FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Though the routine isn't completely back to normal, it's inching closer.

	“	We've been ready to focus and move on since the memorial service Wednesday. The energy isn't going to go from low to high. It's a gradual process. ”
		— O's manager Mike Hargrove

The usual assortment of breakfast foods sat on a table inside the Orioles' clubhouse Saturday morning. Players filled their plates and shared a meal before putting on their uniforms and heading outdoors.

The club went through its fifth day of workouts since pitcher Steve Bechler died from complications related to heat stroke. The energy level has increased, along with the volume, as drills are performed on three fields. Grieving continues, but it hasn't shut down a team trying to rise in the standings after five consecutive fourth-place finishes.

"We've been ready to focus and move on since the memorial service Wednesday,'' manager Mike Hargrove said. "The energy isn't going to go from low to high. It's a gradual process.''

Reminders of Bechler are found on the right sleeve of players' practice jerseys, where a patch with his No. 51 has been sewn. They also are found in the dugout, where Bechler's wife, Kiley, spent a few minutes watching Friday's workout and paramedics who treated him visited on Saturday.

Bechler's parents have returned to Medford, Ore., but Kiley wanted to stay in Fort Lauderdale and participate in Sunday's charity breakfast at the stadium. She's been advised by her legal representative not to speak with the media until after Bechler's toxicology report is released by the Broward County medical examiner within the next few weeks, according to an Orioles official.

"Kiley and I have had conversations and she's an amazingly strong woman,'' Hargrove said. "I think everybody has to deal with things their own way, and that's what we're trying to do, to allow everybody in the room to grieve or find some solace however they can. I think it's a very good approach to take.

"Having her here isn't a problem at all. In fact, we encourage it,'' Hargrove added.

Players who notice her in the dugout will stop by to ask how she's doing before proceeding into the clubhouse. It seems to be the only distraction they allow themselves. Baseball once again has consumed them.

"It lightens the load a little bit,'' outfielder Gary Matthews said.

"This is how we work through things,'' said first baseman Jeff Conine. "We do what we do and that helps us get over it.''

So will the passing of time, though Hargrove knows he'll be answering questions about Bechler throughout spring training and the regular season.

"You don't want to forget Steve,'' he said, "and we won't.''