Designated Hitter

CLEVELAND -- Orioles designated hitter Jay Gibbons knew that things were going extremely poorly for him. He just didn't know how bad it had gotten. When informed that he was 0-for-his-past-21, the longest hitless stretch of his career, Gibbons mumbled, "Ouch." "I had no idea," said Gibbons, who is hitting .191 with no home runs and seven RBIs. "I wish I had an answer. The only thing I can do is keep working at it and try to break out of it." Gibbons' struggles have made for a dilemma for manager Sam Perlozzo, who has vowed to put his best team on the field, but also knows the club is going to need Gibbons to produce this season.

The Orioles signed catcher Ramon Hernandez to a four-year, $27.5 million deal in December 2005. In his first season with the Orioles, he batted .275 and established career highs in home runs (23), RBIs (91), doubles (29) and games played (144). His 87 RBIs as a catcher - he also had four as a designated hitter - broke the club record, set by Chris Hoiles in 1993. Hernandez, who has three sons with his wife, Bellatrix, signed with the Oakland Athletics as an undrafted free agent in 1994.

Good morning -- Jay Gibbons -- If at first you don't succeed, there's always designated hitter.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- In his first year as Orioles manager, Sam Perlozzo was tested by a patchwork bullpen, a depleted bench and an inconsistent starting rotation. About 1 1/2 months before he begins Season 2, his biggest challenge might be his ability to find at-bats for all of his players while keeping the peace in the clubhouse. After a season in which the Orioles needed to convert several infielders into outfielders to field a competitive lineup, increased depth is a welcome problem.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Jay Gibbons arrived at Fort Lauderdale Stadium yesterday to take his physical and immediately found himself in a quandary. While filling out a form during the physical, Gibbons needed to put down what position he plays. "I just put `utility,'" he said. "It's weird. We'll see what happens. We have a lot of guys who play a lot of the same positions right now. Let's just play some spring training games and see how things work out. I could be a guy who shifts around everywhere.

If Navy beats Boston College in the Meineke Car Care Bowl, the Midshipmen receive a nice trophy and a free oil change. I can't decide whether I'm more interested in watching the Papa John's Bowl or Chick-fil-A Bowl. Depends what I had for lunch. When's the last time you envisioned an Orange Bowl game that included Wake Forest and Louisville? We've come a long way from Miami vs. Oklahoma. Of all the free-agent names being thrown around as potential matches for the Orioles, Aubrey Huff probably is the most enticing.

Opinion: It is inconceivable that the Orioles are going to let this season come and go without a major tribute to the 40th anniversary of their 1966 World Series victory. Thumbs-up to the Babe Ruth Museum for stepping in and putting on a reunion next month. Fact: Since 2002, the Orioles' record in September/October games is 48-82. Opinion: The baseball playoffs just aren't going to seem the same without the Atlanta Braves making their annual surprisingly early exit. Fact: To set the record straight, the Maryland Terrapins' season-opening football win over Division I-AA opponent William and Mary does count toward their bowl eligibility.

Boston -- Orioles designated hitter Jay Gibbons doesn't feel healthy enough to play the field and said that's reason enough to discount rumors that he'll be tried at first base in the near future. He described the health of his sprained knee as up and down and said he's facing enough of a struggle starting at designated hitter. "It's hard for it to heal," Gibbons said. "It's hard for me to build leg strength while I'm playing. They told me it's going to be this way for the rest of the year."

After listening to Javy Lopez say publicly for several months that a trade would be the best thing for both sides, the Orioles finally granted him his wish, agreeing to send the disgruntled catcher and cash considerations to the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named. Because the trade involves cash considerations of more than $1 million, the deal is pending commissioner's approval, but it should be completed no later than this morning, Orioles sources said. "We are in conversations, but nothing has been finalized," Orioles executive vice president Mike Flanagan said last night.

UP Carlos Beltran, outfielder, Mets -- He was 10-for-22 (.455) with five homers and 14 RBIs in five games prior to last night. Juan Rivera, outfielder, Angels -- He is 10-for-28 (.357) in his past seven games and is batting .296 with 17 homers on the season. Dan Haren, starter, Athletics -- Haren's allowed a pair of runs in 16 innings in his past two starts, both of which were wins. DOWN Albert Pujols, first baseman, Cardinals -- St. Louis' slugger was 4-for-18 (.222) in five games prior to last night.