by Sports Xchange

--OF Nolan Reimold was passed over in the Rookie of the Year voting, as were fellow rookies C Matt Wieters and RHP Brad Bergesen. The club should push through a handful of award contenders in the next two to three seasons, but the lack of industry attention to the 2009 crop indicates the team is still chasing respectability.

--3B Josh Bell was added to the 40-man roster as the club protected six players from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. The top offensive prospect in the system, Bell is likely due to be recalled from the minors by midseason in 2010. He will be invited to major league spring training, as will the other five 40-man roster additions: RHP Brandon Erbe, RHP Luis Lebron, INF Pedro Florimon, 1B Rhyne Hughes and 1B Brandon Snyder

--RHP Steve Johnson was left off the club's 40-man roster entering December, meaning he'll be unprotected for the Rule 5 draft. Johnson, acquired from the Dodgers for LHP George Sherrill in July, is the son of former Orioles RHP Dave Johnson. He's projected to be a back-of-the-rotation starter or middle reliever in the big leagues, but he has yet to reach Class AAA.

--INF Ty Wigginton is a starter for the Orioles until the club signs two corner infielders. Wigginton, who is entering the second season of a two-year contract, offers the club flexibility in its offseason dealings. He can play first, second or third base, but the club would prefer him as a right-handed bat off the bench.

BY THE NUMBERS: $29.5 million -- Amount the Orioles have dedicated to six players for 2010, according to the Baltimore Sun.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm not a big one for making any grandiose statements, but suffice to say, I think we'll be active. There's no reason to be skeptical of ownership. He's done what management has asked him to do." -- Orioles president Andy MacPhail, to the Baltimore Sun, on the upcoming free agent signing period.