When the Orioles scored two runs in the first inning on Opening Day, it looked like their offense could be headed for a big day. However, they managed only four hits in the next eight innings and lost to the Rays, 6-2.

On Wednesday, designated hitter Cliff Floyd gave the Rays an early lead by hitting a three-run homer off Orioles starting pitcher Daniel Cabrera. After the Orioles battled back to tie the game, the Rays chased Cabrera from the game in the fifth inning by scoring three more runs to take a 6-3 lead. But the Orioles scored two times in the sixth and four times in the bottom of the eighth to earn a 9-6 victory.

While we’re only two games into the 2008 season, I have the feeling that this inconsistent tone is going to be the main baseball story line in Baltimore this season. There will be times when the Orioles are able to battle from behind to earn victories, but there will also be plenty of times when the offense completely disappears.

After the first series, it is already becoming clear that second baseman Brian Roberts and right fielder Nick Markakis will be the main fantasy contributors for the Orioles this season. Roberts was 3-for-5 with a home run, a stolen base and two runs scored in the first series. Markakis was almost as impressive as Roberts. He was 3-for-7 with two runs scored in the two games against Tampa Bay.

As I’m sure most you are aware, this weekend marks the only time this season that starting pitcher Erik Bedard will return to Baltimore. Barring any rainouts, he’s scheduled to pitch in Sunday’s game against Jeremy Guthrie.

It will be interesting to see how Bedard performs against the Orioles in his first game against his former team. In his first start this season against the Texas Rangers, Bedard had four walks and five strikeouts in five innings.

Pitching matchups

Friday 4/4: Steve Trachsel vs. Jarrod Washburn
Saturday 4/5: Adam Loewen vs. Miguel Batista
Sunday 4/6: Jeremy Guthrie vs. Erik Bedard
Monday 4/7: Brian Burres vs. Felix Hernandez

Who you should play from the Mariners

Ichiro Suzuki, CF – It’s pretty much certain that Ichiro will be playing if he’s on your roster, but check again before the series opener to ensure that he’s starting this weekend for your fantasy team. Ichiro has a .387 batting average, 53 runs scored and 21 stolen bases in 65 career games against the Orioles. He’s scored more runs against the Orioles than any other team that’s not in the AL West. In the first three games of the season, Ichiro is 4-for-12 with three runs scored, but all of his hits have been singles. That could change this weekend in Baltimore.

Who you should bench from the Mariners

Adrian Beltre, 3B – Although he’s off to a quick start (4-for-11), Beltre hasn’t had much success in his career against the Orioles. When playing Baltimore, he’s hitting .228 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 33 games. It might be a good idea to sit Beltre on the bench for the weekend if you have a better option. Nevertheless, Beltre is one of the better third basemen in the league so don’t worry if he’s the only option on your team. As the season progresses, he’ll make up for any struggles he encounters against the Orioles.

Who you should play from the Orioles

Nick Markakis, RF – In the first two games of the season, Markakis collected three hits and scored twice. He is hitting .348 with 14 RBIs in 18 career games against Seattle. Like any baseball player, Markakis will likely deal with slumps during the year. It’s important to maximize his value by having him in your lineup when he is facing the teams that he traditionally plays well against. The Mariners fall into this category, so make sure he’s in your lineup this weekend.

Who you should bench from the Orioles

Adam Jones, CF – A lot of fantasy owners, particularly the optimistic Orioles fans out there, took a chance by drafting Jones this season. He’s going to be given every opportunity to be successful in 2008, but it’s a good idea to let him ride your bench this weekend. It’s his first opportunity to prove to the Mariners that they made a mistake by sending him to Baltimore as part of the deal for Bedard. Jones may have a successful series, but it’s probably safer to play a veteran in center field at this point in the year.