--RF Nick Markakis will not play in the World Baseball Classic, because he and his wife, Christina, are expecting their first child during the timeframe in which the international tournament will be held. Markakis, who was married early in the offseason, is expected to revisit contract talks with the Orioles in January.

--1B Kevin Millar could return to Baltimore as a bargain-deal option after the team failed to sign Mark Teixeira. The Orioles are likely to dedicate more of their focus on pitching, which would indicate the team is willing to pass on high-priced options in favor of a role player -- such as Millar.

--2B Brian Roberts has not been invited to play with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Team USA, which includes former Orioles 2B Billy Ripken on its coaching staff, already boasts AL MVP Dustin Pedroia and Cubs utilityman Mark DeRosa on its roster.

--3B Melvin Mora has expressed interest in playing for the Venezuelan national team in the World Baseball Classic. Mora, who batted .285 with 23 home runs and 104 RBIs in 2008, backed out of the inaugural event in 2006.

BY THE NUMBERS: 32 -- Home runs by Orioles 1B/DH Aubrey Huff, who is expected to play first base in 2009. Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira, who passed on the Orioles contract offer, hit 33.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We can't devote that many resources to one player, no matter where he's from. It doesn't work that way for us. We have to follow the model of consistently good organizations like the Twins. We just can't devote that much payroll to one player." -- Orioles president Andy MacPhail, to masnsports.com, on the team's offer to free agent 1B Mark Teixeira, who passed on his hometown team to sign with the Yankees.