A few final questions before the opener

Thankfully, we are almost out of time to predict and project and prognosticate on what may happen during the 2016 baseball season. That is because it starts today for six teams and for the Orioles tomorrow afternoon.

The long spring is finally over. But in our final hours leading up to opening day, here are three questions about the 2016 Orioles. There are many others we will get answers on during the season, as well.

How will the rotation fare?: This is the big one and one we'll be tracking closely during the year. Chris Tillman needs to pitch better than last year while the O's hope to get a lift from newcomer Yovani Gallardo.

This unit is on the spot this year. The rotation is just one element of the team, but it's a big one and the pressure is on the starting five.

Can the offense scratch out some runs?: We know the Orioles will hit a lot of home runs. They will probably hit 200 or more for the fifth straight year. There have only been nine seasons the team has hit 200 or more in club history and they've done it every year since 2012.

But on nights when the homers don't come, will the Orioles be able to manufacture or scratch out a run or two to make the difference between a win and loss? It was a weakness of the offense in 2015. The Orioles ability to add a few wins by scratching out important runs could be big this season.

Who will surprise us?: If we knew this answer, we wouldn't have to ask the question. But there are surprises every year. Some players perform better than expected and some play worse.

Steve Pearce surprised in a good way in 2014 and also by not performing as well last year (not to pick on him). There are sure to be a few surprises this season as well.

Here are some over-under prop bets listed for the Orioles from the online sportsbook Bovada.lv.

* Manny Machado - .285 batting average, 29.5 homers, 90.5 RBIs.

* Adam Jones - 27.5 homers, 89.5 RBIs.

* Chris Davis - 39.5 homers, 105.5 RBIs.

* Mark Trumbo - 25.5 homers.

* Chris Tillman - 11.5 wins.

* Ubaldo Jimenez - 11.5 wins.

* Zach Britton - 35.5 saves.

What are some key questions you have about the 2016 Orioles? How many games will they win?