Orioles Q&A with Jeff Zrebiec

Chris, New York City: What's the difference between a Dave Trembley spring training camp and Sam Perlozzo's?

Jeff Zrebiec: I think the biggest difference is the amount of time the players spend on the field. Trembley is a big proponent of having the players get their work in early and then allowing them to go home. He plans out each day to the exact minute, and players spend very little time standing around. He's very detail-oriented, and players are expected to comply. Trembley also is a little more lax on his veterans, not making them take as many road trips as they have in the past. I think that's a big reason several veterans, including Kevin Millar and Ramon Hernandez, have said this is the best-run camp they've ever experienced. Perlozzo was big on repetition. They did certain drills over and over, and players inevitably would lose their focus and start messing around. Then Perlozzo would start yelling a little bit. Trembley is more of a fatherly lecturer, rather than a yeller. Trembley does drills a couple of times, and if they are being done right, he moves on to the next thing. Also, the pitchers don't stand around in the outfield and shag balls as much. They throw their bullpens, do some drills, get their conditioning in and then hit the showers.

Nate, Los Angeles: I've noticed that Adam Jones has been in the leadoff spot recently. I know this is spring training so we shouldn't read too much into it, but do you see Jones as a potential leadoff hitter?

Jeff Zrebiec: No, I don't see that, Nate. I haven't seen enough of him yet to start making predictions on what Jones can become. He has certainly been impressive, but I don't think it's wise to make judgments after a couple of weeks of Grapefruit League games. However, the scouts and prognosticators that I've spoken to see Jones evolving into a potential 30-home run guy. I see him being put in a run-producing spot in the order and eventually settling into either a No. 3 or a No. 5 hitter. I doubt that's what he'll be this year. I think the Orioles will keep him near the bottom of the order -- sixth or seventh perhaps -- for much of the season. But in the future, I think you'll see him hitting in the middle of the Orioles' lineup.

Bill, Washington D.C.: How do you see the back end of the rotation shaking out? What relievers have helped or hurt their stock so far this spring?

Jeff Zrebiec: My prediction -- and I stress it's just a prediction -- is that the Orioles go out and sign a veteran near the end of spring training to be their fifth starter. Kyle Lohse is out there, but his asking price would have to come down significantly for him to land here. I think a couple of veterans could become available the last week or so of spring training due to roster crunches. If the Orioles don't acquire anybody, I think the competition for the fifth spot is down to Matt Albers, Brian Burres, Jon Leicester, Radhames Liz, Garrett Olson and Hayden Penn. I think Albers has the edge right now with Olson, Penn and Leicester heavy in the discussion. Ultimately, I think Burres, who Trembley has essentially guaranteed a roster spot, will settle in the bullpen.

As for your relievers question, Greg Aquino, Dennis Sarfate and Randor Bierd, the team's Rule 5 pick, have definitely helped their status, and at this point, they'll make the team barring a complete late-spring collapse. Rocky Cherry and Bob McCrory also have made solid impressions. Lance Cormier has stabilized, but he hurt his status early with two poor outings. Jim Hoey was doing well, but his rocky outing Saturday against a bunch of New York Mets' minor leaguers could seal his trip to the minors to start the season.

Andy, Baltimore: Why would the front office sign Steve Trachsel rather than giving Hayden Penn a full-year shot in the rotation? This season isn't about competing for the playoffs, but rather evaluating the young talent the team has for the future. Why not give Penn, who is talented and has been good when healthy at Triple-A, a legitimate shot to pitch?

Jeff Zrebiec: Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail is big on protecting his prospects. He wants them to move up the minors at a controlled pace, rather than rushing them. Basically, he wants to avoid what happened last season when, because of injuries, the Orioles were essentially forced to keep rolling out a bunch of young starters and relievers, including Olson and Liz, even though their pitching clearly showed they weren't ready for such an assignment. Trachsel, who is a proven innings-eater, was signed primarily to mentor some of the young pitchers and to give the Orioles some protection so that doesn't happen again. I can see both sides of the argument. It would be nice to see them give Penn a shot. Then if he falters, turn to another one of the youngsters who is performing well in the minors. But I also don't have a problem with sending Penn, Olson, Liz and Albers to the minors to start the season and then bringing them up when -- or if -- they prove they don't belong in Triple-A anymore. Remember, Penn hasn't exactly shown he can stay healthy and be consistent. There will be plenty of opportunities for Penn and the O's youngsters this season.

Rich, Tampa, Fla.: How is Bill Rowell progressing and what is the rough estimate for when he projects to play in the big leagues? Is the goal to have Rowell replace Melvin Mora when his contract expires or will that be too soon?

Jeff Zrebiec: Rowell didn't severely regress last season, but he certainly didn't take the next step either. He was slowed by the ever popular oblique injury and wound up hitting .273 with nine homers and 57 RBIs at Single-A Delmarva. He also struck out 104 times in 352 at-bats, which is rather alarming. He is still very much a work-in-progress defensively at third base, and some scouts feel that his future position is across the diamond at first base. So, I think it's a little early to anoint Rowell as the successor to Mora, whose contract is up after the 2009 season. Unless he breaks out with a truly monster year in '08, I still think 2010 is the absolute earliest you'll see him in the majors. Club officials still really like him and there's no question about his power. And he's still only 19. But this is a big season for him. This is a big season for several Orioles minor leaguers, including Brandon Erbe and Brandon Snyder.

Related topic galleries: Ramon Hernandez, Grapefruit League, Steve Trachsel, Injuries, Veterans Affairs, Defense, New York Mets

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