--RHP Jeremy Guthrie silenced much of the spring criticism, tossing six solid innings for the victory Monday. Guthrie allowed three runs and seven hits on 93 pitches in his second consecutive opening-day start. His ERA had skyrocketed this spring and his velocity dipped in the World Baseball Classic.

--CF Adam Jones wasted little time showing why many analysts predict a breakout season from the second-year starter. Jones, who batted second in the opening-day lineup, roped a two-run triple to right-center field off LHP CC Sabathia in the third inning to give the Orioles a 2-1 lead. He finished 3-for-3 with two walks, two RBIs and three runs.

--SS Cesar Izturis drew rave reviews for his first game in an Orioles uniform. He made a diving stop on a Derek Jeter single and popped up quickly to nab Xavier Nady rounding third to end the sixth inning. Brought in for his glove, the slap hitter cranked a two-run home run to open a four-run eighth inning.

--OF Luke Scott was rewarded for a strong spring with a starting nod in left field on opening day. Scott, who played in 106 games as a left fielder in 2008, was earmarked as a designated hitter before spring camp opened, but his .286 average and team-best five spring home runs led manager Dave Trembley to start Scott over young talent Felix Pie. He walked twice in an 0-for-2 game.

--3B Melvin Mora was in the cleanup spot Monday. The right-handed hitter was slotted between lefties Nick Markakis and Aubrey Huff, in a prime position to both score and drive in runs in what should be a potent lineup. He went 1-for-3 with two walks.

ROTATION:

1. RHP Jeremy Guthrie

2. RHP Koji Uehara

3. RHP Alfredo Simon

4. LHP Mark Hendrickson

BULLPEN:

LHP George Sherrill (closer)

RHP Chris Ray

RHP Jim Johnson

RHP Dennis Sarfate

LHP Jamie Walker

RHP Matt Albers

RHP Danys Baez

RHP Brian Bass

LINEUP:

1. 2B Brian Roberts

2. CF Adam Jones

3. RF Nick Markakis

4. 1B Aubrey Huff

5. 3B Melvin Mora

6. DH Luke Scott

7. C Gregg Zaun

8. LF Felix Pie

9. SS Cesar Izturis

RESERVES:

1B/3B Ty Wiggington

C Chad Moeller

INF/OF Ryan Freel

INF Robert Andino

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Jim Johnson (sore right shoulder) was shut down during spring training but is back on track for opening day.

LHP Rich Hill (left elbow soreness) went on the 15-day disabled list March 29. He might return in mid-April.

RHP Danys Baez (ligament-transplant surgery, right elbow) seems fully recovered and will factor into the Orioles bullpen. He'll be more of a long reliever than a short, power arm.

RHP Chris Ray (ligament-transplant surgery, right elbow) will pitch in the eighth and, occasionally, ninth innings after missing the 2008 season. His velocity has been close to his pre-surgery mid-90s.

LHP John Parrish (small tear in left shoulder) will not pitch in 2009. He was in camp on a minor league contract.