Orioles have plenty of possible answers for questions marks

The Orioles are stockpiling arms.

Relievers, starters, it doesn't matter.

With last week's trade of veteran and de facto ace Jeremy Guthrie, the Orioles have no clear-cut Opening Day starter and they don't have a clear-cut closer.

While questions about the composition of the Orioles pitching staff remains, there is one thing the Orioles don't lack: options.

Tommy Hunter and Jake Arrieta are the only returning starters penciled into the rotation. Free agent acquisition Wei-Yin Chen likely has the inside track on another rotation spot.

Fellow free agent lefty Tsuyoshi Wada also stands a chance to break camp in the rotation.

Jason Hammel, acquired from Colorado in the Guthrie swap, probably will have a shot at the rotation after starting 27 of the 32 games in which he appeared in 2011.

The Orioles have three young, promising starters to pick from too, including left-handers Zach Britton and Brian Matusz, and right-hander Chris Tillman. Britton stands the best chance of cracking the rotation, with Matusz and Tillman battling inconsistency in 2011.

The club also has some veteran options for the rotation, namely Dana Eveland and non-roster spring training invite Armando Gallaraga.

The bullpen is another animal altogether.

Jim Johnson is the likely closer, but will see competition from Matt Lindstrom -- acquired from Colorado in the Guthrie deal -- as well as last year's Opening Day closer Kevin Gregg.

The Orioles have plenty of pitching depth for 2012, but there are no obvious leaders among the staff.

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