Jay Gibbons

First base Kevin Millar/Jeff Conine Javy Lopez vs. Nick Johnson The Lopez experiment didn't work, making this position a question mark for the Orioles. Millar is the simple solution here, and he is adequate defensively. But Lopez, previously a starting catcher, doesn't want to be a full-time designated hitter, so this could be a carousel of players. And that's not ideal for the infield's anchor position. Johnson (below) could be the best player on the Nationals if only he would stay healthy.

Jeff Conine was wearing his World Series ring from 2003 yesterday, the one issued by the Florida Marlins that's roughly the size of a cell phone. When held above his head, I believe it actually picks up XM radio. "Oh my God, is that legal?" one player asked. "I thought it was a paperweight," said another. "It's not real," Conine replied. "I had it made up." Someone else asked, "Is that your graduation ring?" "Yes," Conine said. "Class of '84." Kevin Millar grabbed his 2004 ring from the Boston Red Sox, and it was one-third the size of Conine's.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Orioles starter Bruce Chen was hammered for six runs in his team's 7-0 loss yesterday to the St. Louis Cardinals before 6,482 at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. Chen, who hadn't given up a run in his two previous spring outings spanning six innings, allowed six hits and three walks in four innings. St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina had an RBI double in the second and designated hitter John Gall had the big hit in the Cardinals' four-run third with a two-run double. Orioles vs. Red Sox Fort Myers, Fla., today, 1:05 p.m., 1090 AM WHO'S HOT LaTroy Hawkins -- He pitched his fifth scoreless inning yesterday in as many outings - by throwing just four pitches.

Good morning --Jay Gibbons -- That's a generous wedding present the Orioles gave you. Maybe you should upgrade those honeymoon plans. they said it "Nothing against my little brother, but basketball is a sissy game." Darrell Miller Former major league baseball player and brother of Reggie and Cheryl "We had ... Koufax, Drysdale, Sutton and what's-his-name. I was what's-his name." Joe Moeller Spot starter and reliever on the 1966 Los Angeles Dodgers "The NBA is all about games like Sunday night's now, all about the here and now. It has become like a big Hollywood production studio, big on big names, short on good plots."

Four days before walking down the aisle in California, Orioles right fielder Jay Gibbons dropped by downtown Baltimore yesterday to take an exhausting physical and pick up a $21.1 million wedding present. "I can afford to pay for my wedding this weekend now, finally," joked Gibbons, whose four-year, $21.1 million contract extension with the Orioles was officially announced at a news conference last night. "I feel blessed, and I'm just so happy. The pressure is off now. I can just go out, relax and play ball."

The Orioles have reached a tentative agreement with free-agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz on a two-year contract worth about $12 million, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The deal will become official when some minor contractual issues are worked out and Burnitz passes a physical. The 36-year-old isn't expected to take the physical until next week. He will become the Orioles' third free-agent signing this season, following the acquisitions of San Diego Padres catcher Ramon Hernandez and Florida Marlins outfielder/first baseman Jeff Conine, whose deal also is pending.

His bat no longer of any use in the sixth inning yesterday, Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada raised it near his head and slammed it to the ground, the impact creating a thud and a small brownish cloud outside the batter's box. Finally, solid contact had been made. The frustration is building within a team that has scored only three runs in the past 18 innings, a team that can't seem to catch a break, especially when the effort suddenly becomes excessive. Tejada struck out to strand Brian Roberts, who had three of the Orioles' seven hits.