Jeff Zrebiec's roster analysis

The Baltimore Sun

Infielders

Freddie Bynum -- Versatility will come in handy in an attempt to win a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Luis Hernandez -- Shortstop's slick glove might allow the Orioles to overlook his offensive deficiencies.

Aubrey Huff -- Difficult offseason included hernia surgery, but he says he will be ready to go.

Kevin Millar -- Manager Dave Trembley has anointed the first baseman as the early favorite to bat cleanup.

Melvin Mora -- Third baseman wants to remain an Oriole, but how much more losing will he be able to take?

Brian Roberts -- After months of trade rumors, there's still a chance the All-Star will be on the move.

Outfielders

Jay Gibbons -- Needs to get plenty of at-bats this spring with a 15-day suspension looming to start the season.

Adam Jones -- Multitooled 22-year-old will get on-the-job training as the everyday starter in center field.

Nick Markakis -- Young right fielder is a burgeoning star and at the forefront of the rebuilding project.

Jay Payton -- Likely to platoon in left field and offer protection in center if Jones falters.

Luke Scott -- Adds pop to the outfield, but will he hit left-handers well enough to play every day?

Catchers

Ramon Hernandez -- Club officials want to see him arrive in shape and ready to rebound from a poor 2007.

Guillermo Quiroz -- Front-runner for the backup job, but staying healthy has been a major problem.

Starting pitchers

Daniel Cabrera -- Pitching coach Rick Kranitz will be the latest to try to get the enigmatic right-hander to harness his talent and control.

Jeremy Guthrie -- In little more than a year, he has gone from the waiver wire to potential Opening Day starter.

Adam Loewen -- All eyes will be on the young left-hander to see whether he really has put elbow surgery behind him.

Troy Patton -- The big prize in the Miguel Tejada trade, the left-hander has an inside track on a back-of-the-rotation spot.

Steve Trachsel -- Signed this week to a minor league deal, he will likely get a rotation spot.

Relief pitchers

Greg Aquino -- Right-hander has 17 career saves, though he will probably settle into a setup role.

Randor Bierd -- Rule 5 pick struck out 81 and walked only 16 in 67 2/3 minor league innings in 2007.

Chad Bradford -- One of only three - Jamie Walker and George Sherrill are the others - to have a bullpen spot locked up.

Brian Burres -- Showed enough last year to be in contention for the fifth starter's spot or a long-relief role.

Dennis Sarfate -- Also acquired in the Tejada deal, the hard-throwing reliever is out of minor league options.

George Sherrill -- Throws strikes and gets people out, making him the best-suited Oriole to close games.

Jamie Walker -- The Orioles have to find ways to ease the burden on the veteran left-hander, who was overused last year.

10 OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH

Matt Albers, pitcher -- Command issues have hampered the right-hander, who made 18 starts for the Astros last year.

Mike Costanzo, infielder -- Strong-armed third baseman will be given a tryout behind the plate this spring.

Jim Hoey, pitcher -- To this point, the talented reliever hasn't shown enough consistency to secure a spot.

Bob McCrory, pitcher -- Opened a lot of eyes last season and will probably be a factor in the bullpen by season's end.

Scott Moore, infielder -- Showed glimpses last year, but the jury's still out whether he will become an everyday player.

Garrett Olson, pitcher -- Young left-hander looked timid and shaky in seven starts with the Orioles last year.

Hayden Penn, pitcher -- Has gone from prospect to forgotten man; has a lot to prove.

Tike Redman, outfielder -- A nice surprise last year, he might have trouble finding at-bats in a crowded outfield.

Chris Tillman, pitcher -- Some project the right-hander, acquired from Seattle, as a future No. 2 starter.

Matt Wieters, catcher -- First-round pick last year will get a taste, but he will not be rushed to the majors.

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