Baltimore Orioles

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2001 Finish: 65-97, 5th place, AL Central, 26 GB	2001 Payroll: $35,643,000 (26th)

Projected Lineup 2B Jerry Hairston CF Chris Singleton DH  David Segui 1B  Jeff Conine 3B  Tony Batista LF Marty Cordova RF Jay Gibbons SS Mike Bordick C Brook Fordyce Projected Rotation RHP Scott Erickson RHP Jason Johnson RHP Sidney Ponson RHP Josh Towers RHP Calvin Maduro CL Willis Roberts

By Lonny Krasnow, CNNSI.com

Playing without Cal Ripken for the first time since 1981, the Baltimore Orioles are looking for a new identity -- among other things.

The Orioles enter the 2002 season without an ace, closer, leadoff or cleanup hitter. And the only major offseason acquisitions were outfielders Marty Cordova and Chris Singleton.

Last year's team MVP Jeff Conine will be counted on the be the clubhouse leader. Shortstop Mike Bordick and first baseman David Segui -- both healthy again -- will also provide veteran leadership. Right-hander Scott Erickson returns from elbow surgery and is expected to be the No. 1 starter.

The starting rotation could be the team's strength. After Erickson, Jason Johnson and Sidney Ponson are capable No. 2 and No. 3 starters. Prospect Josh Towers and Calvin Maduro will likely fill out the rotation.

Taking over for Ripken at third base is Tony Batista. Claimed off waivers last June, Batista hit .266 with 12 homers in 308 at-bats with Baltimore. Batista should provide some pop in a lineup that ranked last in homers in 2002.

Baltimore finally dumped Brady Anderson, but the outfield situation isn't any clearer. Cordova, who hit .301 with 20 homers last season for Cleveland, will start in left. Singleton will probably split time in center with Luis Matos and Melvin Mora. Jay Gibbons will see plenty of action in right with Chris Richard sidelined until midseason with a shoulder injury. Gibbons hit 15 homers in 73 games last season.

Avoiding a fifth consecutive losing season is the plan. That will help restore respectability to a once-proud franchise. The Orioles' identity may take a little longer to develop.

Up for grabs: Assuming there are leads to protect, the Orioles will employ a closer-by-committee. Youngsters Willis Roberts and Jorge Julio and veteran left-hander Buddy Groom will battle for the role of stopper.

Spring Chicken: Sean Douglass. With a good spring, Douglass could open the season in Baltimore's rotation. Righty is very durable, with a fastball in the 90s and projects to be a middle-of-the-rotation pitcher. His 6-foot-6 frame is ideal for a pitcher.

Arrivals
Pos.	Player	From	Via
RHP	Chris Brock	Phillies	Trade
OF	Marty Cordova	Indians	Free Agency
CF	Chris Singleton	White Sox	Trade
Departures
Pos.	Player	To	Via
OF	Brady Anderson	Indians	Free Agency
3B	Ivanon Coffie	Cubs	Trade
RHP	Ryan Kohlmeier	White Sox	Waivers
RHP	Jose Mercedes	Indians	Free Agency
RHP	Alan Mills	TBA	Free Agency
OF	Tim Raines	Marlins	Free Agency
3B	Cal Ripken		Retired
RHP	John Wasdin	Phillies	Trade