, too, when I was 7 years old. In my country, by now it's summertime, this is what we do in the summertime. We play soccer, track and baseball."
When he thinks the strike will end: "Right now I have no idea. I think they'll settle something in the next couple weeks when the replacement games start. I think they are going to realize what they have. They will realize there is not too much competition out there."