Ricky Bones -- #25 -- P
Age: 29. Height: 6-0. Weight: 202.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 1999.
Role: Right-handed long relief and spot starter.
Career year: 1994 with Milwaukee, 10-9, 3.43 ERA, four complete games, one shutout.
What's up in '99: He can do so much, which is his appeal. For now, Bones will be used in long and middle relief. But he also can be a spot starter. He's an innings eater in the bullpen, which this club lacked for much of last season.
By the numbers: Made 32 relief appearances for Royals last season. Got first career save with four shutout innings June 19 in Detroit.
X-factor: How will his versatility translate? He could be in the rotation or a right-handed bridge.
Scott Erickson -- # 19 -- P
Age: 31. Height: 6-4. Weight: 230.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 2003.
Role: No. 2 starter.
Career year: 1991 with Minnesota, 20-8, 3.18 ERA, five complete games, three shutouts, runner-up in Cy Young voting.
What's up in '99: Probably the number of innings he pitches this season. Again, he'll be expected to gobble them up and give the bullpen a chance to catch its breath.
By the numbers: Has won 16 games each of the last two seasons. Led AL in starts (36), innings (251.1), complete games (11), batters faced (1,102), pitches thrown (3,902), hits allowed (284).
X-factor: Is the defense strong enough to support a ground-ball pitcher such as Erickson?
Mike Fetters -- # 37 -- P
Age: 34. Height: 6-4. Weight: 225.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 1999.
Role: Right-handed middle relief; setup.
Career year: 1996 with Milwaukee, 3-3, 3.38 ERA, 32 saves, 61 games, 61 1/3 innings.
What's up in '99: Fetters can be used in a variety of ways if his body allows. Manager Ray Miller has noted how Fetters seems to wear down from overuse, and he'll be careful to avoid that problem.
By the numbers: His 60 appearances were one shy of his career high set in 1996. His longest outing was 3 1/3 innings on Aug. 4 against the Yankees.
X-factor: If he's healthy, can he resemble the guy who was so effective for Milwaukee?
Juan Guzman -- #57 -- P
Age: 32. Height: 5-11. Weight: 195.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 1999.
Role: No. 3 starter
Career year: 1992 with Toronto, 16-5, 2.64 ERA, 165 strikeouts.
What's up in '99: The club hopes he shows the form that allowed him to win the AL ERA title in 1996. With uncertainty in the last two spots in the rotation, Guzman is a crucial element to the team's success.
By the numbers: Was 4-4 with 4.23 ERA in 11 starts with Orioles. Tied career high with 33 starts; surpassed 200 innings for second time. Allowed AL-worst 31 stolen bases.
X-factor: Doesn't do enough to help himself, like fielding his position and holding runners.
Doug Johns -- #55 -- P
Age: 31. Height: 6-2. Weight: 195.
Bats: Right. Throws: Left.
Contract status: Signed through 1999.
Role: Left-handed long relief and spot starter.
Career year: 1996 with Oakland, 6-12, 5.98 ERA, 23 starts in 40 appearances, 158 innings.
What's up in '99: Johns will be on call to bail out the starters if they get rocked early. He is one of several relievers who could go long, a luxury the Orioles lacked last spring.
By the numbers: Made two starts in Rochester before Orioles called him up April 20. Was 2-2 with 4.32 ERA as starter, and 1-1 with one save and 4.91 ERA in relief.
X-factor: Will he be able to maintain consistency in a regular role, rather than bouncing between the bullpen and rotation?
Scott Kamieniecki -- #30 -- P
Age: 34. Height: 6-0. Weight: 200.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Has an option for 2000.
Role: No. 4 starter.
Career year: 1997, 10-6, 4.01 ERA, 30 starts, 179 1/3 innings.
What's up in '99: If healthy, he can reclaim the job as fourth starter after injuries ruined his '98 season. Manager Ray Miller gladly would take the 30 starts Kamieniecki made in 1997.
By the numbers: Was 2-0 with 3.00 ERA after three starts, but allowed six earned runs in one-third of an inning April 24 vs. Oakland. Made three starts between first two stops on disabled list.
X-factor: Can he stay healthy and give the club something close to the 179 1/3 innings he pitched in '97?
Doug Linton -- #49 -- P
Age: 34. Height: 6-1. Weight: 190.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 1999.
