SCOUTING REPORT: Baltimore opened the vault in the offseason and brought in three big bats, 2002 American League MVP Miguel Tejada (Oakland), catcher Javy Lopez (Atlanta) and DH/first baseman Rafael Palmeiro (Texas).
Palmeiro hit 182 home runs in his first stint with the Orioles, from 1994-98. Last season at age 38 he swatted 38. Lopez, 33, had a career-high 43 home runs last season, and Tejada is averaging more than 30 the past four seasons. Lopez is off to the best start, going 6-for-11 in the first three games with three RBIs, and combined the trio was 14-for-32 before facing Boston's Tim Wakefield Thursday night.
Third baseman Melvin Mora committed three errors in the first two games then was slightly injured in a bizarre mishap while driving to the game Wednesday. A windblown construction fence flew into the top of his car and he sustained a slight neck strain.
Outfielder Jay Gibbons was named Most Valuable Oriole last season after becoming the first Baltimore player to drive in 100 runs since Albert Belle and B.J. Surhoff in 1999. He was the youngest (26) to win the award since Gregg Olson (22) in 1989.
DISABLED LIST: LHP Omar Daal.
CONNECTIONS: Rays catcher Brook Fordyce played the past 31/2 seasons in Baltimore. ... Rays pitcher Damian Moss played for the Orioles late last season.
