The good news for 2007 is that aside from Corey Patterson, the 2006 offensive components were a very patient group that exhibited exceptional strike zone and plate awareness -- most registering strong numbers with runners in scoring position.

While 2006 for the Orioles was all about Miguel Tejada, rookie outfield phenom Nick Markakis and the emergence of starting pitcher Erik Bedard were the significant stories looking ahead. Bedard is ready to claim the role of ace for the undermanned Orioles staff while Markakis' 2006 numbers show he could live up to his published potential.

Bedard's second half in 2006 offered a glimpse of what will be expected heading into 2007. His 3.10 ERA and a 83/30 K/BB ratio in the second half of last year was off the charts and there's no discounting how good he was pitching in Camden Yard (92/32 K/BB).

Markakis also showed signs of maturing in the second half of '06. His OPS stood at .896 with 31 extra base hits in just 267 at bats.He was also more comfortable in the confines of the teams' backyard, with a .880 OPS at Camden. After a rough April and May, Markakis rebounded by hitting .338-.403-.354 in successive summer months and if he can carry this confidence from the 2006 season, into spring training, and find the fast track to success in the month of April -- look for big things from the second-year sensation.

The Orioles shook things up this winter by bringing in reserve OF Adam Stern and signing relievers Danys Baez, Jamie Walker, Chad Bradford, and Scott Williamson. A completely revamped bullpen, multi-year deals to Jay Payton and Aubrey Huff while throwing into the mix the team didn't suffer any significant free agent loss should allow Baltimore to be more competitive this year, especially late in games.

The only real prospect that has injury concerns heading into spring training is starting pitcher Hayden Penn. The right-hander made six awful starts (15.10 ERA, 2.59 WHIP) in 2006 after missing significant time to a emergency appendectomy on May 23 -- but at 22 years old, he's bound to show improvement under the tutelage of pitching coach Leo Mazzone. Penn likely will step into the fifth starting slot for the O's, filling the loss of Rodrigo Lopez. Lopez was dealt to the Colorado Rockies.