Shaky start

Making his second spring appearance, Orioles left-hander Brian Burres failed to get through the third inning and was replaced by reliever Fredy Deza. Burres allowed two runs, both in the third inning, and five hits. He also committed a balk that allowed the tying run to score. Burres gave up a run and four hits in two innings in his debut Monday in Vero Beach. Orioles manager Dave Trembley has indicated Burres should make the club as the fifth starter or a long reliever, based on what he accomplished last season. Familiarity is working in Burres' favor, though he was 6-8 with a 5.95 ERA in 37 appearances last year.

Late-relief battle

Greg Aquino turned in another scoreless inning for the Orioles, cruising through the eighth on the strength of his fastball and slider - pitches that left one team official impressed as he stood near the dugout. Aquino hasn't allowed a run in four spring outings, and opponents have managed only one hit against him. He hasn't walked a batter. Though George Sherrill is considered the favorite to close, Aquino has more experience at the job and is making a strong bid. Meanwhile, Jim Hoey allowed two runs and four hits in the ninth as the Mets built on their 2-1 lead. Advantage: Aquino.

Great unknowns

The Mets are dealing with a rash of injuries, and they played split-squad games yesterday, so they didn't exactly bring their "A" team to Fort Lauderdale Stadium. Of the 28 players on their travel roster, only four were part of the 40-man roster: pitchers Willie Collazo and Jorge Sosa, catcher Ramon Castro and infielder Marlon Anderson. Doesn't Major League Baseball have rules against this? Castro served as their cleanup hitter. A coaching staff that included Sandy Alomar Jr., Ken Oberkfell and former Orioles pitcher Ricky Bones had more star power than the lineup.

On deck

The Orioles hit the road again today to play the Florida Marlins in Jupiter. Left-hander Adam Loewen makes his third start this spring. He's 1-1 with a 9.00 ERA in three innings. Jamie Walker and Hayden Penn also are scheduled to pitch. Every outing is important to Penn, who's trying to make the club as the fifth starter or a long reliever. Ricky Nolasco will start for the Marlins, though left-hander Mark Hendrickson originally was supposed to face the Orioles. Instead, he's pitching in an intrasquad game.