Role: Right-handed long/middle relief and spot starter.
Career year: 1996 with Kansas City, 7-9, 5.02 ERA, 18 starts.
What's up in '99: Linton is another reliever who could start if holes open in the rotation. He has made a fast recovery from "Tommy John" surgery and is not to be confused with the retreads who passed through here last season.
By the numbers: Led Puerto Rican Winter League with 56 strikeouts. Doesn't have career ERA lower than 4.67 for any month.
X-factor: Will his comfort level with pitching coach Bruce Kison, who worked with him in Kansas City, again bring out his best?
Mike Mussina -- #35 -- P
Age: 30. Height: 6-2. Weight: 185.
Bats: Both. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 2000.
Role: No. 1 starter.
Career year: 1995, 19-9, 3.29 ERA, four shutouts.
What's up in '99: The Orioles' ace is intent on putting the nightmare of '98 behind him. As always, he enters the season as a strong Cy Young candidate with his first 20-win season in sight.
By the numbers: His .667 winning percentage is tied for eighth all-time among pitchers with 90 or more victories. Struck out 10 or more batters seven times in 1998. Won his third career Gold Glove, handling all 50 chances flawlessly; hasn't made an error since 1995.
X-factor: If he stays healthy, the rest should take care of itself.
Jesse Orosco -- #47 -- P
Age: 41. Height: 6-2. Weight: 205.
Bats: Right. Throws: Left.
Contract status: Signed through 2000.
Role: Left-handed setup.
Career year: 1983 with New York Mets, 13-7, 1.47 ERA, 17 saves.
What's up in '99: Once again, the oldest Oriole will be counted on to retire tough left-handers in the late innings. He'll continue to take the ball on successive days. He's experimenting with a cut fastball.
By the numbers: Was third on team with 69 appearances. Has appeared in 60 or more games four straight seasons. Is fourth all-time in career appearances with 1,025, and second all-time in career relief appearances with 1,021, trailing Kent Tekulve's 1,050.
X-factor: Can he remain effective against left-handed hitters?
Sidney Ponson -- 43 -- P
Age: 22. Height: 6-1. Weight: 225.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 1999.
Role: No. 5 starter.
Career year: 1998, 8-9, 5.27 ERA, 20 starts, 135 innings.
What's up in '99: Barring a trade for another starter, Ponson will remain in the rotation. Otherwise, he would continue his education in the bullpen.
By the numbers: Became third Aruban to play in majors, joining Eugene Kingsale and Calvin Maduro. Was 1-6 with 6.67 ERA through June, then 7-3 with 4.33 ERA. Won six straight, July 2-Aug. 18. Went 2-0 with 2.20 ERA in three games against Yankees.
X-factor: Has to build on his strong finish and prove he's ready to turn in a full, productive season.
Arthur Rhodes -- #53 -- P
Age: 29. Height: 6-2. Weight: 205.
Bats: Left. Throws: Left.
Contract status: Signed through 1999.
Role: Left-handed setup; could close.
Career year: 1997, 10-3, 3.02 ERA, 26 walks, 102 strikeouts.
What's up in '99: The idea is for Rhodes to come in late and blow hitters away. Could be a nice complement to closer Mike Timlin, giving the Orioles a devastating left-right combination. If Timlin falters, more of the closer responsibilities could fall on Rhodes, who is a free agent after this season.
By the numbers: Had career-high four saves in nine chances. Retired first batter he faced 28 of 44 times.
X-factor: Came into camp in best condition of his career. Club hopes he can be more durable.
Heathcliff Slocumb -- #51 --P
Age: 32. Height: 6-3. Weight: 220.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 1999.
Role: Right-handed setup; could close.
Career year: 1995 with Philadelphia, 5-6, 2.89 ERA, 32 saves, two homers allowed.
What's up in '99: Slocumb is supposed to inherit much of Alan Mills' duties of last season. He'd jump in the mix if someone else is needed to close. He's one of the biggest questions on the roster.
By the numbers: Right-handers batted .225 against him. Opponents batted .212 against him after All-Star break, .326 before. Had 2.65 ERA in final 31 appearances.
X-factor: Slocumb can't afford to fall into the trap of giving up runs in bunches early in the season.
Mike Timlin -- #40 -- P
Age: 33. Height: 6-4. Weight: 210.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 2002.
