Q&a -- Erik Bedard

Orioles left-handed starting pitcher Erik Bedard set career highs last season in wins (15), innings pitched (196 1/3 ), starts (33) and strikeouts (171). The 27-year-old returns this season as the team's ace. Bedard, a sixth-round selection in the 1999 draft, was born in and still resides in Navan, Ontario.

What would being the Orioles' Opening Day starter mean to you? -- It would feel good. It would be an honor to start the first game of the season. But after the season starts, it doesn't really matter.

Who was the pitcher you emulated when you were younger? -- The one that I follow[ed] the most was [former Oriole] Pat Hentgen when he was with the Blue Jays. I watched like every game in the '92, '93 World Series season. He was good. He won the Cy Young. I remember telling him, "I watched you every time you pitched."

Who is the funniest Oriole? -- [Kevin] Millar is pretty funny. He's probably the goofiest and the funniest. He says whatever comes to his mind.

Do you watch reality television? -- I only watch American Idol the first two weeks when all the contestants are going through. After that, it is boring. The first two weeks are funny because none of those people can sing. I love that part. Me and my brother and my mom and dad watch it together and we just laugh. Why do they go on there? Don't they know they can't sing?

How was your fishing trip with executive vice president Mike Flanagan last year? -- It was fun. He doesn't talk a lot and you know I don't talk a lot. There was some conversation there, but it was pretty quiet. We still had fun.

Who is Erik Bedard's dream date? -- The first girl that pops up is Carmen Electra. She's the first one I thought of.