The Orioles have potential long-term solutions at five defensive positions. With Markakis, Jones and Felix Pie in the outfield, and Roberts at second base, the Orioles can fill first base and third base with powerful bats to fill out a balanced lineup.

Top prospect Matt Wieters is likely to become the starting catcher by midseason, bringing with him a potent bat from both sides of the plate.

The biggest questions moving forward revolve around the pitching staff. The next month will go a long way toward solving the pitching issues, as up to a dozen arms battle for three spots in the rotation -- as well as two or three openings in the bullpen.

The brightest aspect of the Orioles future, by president Andy MacPhail's hopes, rests in three pitching prospects -- right-handers Chris Tillman and Jake Arrieta, and last year's No. 1 draft pick, left-hander Brian Matusz.

Each of those talents is in big league camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., but the aim is for them to spend this season in the minor leagues.

Tillman may be the closest to the majors, but Matusz is likely the most polished. Arrieta might have the most raw ability.

The Orioles lack long-term answers at shortstop, third base and first base, though the team has veterans at each position.

Expect the team to find solutions at the infield corners within the next 12 months, as third baseman Melvin Mora and first baseman Aubrey Huff are free agents at season's end.

Third baseman Billy Rowell and first baseman/designated hitter Brandon Snyder are former first-round draft picks who have yet to reach their potential.

Shortstop Cesar Izturis signed a two-year contract in December and the Orioles have no long-term middle infield prospects.

TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE: OF Adam Jones won't surprise anyone after a strong first season with Baltimore. But after he spent his offseason working out at the famed Athletes' Performance Institute in Arizona, Jones is expecting a big season. The center fielder had put on 25 pounds of muscle as of mid-January even though he planned to trim down about 5-10 pounds by the Orioles' report date.

TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT: RHP Matt Albers was brilliant in a long relief role in the first half of 2008. Then he tore the labrum in his pitching shoulder and missed the remainder of the year. After electing not to have surgery, Albers will have to prove he's healthy to crack the big-league roster. Historically, players who opt to pass on such surgery have experienced lingering issues.

AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Dave Trembley, who is 108-146 in Baltimore since taking the reigns in June 2007, is in his element running a spring training camp. Trembley, a career minor league manager before 2007, was promoted to coordinate the on-field activities in Fort Lauderdale. He is extremely organized and detail-oriented, and his approach will benefit the club as it works through nearly 70 camp invites and the constant shuttle between both the World Baseball Classic and the minor league complex across the Florida peninsula in Sarasota.