Buzzmaster

  (11:18 AM)

Nick will be here at 11:30 a.m. ET to take your questions!

Buzzmaster

  (11:32 AM)

Nick will be here shortly, everyone!

Buzzmaster

  (11:34 AM)

Nick is just finishing up batting practice and will talk with us shortly.

Nick Markakis

  (11:41 AM)

Hey, how is everyone?

Brad (Baltimore, MD)

It seems that every year you have been with the Orioles, you have been able to locate a specific part of your game and fine tuned it without regressing elsewhere. For example, last year you seemed to really improve on your fielding. What part of your game do you plan on focusing on this year?

Nick Markakis

  (11:42 AM)

Every aspect of the game is important. I try to work on all areas of it, not just one--that's how you get better as a player.

Mike (New York)

Which pitcher do you least like to face in the AL East?

Nick Markakis

  (11:42 AM)

I'd have to say Roy Halladay. I have a lot of trouble with him.

Gavin (Berkshire County)

Who is the funniest player on the Orioles now that Millar headed North?

Nick Markakis

  (11:43 AM)

It's hard to replace Kevin. He's one of a kind. Everyone on the Orioles has a great personality, and we all fit really well here.

Mike (Boston, MA)

Hi Nick, Living in Boston now but a huge O's fan. Which of the young pitchers impressed you most in spring training?

Nick Markakis

  (11:44 AM)

Brian Matusz.

Jay (Boston, MA)

Hi Nick, thanks for chatting with us. There's been lots of hype around Matt Wieters. How has he impressed you, and when do you think he'll be called up?

Nick Markakis

  (11:44 AM)

He could be playing here right now. They felt he needed to work on a couple more things, but I couldn't complain about anything I saw.

Vince (Pittsburgh)

Other than Camden Yards, what is your favorite place to play. Have you hit at citizens bank park yet?

Nick Markakis

  (11:45 AM)

I like hitting in Safeco Field in Seattle.

James (Ann Arbor, MI)

Nick, what do you usually do for a pregame routine?

Nick Markakis

  (11:46 AM)

Nothing special. The only thing I like to do is wake myself up by getting in the hot and cold tubs. I also take a few swings in the cage before I go out.

Devin: (Baltimore)

What's the best insult you've heard hurled your way out of the RF stands?

Nick Markakis

  (11:46 AM)

There's been a lot of different things that I'm not able to say on this. It's hard to answer without saying what I want to say. I'll have to pass on that one.

Steve (Springfield, MA)

Who do you like in the Final Four this year??

Nick Markakis

  (11:47 AM)

I'll have to say Villanova. They play very good defense and are a lot of fun to watch.

Mo (NYC)

How long before the Birds contend again?

Nick Markakis

  (11:48 AM)

I think we're still in the building block stage. Hopefully next year or the year after. All things considered, we're going to do the best we can this year.

milt (Cumberland, Maryland)

Hi Nick, do you think 28-30 homeruns is a realistic goal for you this year? Do you like to set goals like this for yourself?

Nick Markakis

  (11:48 AM)

I don't necessarily like to set goals, then there's a lot of pressure to get to your goals. Anything's possible...wherever I end up at the end of the year is where I end up.

Will (WV)

Whats your take on the AL East this year with Tampa Bay having its expectency level so high?

Nick Markakis

  (11:49 AM)

It's gonna be tough. Every team in the East is capable of winning. We'll see.

Mike: (college Park):

who's got a better arm, you or Jones?

Nick Markakis

  (11:49 AM)

Adam Jones, by far.

Ed: (NY)

If you weren't able to play baseball any more, what do you think you'd be doing?

Nick Markakis

  (11:50 AM)

Probably teaching...coaching a high school team somewhere.

Andrew (Baltimore)

Hey Nick, you can choose one player on any other team in MLB to join the Orioles. Who's your pick?

Nick Markakis

  (11:51 AM)

I'd have to say Tim Lincecum...he's young and really good.

AJC (West Warwick, Rhode Island)

What was your favorite team growing up?

Nick Markakis

  (11:51 AM)

Red Sox.

Nick Markakis

  (11:52 AM)

Thanks to everyone for getting on and asking questions. It was fun, and hopefully we'll do it again sometime!