--LHP George Sherrill turned down an offer to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. The All-Star closer said "it all came down to what was best for me and best for the team."
--RHP Adam Eaton signed a minor league contract with the Orioles and is considered a strong candidate for the starting rotation. Eaton, 31, was released by Philadelphia earlier this year, and will be the most experienced option among the dozen-or-so candidates for the final three spots in the rotation. --RHP Brian Bass seems destined to be a middle reliever, rather than a starter. Manager Dave Trembley told MASNsports.com that Bass "ran into trouble" whenever he reached 45-50 pitches in five starts last fall.
--RHP Jim Miller had a cortisone shot in his right shoulder recently, and Orioles manager Dave Trembley was unaware when he'd be available to pitch again. Miller, who injured the shoulder last fall, is battling for one of two openings in the bullpen.
--LHP Mark Hendrickson was scratched from his March 4 start because of lower back stiffness. He's resumed activities since and seems on track to win a spot in the starting rotation or as a key long reliever.
BY THE NUMBERS: 2 -- Orioles playing for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, 3B Melvin Mora and SS Cesar Izturis.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's just been a lot of fun. I think it's going to really help me in the development process, just picking up things from the other guys and working on some things. I feel like I'm really developing." -- LHP Brian Matusz, to the Baltimore Sun, on his experience during his first big-league spring training.
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