5. How does the Orioles approach this season compare to last year?

( Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun / October 13, 2012 )

Duquette, who was just getting his feet under him this time last year, netted left-hander Dana Eveland via trade and infielder Ryan Flaherty in the Rule 5 draft at last year's winter meetings in Dallas. His top offseason priority then was building pitching depth.

Now, he has that -- the starting rotation and bullpen are stable -- and the Orioles actually have a surplus of pitching.

That should make them popular this week in Nashville because young, cheap pitching is alluring to most teams.

Last year, the Orioles turned teams away when they inquired about Dylan Bundy and Manny Machado. But this year, they look to be more open if teams inquire about Tillman, Matusz, Arrieta or Britton.

Considering some of those names were spotlighted on a national stage in the playoffs at the end of this past season, the Orioles are confident that will happen.