MARYVALE, Ariz. -- Spring training opened with a lot of questions for the Milwaukee Brewers. Some have been answered and some have not.

The Brewers have learned that Geoff Jenkins looks healed in left field, that Eric Young should be a catalyst at the top of the lineup, that Ben Sheets could be ready for a big season on the mound, that Richie Sexson can still hit a ball a long way and that Alex Ochoa and Matt Stairs could prove to be good substitutes for Jeromy Burnitz in right.

But, they went into the last week of spring training with major question marks on their pitching staff, uncertainty at third base, a hole in center that still has to be filled and definite doubts about their overall health.

"We should be addressing some of the remaining question marks in the next four to five days," manager Davey Lopes said. "We need to get another look at some of the guys who are coming back from injuries to make our decisions."

Sheets will be the Opening Day starter, in part because he has a fine spring, despite a somewhat rocky outing last Saturday, and in part through attrition. "I have felt good here. Now, I have to do it for a full season," Sheets said.

Jamey Wright missed a few weeks with a strained oblique muscle in his left side and has had only a couple spring training appearances. He likely will be pushed back in the rotation to get in a little extra work before he has to face hitters for real. He is scheduled to pitch Saturday in an exhibition game against the White Sox at Miller Park.

Nick Neugebauer has progressed slowly because of lingering shoulder problems and a virus. He was still a question mark as a possible fifth starter.

Glendon Rusch has not had a great spring, but looks like he should be able to give the Brewers steady service as the only lefthanded starter. He likely will start the season as the No. 2 starter.

Ruben Quevedo struggled most of the spring and is a question mark. He will start Friday night at Miller Park against the White Sox.

Paul Rigdon also struggled, but remains in the rotation mix. If he does not make the rotation, he probably will be in long relief.

The bullpen, a strength last season, was depleted by injuries, but the Brewers made a couple deals to address the shortage. Chad Fox, projected as the closer, and Curtis Leskanic, the closer for most of last season, will start the season on the disabled list.

Mike De Jean will likely close. Ray King and Takahito Nomura will probably be the lefthanded setup men, although Valerio De Los Santos could replace Nomura if he is healthy.

Jose Cabrera, picked up in a deal that sent catcher Henry Blanco to Atlanta, will probably team with Luis Vizcaino, who was acquired from Oakland this week, in middle relief.

At third base, Tyler Houston, Ron Belliard and Mark Loretta were all still around. Houston and Belliard have played well enough this spring to probably earn a platoon at third, with Loretta being the odd man out. He could end up as a $5 million utility player if the Brewers can't trade him.

Jeffrey Hammonds, who missed much of last season with a shoulder injury, had not yet proven that he is healthy enough to fill the hole in center. Hammonds was playing in games this week and will appear at Miller Park.

Alex Sanchez, who has had a great spring, will likely start in center if Hammonds is not ready.

On the plus side, Jenkins reported he is feeling fine and was hitting. Sexson had homered in two straight games and was making more consistent contact than he did last season. If those two players can stay healthy, they anchor the attack.

"We need Geoff to stay in the lineup," Sexson said. "He is such a big part of what we can do on offense. If he and I can have good years, it will help a lot."

Young was giving every indication he is still in excellent shape for a 34-year-old player and can give the Brewers a legitimate leadoff hitter. Ochoa has been swinging a hot bat almost all spring, and Stairs provides a lefthanded complement.

The likely batting order could be: Young 2B, Sanchez CF, Jenkins LF, Sexson 1B, Ochoa or Stairs RF, Houston 3B, Jose Hernandez SS, Raul Casanova or Paul Bako C and the pitcher. When Belliard plays, he could move to the No. 2 spot. So could Loretta when he plays. If Hammonds plays, scratch Sanchez. Hammonds would likely bat second or fifth.

Olympic gold medal winner Chris Witty of West Allis will be honored before the Friday exhibition game at Miller Park. Tickets are still available for both games.

The Brewers will also pay tribute to other Wisconsin Olympians. Issac Menyoli (Cross Country Skiing, Milwaukee), Debbie McCormick (Curling, Pardeeville), and Myles Brundidge (Curling, Nekoosa) will be in attendance.
 
Renowned tenor, Douglas Jimerson, will be on-hand to perform the National Anthem prior to the game on Friday. Pre-game ceremonies will begin at 6:40 pm.

On Saturday, the Brewers will pay tribute to the All-Stars of the future, as members of the Brewers Little Hitters, Girls of Summer and RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner-Cities) baseball leagues will be a part of the pre-game festivities.

Dozens of children will be on the field playing catch and three children will toss out ceremonial first pitches with one child representing each league. The Brewers created these three leagues to give kids throughout Wisconsin a chance to play organized baseball under the Brewers umbrella. This year, more than 3,000 children are expected to participate statewide.

Eleven-year old Elle Gerdes of Oak Forest, Illinois, will sing the National Anthem on Saturday. Pre-game ceremonies on Saturday will begin at 12:45 pm.

Only single tickets are available for the regular season home opener on April 5, against the defending World Series champs, the Arizona Diamondbacks.