Role: Closer.
Career year: 1996 with Toronto, 1-6, 3.65 ERA, 31 saves, 18 walks, 52 strikeouts.
What's up in '99: Timlin will try to provide stability, allowing the other bullpen roles to remain defined. It's no sure thing, but it doesn't appear as big a gamble as Armando Benitez was last season.
By the numbers: Had 19 saves in 24 chances, the second-highest total of his career. Stranded 38 of 60 inherited runners. Converted 18 of 19 save chances in the second half after moving into closer's role.
X-factor: Must be able to find movement on his pitches the whole season, or hitters will begin teeing off.
Charles Johnson -- #21 -- C
Age: 27. Height: 6-2. Weight: 220.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 1999, arbitration eligible.
Role: Catcher, No. 8 hitter.
Career year: 1997 with Florida (19 HRs, 63 RBIs).
What's up in '99: No off-season acquisition -- not even Albert Belle -- may be bigger than Johnson. The four-time Gold Glove winner erased 39.8 percent of base-stealers last season, best in the National League. Any offensive improvement would be a bonus.
By the numbers: Major-league-record 172 consecutive errorless games (1,295 chances) ended last Opening Day. Had 0-for-35 skid last season. Otherwise, batted .241.
X-factor: Never played more than 124 games in a season.
Lenny Webster -- $42 -- C
Age: 34. Height: 5-9. Weight: 200.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 1999.
Role: Backup catcher.
Career year: 1998 (.285, 10 HRs, 46 RBIs, 37 runs).
What's up in '99: After the trade for Charles Johnson, Webster has requested the Orioles trade him to a club offering more playing time. The Orioles see him as the quintessential backup who might receive 30-35 starts after appearing in 108 games last season.
By the numbers: Batted .309 in his last 61 games. Career average: one homer every 36.41 at-bats.
X-factor: The Orioles need to find an alternative backup to grant Webster's wish. Otherwise, he may have to content himself with a pinch-hit role and spot starts.
Mike Bordick -- #14 -- SS
Age: 33. Height: 5-11. Weight: 175.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 1999, vesting option for 2000.
Role: Shortstop, No. 2 or No. 9 hitter.
Career year: 1998 (.260, 29 2B, 13 HRs, 51 RBIs, 15 sacrifices).
What's up in '99: Bordick arrived at camp more defined and toting more power. Delino DeShields' injury allows him to begin season hitting No. 2 in the order. He is the club's top infield glove.
By the numbers: Batted .184 against left-handers, second-lowest in AL. Led AL in sacrifices (15). Second in fielding among AL shortstops to Indians' Omar Vizquel.
X-factor: Bordick provides balance in No. 2 slot to a lineup otherwise top-heavy with left-handers.
Will Clark -- #12 -- 1B
Age: 35. Height: 6-1. Weight: 200.
Bats: Left. Throws: Left.
Contract status: Signed through 2000.
Role: First baseman, No. 3 hitter.
Career year: 1991 with San Francisco (.301, .536 slugging pct., 29 HRs, 116 RBIs).
What's up in '99: Clark will try to extend a career revival that last season featured his best year since 1991. His outgoing personality counters a clubhouse long considered sullen and cliquish. He is coming off an exceptional camp.
By the numbers: Hit .327 vs. left-handers in '98. No homers in 49 at-bats at Camden Yards.
X-factor: The Orioles must have Clark healthy. He played 149 games last season, halting a four-year tumble in which he averaged 115 games and 13 home runs.
Jeff Conine -- 1B - OF
Age: 32. Height: 6-1. Weight: 220.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 1999.
Role: Backup first baseman, right-handed DH, reserve outfielder.
Career year: 1995 with Florida Marlins (.302, 25 HRs, 105 RBIs).
What's up in '99: Conine was a force with the Marlins in 1995-96 but has fallen off the past two seasons. No longer considered an intimidating power presence, he does bolster a mostly one-dimensional bench.
By the numbers: Batted .261 vs. right-handers, .241 vs. left-handers last year with Royals, but over past five years batted .310 vs. lefties.
X-factor: Struggled trailing in the count (.136) in 1998 but remained a dangerous first-pitch hitter (.339). His presence will diminish opportunity for rookie Willis Otanez.
Delino DeShields -- #11 -- 2B
Age: 30. Height: 6-1. Weight: 175.
