The Orioles are hoping for a great Valentine's gift when pitchers and catchers report Saturday for the beginning of Spring Training.

The Orioles, whose pitching was horrendous in 2008, have 37 pitchers attending in hopes that some will rise above the rest to secure roster and rotation spots.

As Spring Training gets underway, it's time to look back at the Orioles' offseason.

The Good

Andy MacPhail signed Nick Markakis to a six-year, $66.1 million deal that will keep the RFer in Baltimore through 2014, with a mutual option for 2015. Markakis is a budding star, a great bat (top 10 in the AL in almost every offensive category), with a cannon arm. Locking him up long-term was a huge move.

The Orioles improved their pitching, which was the team's biggest weakness in 2008. The additions of Koji Uehara, Rich Hill, Mark Hendrickson, David Pauley, and John Parrish give the Orioles a slew of new options to turn to in 2009. Uehara and Hill are projected to be starters, while Hendrickson, Pauley, and Parrish will compete for the back end of the rotation and long-relief spots.

Baltimore bolstered its defense with the additions of Cesar Izturis (SS), Felix Pie (OF), and Ryan Freel (IF/OF). Infield utility player/left fielder Ty Wigginton was also added via free agency to provide additional depth, flexibility, and a right-handed bat.

The Orioles added stop-gap and high-potential players without hurting their future. They bought time for catcher Matt Wieters to spend in AAA Norfolk with the addition of Gregg Zaun, and the pitching additions allow for Brian Matusz, Jake Arrieta, Troy Patton, and Chris Tillman to further develop in the minors. They only gave up Garett Olson, Ramon Hernandez, Randor Bierd, and a player to be named later during their trades this off-season.

The Bad

The Orioles and Brian Roberts still have yet to sign a contract extension. The 2B, who has spent his entire career with the Orioles, said he does not want to negotiate during the season. Questions about whether or not he will return in 2010 and potential trades will be a distraction during the season.

Roberts is only one part of the questions looming about the future of the infield.

Roberts, Aubrey Huff, Melvin Mora, and Ryan Freel will all be eligible for free agency after the end of the 2009 season. Mora does have a team option for 2010. Wigginton and Izturis are also going to be eligible for free agency after 2010. The Orioles did little to find future replacements for these players or locate potential trade partners over the offseason.

Several players on the Orioles roster are out of options, meaning they'll have to clear waivers to be sent down to the minors. This includes new additions David Pauley, Rich Hill, and Felix Pie, as well as Hayden Penn, Dennis Sarfate, and Scott Moore. John Parrish also has an opt-out clause, where he can leave the Orioles if he's not on the Major League roster by April.

The Questions

Who is Going To Make the Rotation?

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?