Fort Lauderdale, Fla. -- The same questions have greeted outfielder Jay Payton for years, so he was more than prepared for them when he arrived in the Orioles' clubhouse yesterday.

"I know I'm probably not the quote-unquote favorite, but this is the fourth year I've gone into spring training as the fourth outfielder, and I've gotten 400 at-bats every year, so I'm not going to worry about my status too much right now," Payton said.

In December, the Orioles acquired left fielder Luke Scott in the Miguel Tejada trade with the Houston Astros, seemingly making Payton the odd man out. Though position players don't have to report until Tuesday and manager Dave Trembley hasn't settled on a regular lineup, it's expected that Payton will serve as the team's fourth outfielder, occasionally platooning with the left-handed-hitting Scott, while also backing up young center fielder Adam Jones.

That role - especially on a rebuilding team - wouldn't sit well with the 35-year-old veteran, who had a difficult 2007 season, hitting .256 with seven home runs and 58 RBIs. He acknowledged yesterday that he let the team's struggles affect his performance

The Orioles have shopped Payton extensively, but his age, salary and poor 2007 season have hindered their efforts. The Orioles would likely absorb a significant portion of the $5 million left on his contract to move him.

"I'm going to have to talk to him and tell him what I see his role as being coming into camp," Trembley said. "I know he's got some concern about that, especially since we acquired Scott and now that we've acquired Adam Jones."

Payton is preparing for the fact that he could get traded soon.

"There's still a possibility I don't end up here when the season starts," he said. " ... Like I said, they're still trying to get younger and prepare for the future, so that doesn't bother me."

Reimold stays home

Outfielder Nolan Reimold has been considered one of the organization's top prospects since the Orioles took him out of Bowling Green in the second round of the 2005 draft. However, the 24-year-old still hasn't received a spring training invitation.

It was thought he would get one this year, but minor league director David Stockstill said the club decided it would be more beneficial to hold Reimold back to make sure he's healthy for the start of the minor league season.

"We thought it was best for him to guide him toward the opening of spring training and the minor leagues with not having him have to come over [to major league camp] and bounce back and forth," Stockstill said. "We have a specific plan for him for the month of March so he's ready to start the season."

Reimold played only 50 games last season for Double-A Bowie because of an oblique injury. He hit .306 with 11 home runs and 34 RBIs.

Around the horn

Orioles infielder Scott Moore has been getting in some work in left field, hoping the flexibility will give him a better chance to make the Opening Day roster. ... Trembley expects to settle on a closer soon. George Sherrill is the clear front-runner, but if he struggles or decides he doesn't want the job, it will likely go to Greg Aquino or Dennis Sarfate. ... Trembley said he still hasn't decided where Jones will hit in the order, but it's unlikely he'll be in the third or fourth spot. ... The Orioles' emphasis so far in workouts has been on pitchers fielding their position and holding runners, two areas they struggled in last year.

jeff.zrebiec@baltsun.com