After its first last-place finish in 20 seasons, the Orioles entered the offseason likely to turn over a significant portion of the 40-man roster. Baltimore found a defensive upgrade at shortstop when it signed free agent Cesar Izturis.

BIGGEST NEEDS: The Orioles' pitching staff is an eyesore. As the season came to a close, the starting rotation included minor league journeymen like Chris Waters, Brian Bass and Alfredo Simon. Injuries played a role, but a lack of minor league depth was glaring. The team also needs a steady shortstop, having used six players at the position in 2008.

ARRIVALS: INF/OF Ryan Freel (trade with Reds), SS Cesar Izturis (free agent from Cardinals).

DEPARTURES: C Ramon Hernandez (traded to Reds), RHP Daniel Cabrera (non-tendered, signed with Nationals).

FREE AGENTS: OF Jay Payton, 1B Kevin Millar, RHP Lance Cormier.

Millar could come back on a one-year contract if the club is unable to add a significant upgrade to the lineup. Payton is not likely to be re-signed. Cormier was non-tendered.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: LHP George Sherrill, RHP Chris Ray, OF Nick Markakis, OF Luke Scott.

The team was reportedly working on a long-term offer for Markakis.

IN LIMBO: 2B Brian Roberts, 1B/DH Aubrey Huff and LHP George Sherrill could be traded. Roberts was the subject of trade speculation all of last winter, and the team will listen to offers again as he enters the final year of his contract. Huff and Sherrill had break-out seasons in 2008 and could be traded while their value is high.

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Matt Albers (torn labrum in right shoulder) is expected to be ready for spring training and, if healthy, could contend for a spot in the starting rotation.

LHP Troy Patton (left shoulder surgery in March 2008) should be ready for spring training.

RHP Chris Ray (Tommy John surgery in August 2007) should be fully recovered in time to reclaim a role in the back end of the bullpen in spring training.

RHP Dennis Sarfate (right shoulder surgery in October 2008) planned to begin throwing in mid-December.

RHP Jim Johnson (right shoulder impingement) is expected to be ready for spring training and reclaim a role as a late inning reliever.

LHP Jamie Walker (left elbow inflammation) was expected to seek a medical opinion in early October after a dismal season that included a 6.87 ERA.

RHP Jim Miller (torn ligament in right shoulder) will refrain from upper-body workouts until mid-November at the earliest.

3B Melvin Mora (minor right shoulder surgery in November 2008) should be ready for spring training.

OF Ryan Freel (right hamstring surgery in July 2008) is expected to be ready for spring training.