Orioles still considering prospect Markakis

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The decision won't make itself. Baltimore manager Sam Perlozzo found himself besieged with more questions about his outfield on Friday, one day after Nick Markakis went 4-for-4 against the Nationals.

That hot day at the plate moved the prospect's spring average to .356, and it's not based on a small sample size. Markakis went into Friday's game with 45 at-bats -- third on the team -- and a realistic shot at breaking camp with the parent club.

"It certainly helps when you see somebody do that," said Perlozzo, speaking of the four-hit performance. "Those are the kinds of things you want to see happen to make your decisions tougher. You'd rather it be that kind of tough decision than the opposite, where you have two or three guys that aren't stepping forward."

Markakis is wedged into Perlozzo's demolition derby for left field, a group that also includes Kevin Millar, Jeff Conine and Luis Matos. Matos also is vying for playing time in center, and Conine and Millar likely will see some time at first base and designated hitter. Still, if Markakis makes the team, it won't be to share playing time -- with anyone.

"On this team, he's going to play most of the time until he shows that he can't," said Perlozzo. "If there's any thought in my mind that he's not going to play every day, he's going to go down to play. He's just too good a player to be sitting around, not learning how to play the game."

The left-handed hitter flew out in a pinch-hitting role in Friday's ninth inning, and Matos wound up slamming a two-run homer to win the game. Still, Perlozzo has been struck by Markakis' ability to work pitchers and get on base, a trait that sticks out when compared to the more experienced players on Baltimore's roster.

"The one thing I think has been really impressive is his knowledge of the strike zone for a young kid. He's got as good knowledge of the strike zone as anyone on the team," Perlozzo said. "It's still Spring Training, you know, but you have to do it some place. He's obviously been doing his part.

"When you've only been out a year and a half, and you don't see him make too many bad swings, that's what I think helps his ability to make the club."

Aches and pains: Late Thursday, Todd Williams headed to the team's Minor League complex in Sarasota, where he'll continue his rehabilitation from a strained right calf. The right-handed reliever likely will start the season on the disabled list, and since he hasn't pitched in any exhibition games, his stint can be dated retroactively.

Quotable: "It will sort out. I'm as anxious to have it sort out as you are -- believe me." -- Perlozzo, deflecting another question about his timetable for an outfield decision