Orioles' Bullpen Full of Intriguing Possibilities

JUPITER, Fla., March 21 -- Very early in spring training, before most of the team's position players had even reported to the team's complex in Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore Orioles reliever Jamie Walker came up with a very simple but very encouraging observation.

"We've got more arms around here, that's for sure," said Walker, who made 81 appearances as a stalwart of a bullpen that last season was arguably the most taxed in the American League.

But now, more than a month later, the sheer number of arms the Orioles brought to camp has helped fuel a competition that has remained strong through the final days of camp. With nine days until Opening Day, and after rounds of cuts have already thinned the competition, several relievers continue to make strong bids to start the season in what is shaping up to be a younger, new-look bullpen.

Dennis Sarfate, Greg Aquino and Randor Bierd have been the standouts during Grapefruit League play while Rocky Cherry has made a steady push. Only Cherry was on the roster last season.

With time running down until the Orioles' March 31 opener, Manager Dave Trembley said he intends to have all four contenders pitch multiple innings in the closing days of camp, perhaps the final test in what has been one of the stronger position battles in camp.

"I think it's much improved," Trembley said. "And I think there will be guys that will complement each other very well. They haven't played any games so I really can't say what the performance is like but I feel confident it will be much improved."

Improvement was clearly needed after the Orioles' bullpen devolved into perhaps the most vulnerable aspect of the team last season, even after Baltimore made a major push to acquire high-priced help.

The Orioles invested upward of $40 million to bolster a bullpen that ultimately staggered to a 5.71 ERA, better only than Tampa Bay. The 279 walks issued by Orioles relievers led the league.

While Walker and Chad Bradford, who were among four relievers signed to solidify the bullpen, enjoyed strong seasons despite setting career highs in appearances, the bullpen gave little reason for celebration as injuries and general ineffectiveness took a major toll.

Danys B¿ez posted a 6.44 ERA before an elbow injury knocked him out for the season. Closer Chris Ray also missed significant time with an elbow injury. Both might miss most of this season recovering from elbow ligament replacement surgery. With a shortage of manpower, Trembley pressed Bradford and Walker into service to close games. It was not a good fit.

The problems only worsened as the Orioles stumbled down the stretch.

"Towards the end we were scuffling there a little bit, running guys out there left and right, sending guys up and down," said Bradford, who made 78 appearances. "But when the phone rings you have to be ready, doesn't matter whether it's the sixth inning or the ninth or whatever it is."