Jeff Manto
What he would be doing if there were no strike: The 30-year-old infielder, who had a huge year at Triple-A in 1994, would be in camp trying to push Leo Gomez for the Orioles' job of everyday third baseman. Last year, Manto, a veteran of 10 minor-league seasons, hit 31 homers and drove in 100 runs in 131 games for Triple-A Norfolk and Rochester.
Where he is instead: Manto is waiting at his home in Langhorne, Pa., for a resolution.
How he's filling his time: Manto is working out five or six days every week with outfielder Ruben Amaro at Neshaminy High School in Langhorne. "We go outside to throw when we can. We just had a light dusting of snow today, so that might make it tough to see a white ball. Then again, none of the practice balls we're using are even close to being white anymore."
What he's doing when he's not working out: "I referee high school basketball games, something I've been doing for the last 13 years. I'm not one of those guys who's sitting around and
twiddling his thumbs. If I sneeze, I'm late going someplace."
The last time he wasn't playing baseball in spring: "Back in the 12th grade, at Bristol High. We were always playing for the basketball championship about this time of year, and that would take us well into March."
How he's handling the wait: "I just wish it would get settled. I think both sides are realizing it's time to get something done. I sit and try to play Don Fehr and [John] Harrington as much as I can and imagine what they're thinking about doing."
When he thinks the strike will end: "It's getting ugly enough that ++ both sides want to try to get something done. I don't know, I'd like to think optimistically, and I guess I'm stupid enough to think something will work out in time to get players ready for Opening Day. I think the owners are starting to see that their plans with replacement players are not going to work."