Fort Lauderdale, Fla. -- Hayden Penn has already gone through this routine three times, but in some respects, he walked into the clubhouse this week feeling as if it were his first spring training.

"I really think I do need to reprove myself to the organization," said Penn, the 23-year-old right-handed pitcher who is a candidate for the Orioles' fifth starter spot. "The last couple of years has been tough, and it almost feels like I'm starting over from where I was three years ago."

It was a quick rise to the majors for Penn, who was taken by the Orioles in the fifth round of the 2002 draft and made his big league debut in 2005. But it has also been a quick fall for the organization's one-time top pitching prospect.

Penn's 2006 debut for the Orioles was delayed 3 1/2 months as he needed an appendectomy the night before his first start of that season. When he finally returned to the Orioles, he went 0-4 with a 15.10 ERA in six late-season starts.

His first appearance last spring was delayed after he sprained his ankle while walking down the steps at the team hotel. His first start was postponed after he arrived at the game late because of a mix-up with his equipment bag. Penn was sent to Triple-A Norfolk and made just one start before he was shut down. He needed surgery to remove bone spurs from his elbow. It added up to a lost season.

"It's been such a tough two years ... and [now] being able to be out there and throw, it felt great," Penn said. "I feel like I'm ready to go and ready to compete for a spot on the team."

That's good news to Orioles officials as Penn's work ethic has been questioned in the past.

"I've never had a problem with him with those kinds of things," said Orioles manager Dave Trembley, who managed Penn in the minors. "I've tried to just give it to him straight, and he's been that way back to me. But obviously, I see a different look in his eye coming in here."

No progress on Roberts

The trade talks between the Orioles and Chicago Cubs involving All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts have not progressed, and it's becoming more likely that Roberts will report to spring training next week as an Oriole.

"I don't see [a trade] as likely before the reporting date," Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said. "Anything can happen ... but I just don't see it."

Ray, F. Cabrera pass tests

Orioles closer Chris Ray threw for the first time yesterday since having ligament-transplant surgery in August. It was an "uplifting" session, according to Trembley.

"I think that kind of made everybody's day," Trembley said.

Ray, who is hoping to be back by August, said his elbow felt "unbelievable, the best it has ever felt."

Reliever Fernando Cabrera, had who arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow in December, started his throwing program yesterday. It's unlikely he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Around the horn

The Orioles have made an offer to free agent shortstop Alex Cintron and are awaiting his response. ... Suspended for the first 15 days of the season for violating Major League Baseball's drug policy, outfielder Jay Gibbons will not have to be on the club's Opening Day 25-man roster.

jeff.zrebiec@baltsun.com