Wieters on Markakis leaving

Since the day that Nick Markakis made his decision to accept a four-year offer from the Braves, I've been asked about the leadership void in the Orioles clubhouse and how it will be filled.

Does it even exist?

Let's take a look.

Adam Jones is the vocal leader, and younger players also can turn to J.J. Hardy, Matt Wieters and Darren O'Day, among others. But Markakis was a highly respected and popular figure whose absence will be felt.

Wieters has a home in the Atlanta area and he's been throwing down there for about three weeks while working his way back from ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. He spoke to Markakis on the phone a few times since the right fielder changed teams and underwent his own surgery to remove a herniated disc and fuse vertebrae in his spine.

They haven't seen each other, but it's only a matter of time.

"It's difficult for players in the clubhouse to see what kind of teammate and person Nick has been his whole career with the Orioles," Wieters said. "Seeing him go definitely hurts the clubhouse and hurts the team, but at the same time we've always been a clubhouse that kind of rallies and the next guy steps up."

Another veteran outfielder, Nelson Cruz, signed with the Mariners, and left-hander Andrew Miller signed with the Yankees. Joker, joker and the triple.

"I'll wish all the guys all the best in their careers," Wieters said, "but when it comes down to it, opening day will be whichever 25 guys are in the locker room and ready to go."

It's way too early to project the 25-man roster on opening day, but we must remember that Chris Davis won't be on it. And not because the Padres have inquired about his availability.

Davis has one game remaining on his suspension and can't play in the opener. He can work out in Sarasota and play in exhibition games. That's it.

It's doubtful that the Orioles would carry 24 players for their first game against the Rays at Tropicana Field. Someone is going to survive the final round of cuts in spring training - just long enough to dress for one day before heading to the minor league camp at Twin Lakes Park.

Former Orioles pitcher and current MASN analyst Dave Johnson suggested yesterday that first baseman Christian Walker could be that player. It's a good guess unless manager Buck Showalter decides to carry an extra reliever.