by Sports Xchange

BIGGEST NEEDS: The club's greatest need is in its lineup, because there is an abundance of young pitching talent ready to fill the rotation and the relief corps. MacPhail is likely to test the trade market rather than the free agent pool to find a bat, while an addition to the rotation or bullpen is more likely to come via free agency. Considering the prospects in the pipeline, the Orioles would be best suited to find a right-handed slugging third baseman to hit behind RF Nick Markakis.

DEPARTURE: LHP Sean Henn (claimed off waivers by Blue Jays).

FREE AGENTS: 3B Melvin Mora, RHP Danys Baez, LHP Mark Hendrickson, C Chad Moeller, LHP Rich Hill, OF Jeff Fiorentino.

The Orioles declined Mora's option for 2010, likely ending a decade-long relationship with the third baseman. The club could re-sign him at a lower price if it finds no suitable corner infielders this winter. The club also declined Moeller's option for 2010. Hendrickson is the most likely to return, provided he's willing to accept a full-time bullpen role. He thrived in various relief roles but also showed some upside as a starter in late September. Hill and Fiorentino refused minor league assignments and became free agents.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Matt Albers, SS Robert Andino, RHP Jeremy Guthrie, RHP Chris Ray.

All the Orioles' eligible players should return, but Albers and Ray will have to impress in spring training to stick with the club. Guthrie, who got a pay cut in arbitration last winter, could be hit with another after losing 17 games in 2009.

IN LIMBO: RHPs Brian Bass, Dennis Sarfate, Matt Albers and Chris Ray could be in jeopardy of being dropped from the 40-man roster. All four struggled in the Orioles' bullpen in extended opportunities this season, and the club will most certainly rid some of its underachieving relievers before spring training. The Orioles have a handful of upper-level prospects who could be dealt as well.

MEDICAL WATCH:

LF Nolan Reimold (left Achilles tendon surgery in September 2009) should be ready for spring training.

RHP Brad Bergesen (bruised left shin) was unable to run some six weeks after taking a line drive off his leg, but he should be fully healthy for spring training.

CF Adam Jones (sprained left ankle) will be healthy for spring training.

RHP Koji Uehara (sore right elbow) should be fully healthy for spring training.