Great news from the AP

The O's will open the season with a rotation of Sidney Ponson, Eric DuBose, Kurt Ainsworth, Matt Riley and Eric Bedard. The great news? R-Lo is in the pen.

Manager Lee Mazzilli said, ``It was a very difficult decision to make. The kid [Bedard] made a case for himself this spring -- not that Rodrigo did not, by any stretch. I just feel we're a stronger club right now going this way.''

This is a huge comeback for Bedard. He had ligament replacement surgery in September 2002 and pitched in only six minor league games last year.