Brian Burres

Burres had several opportunities in the Orioles' rotation in 2008, but he failed to cash in and clinch a spot for 2009. He should see another season pitching both as a starter and a reliever until the Orioles can finish developing their top pitching prospects. There will be some pressure on Burres this season, but there is no reason to think he will turn things around following a season in which he had an ERA over 6.00.

In a perfect world, Burres would be able to pitch as a swingman, sometimes going in long relief, other times as a lefty specialist and occasionally picking up a spot start. He was overexposed in 2007, however, having to start 17 times due to the rash of injuries in the O's rotation by the end of the season. There's not a whole lot of upside here - Burres is a fairly fungible part that will be tossed aside as soon as some of the pitching prospects in the O's system are ready.

Burres pitched effectively after a September recall, allowing only two runs on six hits and one walk in eight innings. The 26-year-old will compete with John Parrish and Kurt Birkins to be the second lefty specialist behind Jamie Walker in the Baltimore bullpen in 2007.

A flyballing lefty whose numbers would look a lot worse in almost any other environment. He's not someone you want on a reserve list.