A.L. East

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

The decision to trade LHP Matt Riley, a fading prospect who has failed to produce, and keep RHP Rick Bauer and LHP Bruce Chen was an easy one. Riley infuriated coaches by coming to camp with the mentality that he needed to work on mechanics and pitches instead of competing for a job. Bauer and Chen reported to camp in shape and worked hard. ... Though some officials were slightly concerned about SS Miguel Tejada's offseason weight increase, scouts say he hasn't lost any bat speed. He appeared to be trimmer near the end of camp. SCOUTING REPORT: LHP Erik Bedard has wowed scouts with his stuff at times but needs to be more aggressive and throw more strikes early in the count. As his rookie year wore on, Bedard was hurt by hitters who fouled off his curveball or took it outside the strike zone and waited to jump on his fastball. If he can throw his curve for strikes, he'll get ahead in the count and get quicker outs. He needs to pitch deeper into games.--Gary Washburn

BOSTON RED SOX

The reacquisition of LHP Mike Myers means the team has everything covered in its bullpen. With his sidearm delivery, Myers is especially useful against some of the game's elite lefthanded hitters. ... RF Trot Nixon will bat second against righthanders. A terrific fastball hitter, Nixon should have a feast in front of the team's mashers, LF Manny Ramirez and DH David Ortiz. SS Edgar Renteria likely will hit second against lefties. ... Ramirez has been a mentor to Renteria this spring, going out of his way to help Renteria feel comfortable in his new surroundings. SCOUTING REPORT: Renteria gives the Sox one of the most complete shortstops in the game. He makes up for a lack of power with his penchant for driving the ball into the gaps. Renteria's bat should benefit from playing at Fenway Park; the question is: How much? On defense, he does everything well, combining strong range, sure hands and a solid arm. Renteria also offers speed to a team that doesn't have much.--Ian Browne

NEW YORK YANKEES

Bubba Crosby won the final spot on the roster; the team likes his combination of solid defense, aggressiveness and baserunning ability. Look for Crosby to spell Bernie Williams in center field and serve as a pinch runner. ... Ruben Sierra will be the team's primary pinch hitter. He also might start once or twice a week, either in left field or as the designated hitter--assuming DH Jason Giambi, whom manager Joe Torte wants to use on a semiregular basis, can play first base on occasion. SCOUTING REPORT: RHP Steve Karsay finally feels as well as he did before shoulder surgery in 2003 and expects to be a significant contributor to the bullpen. During the final week of spring training, Karsay's velocity was back to near his presurgery level, and his splitter and curveball were extremely sharp. If he stays healthy, Karsay, 33, will provide valuable depth. He pitched in only seven games last season.--Mark Feinsand

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS

The pitchers earned praise this spring from manager Lou Piniella, who was pleased with their ability to throw strikes. This is not a staff of strikeout pitchers; one of the keys to success this season will be getting hitters to put the ball in play while staying away from their power zones. ... The Devil Rays are short on power hitters, so manufacturing runs will be a priority. Expect the club to bunt (including using frequent squeeze plays), steal bases and hit and run-anything to put runs on the board. Piniella also believes in being proactive to create matchups that favor his hitters. SCOUTING REPORT: DH Josh Phelps is one of the team's few sources of power. Phelps, 26, has a history of producing home runs when given consistent at-bats-he hit a career-high 20 home runs in a career-high 396 at-bats for the Blue Jays in 1993. Phelps should get plenty of chances to hit with the Devil Rays after playing for Toronto and Cleveland last season.--Bill Chastain

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

The team is building its bullpen with an eye toward the future, as indicated by the release of RHP Kerry Ligtenberg. The Jays opted to eat the contracts of Ligtenberg and RHP Billy Koch (released a few weeks ago) in favor of younger arms such as RHPs Jason Frasor (27) Brandon League (22) and Vinnie Chulk (26). ... OF Gabe Gross made the roster on the strength of his offense and will platoon with RF Alexis Rios. But when LHP Ted Lilly returns to the majors, Gross likely will be sent back to Class AAA to develop because the Jays plan to expand their pitching staff from 11 to 12. SCOUTING REPORT: CF Vernon Wells has the total package and is only getting better. Wells will be the team's main power threat this season. His main weakness is an aversion to walks--he's an aggressive hitter who specializes in pounding off-speed mistakes. Wells can expect tougher at-bats this season. Without Carlos Delgado behind him, pitchers likely will treat Wells with greater care.--Spencer Fordin

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