Alan Mills
What he would be doing if there were no strike: Mills would be in camp working, with the help of manager Phil Regan, to develop a pitch that sinks and moves in on right-handed hitters. Regan says Mills could be used as a setup man and part-time closer as Armando Benitez gains experience.
Where he is instead: Mills is at his home in Dunedin, Fla. He stopped by the Orioles' complex last week.
How he's filling his time: Mills is throwing "just about every day." Lately, he's been tossing with catcher Chris Hoiles. In addition, Mills is doing some serious cross-training: "A stationary bike, one of those skiing machines, lifting weights, riding the StairMaster. I try to keep myself in shape all year-round."
What he's doing when he's not working out: "I'm taking karate three times a week, and really taking an interest in it.
People have told me that it's good for discipline and flexibility."
The last time he wasn't playing baseball in spring: "I must've been about 9 years old, in the fourth grade. I was probably doing homework -- both my parents are teachers."
How he's handling the wait: "It's different. You think of this kind of year as kind of a reunion, because you get to talk to people you haven't seen all winter. But it seems like the reunion has been put off a little. I don't try to follow what's going on in the negotiations on a daily basis. I did when they first went on strike, watching every newscast and reading every report. But after I did that and nothing came of it, I decided to follow it from a distance rather than anticipate and become anxious."
When he thinks the strike will end: "I don't know. I have absolutely no idea."