Infielder Ryan Flaherty participated in the three-day mini-camp this week at Camden Yards and noticed that the ballpark might favor the hitters. Flaherty is hoping to test that theory this summer. The Orioles selected Flaherty in the Rule 5 draft at the Winter Meetings, which automatically classifies him as a long shot to make the club in spring training, but he'll give it his best shot. "I'm just going to make sure I come into camp ready to go, and whatever happens happen," said...

No pun intended but here are some FanFest nuggets from Buck Showalter and his latest get-together with the reporters here. Buck on the DH spot in the lineup: "It's a question mark because a guy that has to anchor down there and do nothing but that is not there. I look at that as almost an asset, but if the right guy rears his head we'd go there. But it also allows us to move people around and keep people healthy. "Wieters will be able to DH some and (we can) put some bats in the lineup we...

Jai Miller bears a striking resemblance to Jets receiver Plaxico Burress. OK, they're not separated at birth, but they could be related. It's been a relaxing winter for shortstop J.J. Hardy, who usually sat at home wondering where he'd be playing the following season. "It was one of the first offseasons in the last three or four offseasons where I wasn't in all the trade rumors and stuff," he said. "It was nice to know where I was going to be in spring training." Hardy isn't...

Jai Miller bears a striking resemblance to Jets receiver Plaxico Burress. OK, they're not separated at birth, but they could be related. It's been a relaxing winter for shortstop J.J. Hardy, who usually sat at home wondering where he'd be playing the following season. "It was one of the first off-seasons in the last three or four off-seasons where I wasn't in all the trade rumors and stuff," he said. "It was nice to know where I was going to be in spring training." Hardy isn't...

Orioles right-hander Jake Arrieta said at FanFest that he continues to make very good progress after having bone spurs removed from his right elbow on Aug. 12. "I felt as good as I expected to. I haven't had any setbacks, just routine throwing program soreness but outside of that I've been 100 percent healthy and very encouraged with my progress," he said. Arrieta, who went 10-8 with an ERA of 5.05 in 22 starts last summer, said the bone spurs would bother him at times last season. He...

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones knew when he saw reporters today that someone would ask him about all the trade talk in which his name has surfaced in recent weeks. "I knew that question was coming. No one has ever talked to me about it, so I think, rumors are what they are. Leave it at that, nothing more I can say about it," Jones said. Jones was asked if he was open to discussing a contract extension if the Orioles approach him this winter. Adam Jones addresses his contract situation...

Nick Markakis said he'll probably be limited until maybe the first week into March after undergoing surgery earlier this month to repair a torn abdominal muscle. He doesn't need many at-bats to get ready for the season. He's not going to rush or do anything that sets him back. His body will largely dictate his schedule. So far, it's cooperating with him. "I'm feeling good," he said. "It's a sensitive area where I got cut open and as far as pain-wise, I don't have any pain. It's...

Pitcher Brad Bergesen is sporting a beard that actually looks good on him. Neatly trimmed. Doesn't look like he just staggered out of the woods after an eight-month hibernation. Bergesen said he'll prepare in spring training as if he's going to be a starter, though his role is undefined. "I've had a great winter with my son and just watching him develop and he's healthy, so it's just been flying by this offseason, but I've been preparing as usual," he said. "I switched things up a...

The players keep filtering into the backstage area at FanFest. I click off my recorder, turn my back and someone else is waiting to be interviewed. Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette finished his forum with manager Buck Showalter that was reserved for season-ticket holders. He didn't quiet the Prince Fielder speculation when he said, "Are we going to get him? I don't know. But if we don't, we'll look for someone just like him." Showalter said he just wants the chance to...

The first fan forum of the day at FanFest is over. Manager Buck Showalter and Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette were on the main stage. They addressed several topics and here are some of their answers. Showalter on the battle for rotation spots this year: "Last year, it was last man standing. Now, it's about the competition and that always brings out the best in people. Last year, we had six or seven guys competing and this year we have 11 or 12, and if you know anything about...