The team hasn't released anything yet, but I've been really watching this develop and my gut instinct is he'll be playing LF on Opening Day. Why do I think so? The team and most sports-writers (on Orioles.com and in the Baltimore Sun) keep suggesting he will, and also suggesting that the team will only carry two catchers; Gil got placed on waivers; The Depth Chart got reorganized yesterday, removing Kevin Millar from LF and making him our F/T DH.

With Millar no longer listed at LF, the Depth Chart shows Conine as the starter... I have trouble believing that for two reasons: (1) Markakis has outplayed Conine in Spring Training, and (2) If Conine gets too many at-bats the team has to keep him next year and find something to do with him. By next year Conine will make a better coach than player, and the FO knows it. He won't be the everyday starter.

So, again, I think Markakis is a lock to make the Opening Day roster and that the FO is just holding out for a big announcement later this week.

Thoughts?