Baltimore Orioles

So far their pursuits have resulted in journeyman James Baldwin, who is a long shot to even make the club. They made a bid for Carl Pavano, who instead signed with the New York Yankees. And the remaining pool of free agent pitchers didn't wow Beattie or Flanagan and their heavy price tag made them even more unattractive.

Derek Lowe received $9 million per season, Odalis Perez and Matt Clement got $8 million per season and Jaret Wright signed for $7.5 million. Only one of those pitchers -- Wright -- won at least 15 games last season. And while Lowe notched 14 wins, he also finished with a 5.42 ERA.

With that in mind, Beattie and Flanagan have decided -- at least for now -- to allow the current rotation an opportunity to develop and improve on their inconsistent output in 2004.

The Orioles used three rookies in their rotation last season and two -- Erik Bedard and Daniel Cabrera -- combined for 18 wins while enduring their growing pains on the Major League stage. Matt Riley, who suffered through a largely disappointing year in '04, did show signs of maturity and much will be expected from the left-hander in Spring Training.