By Marc Carig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 21, 2008

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 20 -- Former Baltimore Orioles star B.J. Surhoff began his stint Wednesday as a special instructor during spring training. Surhoff played for the Orioles from 1996 to 2000 and again from 2003 to '05.

"Hopefully I can do whatever Dave would like me to do and help him in any way that I can," said Surhoff, referring to Manager Dave Trembley.

Surhoff, a fan favorite during his time in Baltimore, worked with the team's catchers on his first day at camp, though he also worked with others on the team. Trembley hopes that Surhoff can show the same versatility as an instructor that he did as a player. During his 19-year major league career, he played every position but pitcher.

"I'm going to have him move around in different areas, take advantage of his expertise," Trembley said. "I just want him to lend himself towards helping out any way he can. I'm just real glad he would come down for a week and spend that time with us."

Trembley invited Surhoff to spring training in the fall as a way to bring back a piece of the franchise's past. Surhoff was a member of the Orioles' last postseason team in 1997.

"He epitomizes the way the Orioles play baseball and we'd like to get back to that," Trembley said. "Having guys like him around, I think this is a step in the right direction for all of us and all of the players."

Former manager Earl Weaver, another piece of the team's storied past, also dropped by camp. After asking questions of the former O's skipper, Trembley invited him back to speak with the entire team.

"He said he would," Trembley said.

Second baseman Brian Roberts missed Wednesday's workouts because of an abdominal injury that required medical attention, a team spokesman said. Trembley said later in the day that Roberts was resting at home. He is expected to return for workouts Thursday.