Veteran Catcher Gil Is Released

FORT MYERS, Fla., March 29 -- With it becoming likely that the Orioles weren't going to carry a third catcher on the roster, and with another capable replacement in the minors available if they change their mind, Baltimore released Geronimo Gil, who had spent part of five seasons with the team.

"It was real difficult for me, but I also asked if he wanted to come back and sign a minor league contract to play in [Class] Triple-A, if that was a possibility," Orioles Manager Sam Perlozzo said. "They said it was possible. We'd love to have him back. We'll give him some time to think about it. He might end up back with us, I don't know."

Agent Joe Longo, who represents Gil, said the catcher would probably make up his mind in a couple of days, though it seems he would prefer to stay with Baltimore. The Orioles will owe Gil approximately $130,000 of the $525,000 he was to be paid this season.

Eli Whiteside's emergence makes it more likely that Gil, who hit .233 with 19 home runs in the five seasons with the Orioles, would have to agree to a reduced minor league deal if he returned.

Carrying just two catchers, especially when one, Javy Lopez, is expected to spend the majority of his time at first base or as the designated hitter, has Perlozzo a bit concerned.

"It's a gamble," Perlozzo said. "If it doesn't work out, then we'll just bring up a catcher."

Mum on Markakis

Though all signs indicate Nick Markakis will be on the Orioles' Opening Day roster, Perlozzo insists a decision has not been made.

"There are a ton of things out there that will determine it," Perlozzo said. "Is it the best thing for the organization? Is it the best thing for the kid? Quite honestly, that's a real difficult decision for right now. It really is. There is no question that Nick has major league talent. But what do we do with the other guys if we carry all those outfielders, how do we play them?"

If Markakis makes the team, he already knows what jersey number he'd request.

"I'd like to get 21 if I could," he said. "My favorite player growing up was Roger Clemens."

The number, which Markakis said he has used for all but one of his professional seasons, was used last year by Sammy Sosa but has been unclaimed this year. . . .

Outfielder Jay Gibbons, who has been sidelined by upper back stiffness, is expected to rejoin the team on Thursday. . . .

Utility man David Newhan had two more hits on Wednesday, raising his team-leading average to .419. Newhan also played well at third and first base on Wednesday. . . .

In his tuneup start prior to Monday's season opener, Rodrigo Lopez threw four scoreless innings. Perlozzo said no starter will throw more than five innings in his last start of the spring.

Roberts Rests 2B Brian Roberts, who is recovering from offseason elbow surgery, was a late scratch from Wednesday's lineup because of soreness. He is expected to rejoin the lineup on Thursday. Up Next vs. Marlins in Jupiter, 1 p.m.