Like Tony La Russa at a stoplight, the well-oiled machine that is the Orioles has sat idling since the December 12 deal that sent Miguel Tejada to Houston. So, no news.

Plenty of rumors, though. As we creep closer to spring training, Baltimore is one big question mark. The only certainty is that 2008 promises to be every bit as much fun as 2007 was. By all indications, owner Peter Angelos is keeping his nose out of warehouse poobah Andy MacPhail's business to enact his vision of an Orioles winner.

MacPhail has yet to blink in his staring contests with Seattle, Cincinnati (for Erik Bedard) and the Cubs (for Brian Roberts). MacPhail's clearly not going to budge in his demands for big-league-ready talent and top prospects. He's got both guys locked up through next year and appears content to wait for others to crack.

What'll happen to Corey Patterson? He'll likely be back, barring a deal for a center fielder.

Melvin Mora's still around, waving (not waiving) his no-trade clause all over the clubhouse. Several years ago, Melvin and his wife had a litter of children -¡dios mio! ¡quintuplets! - and they're all just about school-age by now. So the Harford County, Maryland school system will soon say hola to five Venezuelan-American kids named Mora. And the O's will say an unenthusiastic hello to their pouty third baseman. Mora will likely have to share third base duties with Scott Moore, who joined to O's late last season as part of the Steve Trachsel steal, uh, deal.

How about Jay Gibbons? MacPhail was seen tying an anchor to Gibbons's leg and dragging him down Conway Street to the Inner Harbor. A non-juiced Jay Gibbons isn't much use to anyone.

And Aubrey Huff? MacPhail, Angelos, manager Dave Trembley and all the ushers and beer men would love to have Huff whacked before opening day. Since that's unlikely and Huff has a multiyear deal (thanks Mike Flanagan and Jim Duquette!), the Oriole...

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