Bats: Left. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 2001.
Role: Second baseman, No. 2 or No. 6 hitter.
Career year: 1997 with St. Louis (.295, 14 3B, 55 SB, 92 runs).
What's up in '99: Taking Roberto Alomar's old spot, DeShields could provide a leap in consistency and motivation. A fractured thumb will keep him out until mid-April. He has stolen 103 bases his last two injury-free seasons ('96, '97). The Orioles stole 86 in '99.
By the numbers: Batted .318 before last season's All-Star break, .229 afterward. Averaged a strikeout every 4.69 at-bats in 1996, one every 6.89 at-bats last season.
X-factor: His range and ability to make routine plays are crucial.
Jesse Garcia -- #74 -- 1F
Age: 25. Height: 5-9. Weight: 171.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 1999, renewable.
Role: Second baseman, utility infielder.
Career year: 1996 with High Desert (.266, 10 HRs, 25 SB).
What's up in '99: Rated a defensive whiz, Garcia last season was named the Double-A Eastern League's best defensive second baseman by Baseball America. Injuries to Delino DeShields and Jeff Reboulet helped his bid to make the roster to start the season.
By the numbers: Batted .400 as leadoff hitter, .317 vs. right-handers last season. In 1997, led minors with 24 sacrifice bunts.
X-factor: Exceptionally quick hands and is adept at the pivot.
Willis Otanez -- #1 -- 3B
Age: 25. Height: 6-1. Weight: 213.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 1999, renewable.
Role: Right-handed DH, backup third baseman.
Career year: 1998 with Rochester (.285, 27 HRs, 87 runs, 100 RBIs).
What's up in '99: After a monster year at Rochester, Otanez led camp in slugging percentage for much of March. He can be a defensive liability at third base.
By the numbers: Played 856 minor-league games before making big-league debut Aug. 25. Fifth in International League in home runs and RBIs.
X-factor: While many might be cowed by exposure to such a veteran clubhouse, Otanez has seen enough to hold his ground.
Jeff Reboulet -- #36 -- 1F
Age: 34. Height: 6-0. Weight: 175.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 2000.
Role: Utility infielder, emergency outfielder.
Career year: 1995 with Minnesota (.292, .373 on-base pct.).
What's up in '99: Reboulet has tendinitis in his left heel during camp, preventing him from playing on consecutive days. Healthy, the Orioles' dirt player is an invaluable commodity.
By the numbers: Owns 14 career home runs, two off Randy Johnson. Of last year's 79 appearances, 14 were consecutive starts with Roberto Alomar on the DL.
X-factor: Has flourished when playing regularly. Manager Ray Miller must find a way to keep him sharp.
Cal Ripken -- #8 -- 3B
Age: 38. Height: 6-4. Weight: 220.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 1999, club option for 2000.
Role: Third baseman, No. 6 or No. 7 hitter.
Career year: 1991 (.323, 34 HRs, 46 2B, 114 RBIs, 210 hits, AL MVP).
What's up in '99: The Streak is history, but Ripken presses on for his 19th season. He needs 16 homers to reach 400, 122 hits for 3,000 and 18 double plays to become the all-time leader. Limited range, but hands among best at his position.
By the numbers: Only 18 players active when The Streak began were still playing when it ended.
X-factor: The Orioles must decide whether to assume the option on Ripken's contract for 2000 or pay him a $2 million buyout.
Rich Amaral -- #6 -- OF
Age: 37. Height: 6-0. Weight: 175.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 2000.
Role: Fourth outfielder, utility infielder, right-handed pinch hitter.
Career year: 1993 with Seattle (.290, 24 2B, 19 SB).
What's up in '99: Amaral retains the versatility that enabled him to play seven positions last season. Most of his time was spent in left field or at second base. He has stolen 69 bases in 86 attempts the past four seasons.
By the numbers: Batted at least .275 the last four seasons. A career .294 hitter vs. left-handed pitching.
X-factor: Struggled with back soreness this spring. Has been limited the past two seasons by back and shoulder injuries.
Brady Anderson -- #9 -- CF
Age: 35. Height: 6-1. Weight: 202.
Bats: Left. Throws: Left.
Contract status: Signed through 2002.
Role: Starting center fielder and leadoff hitter.
Career year: 1996 (.297, 117 runs, 50 HRs, 110 RBIs, 21 SB).
What's up in '99: Even with the addition of Albert Belle, no player may dictate the Orioles' attack more. Long thought to be enamored of his home run potential, he took on the traditional look of his leadoff role during camp.
By the numbers: Ranks fifth all-time in leadoff home runs (29). His .179 average against left-handers was the AL's lowest.
X-factor: If healthy, he could prove wrong those who believe the Orioles erred by giving him a five-year, $31 million contract.
Harold Baines -- #3 -- DH
Age: 40. Height: 6-2. Weight: 195.
Bats: Left. Throws: Left.
Contract status: Signed through 1999.
Role: Left-handed designated hitter.
Career year: 1985 with Chicago White Sox (.309, 22 HRs, 113 RBIs).
What's up in '99: Baines enters his 20th season stalking 1,500 RBIs and 350 home runs. He is one of the game's most consistent hitters. With Eric Davis and Joe Carter gone, he should receive more at-bats if healthy.
By the numbers: Needs 20 home runs to pass Don Baylor (219) for most career homers by a DH Needs 18 games to eclipse Hal McRae (1,428) for most games as DH.
X-factor: Had hamstring problems in 1998. Home run power has eroded the past several years.
Albert Belle -- #88 -- RF
Age: 32. Height: 6-2. Weight: 225.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 2003, no trade through 2001.
Role: Right fielder, cleanup hitter, intimidating presence.
Career year: 1995 with Cleveland (.317, 52 2B, 50 HRs, 126 RBIs).
What's up in '99: For $65 million, Belle brings potential for 70 home runs to Camden Yards, plus intensity and an uncompromising work ethic. He is the game's most productive hitter the past eight seasons.
By the numbers: Active leader for consecutive games played (334). His 152 RBIs last year were the sixth-most since 1949.
X-factor: Orioles lack the offensive depth to overcome a typical slow start by Belle.
B. J. Surhoff -- #17 -- LF
Age: 34. Height: 6-1. Weight: 200.
Bats: Left. Throws: Right.
Contract status: Signed through 2001, vesting option for 2002).
Role: Left fielder, No. 5 hitter.
Career year: 1995 with Milwaukee (.320, 13 HRs, 73 RBIs).
What's up in '99: Surhoff comes off an atypical season in which he struggled against left-handers and with runners in scoring position. Still, he produced career highs in home runs (22) and RBIs (92).
By the numbers: Has 61 home runs in three seasons with Orioles, 57 in nine seasons with Milwaukee. Had 12 assists in 1998. All other Orioles outfielders had 18.
X-factor: If Albert Belle's spring struggles persist in right field, will Surhoff be switched to return Belle to more familiar ground?
Ray Miller -- #31-- MGR.
Age: 53.
Contract status: Signed through 1999 (club option for 2000).
What's up in '99: Miller enters his second year as Orioles manager with no guarantees beyond this season. His first season was tainted by an injury-riddled starting rotation and a clubhouse full of pending free agents. His work could not be evaluated fairly without taking into account such handicaps, but he also had trouble with several key veterans, most notably Roberto Alomar and Eric Davis. Miller's contentious clubhouse meeting last August was often cited as a negative turning point in the club's belated push for a wild-card berth.
X-factor: Miller was allowed to reshape his coaching staff and had input in renovating his club. Given an $81.5 million payroll, he can expect less leniency this year.
Coaches
Terry Crowley, hitting coach, No. 48: He served as Orioles hitting coach in 1985-88 under four managers. He was Minnesota's hitting coach, 1991-98.
Marv Foley, first base coach, No. 34: Managed Rochester to two first-place and a second-place finish before being promoted to the Orioles last November.
Elrod Hendricks, bullpen coach, No. 44: Ex-catcher begins 31st season with the Orioles and 22nd in this role. Serves as buffer between players and manager.
Bruce Kison, pitching coach, No. 54: Orioles' sixth pitching coach in six seasons. Spent previous seven years with Kansas City, last five as pitching coach.
Eddie Murray, bench coach, No. 33: Enters his second season as a coach. Considered a graduate student of the game, Murray could be a manager someday.
Sam Perlozzo, third base coach, No. 2: No active coach has walked the third base box longer. In fourth season with Orioles. An expert on infield instruction.
Pub Date: 4/04/99