A.L. East

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

SS Miguel Tejada and RF Sammy Sosa have put an end to their early home run slumps, but the organization is slightly concerned about 1B Rafael Palmeiro, who isn't hitting for power. Palmeiro, 40, vowed to be stronger and more productive this season but is falling into the same bad habits that led to his struggles last season. He is trying to pull every pitch and still is affected mentally by defensive shifts.... RHP Todd Williams has proved to be a valuable commodity because of his versatility. He didn't allow any runs in spring training and is effective in both long relief and situational roles. SCOUTING REPORT: 2B Brian Roberts has developed into a quality hitter because he makes solid contact and drives the ball into the gaps. He led the A.L with a club-record 50 doubles last year; now he's hitting for power because he's stronger. Defensively, Roberts is adequate but sometimes errs on routine plays. He occasionally rushes to turn a double play instead of slowing down and getting the first out.--Gary Washburn

BOSTON RED SOX

RHP Wade Miller (rotator cuff) is altering his mechanics to lessen the stress on his shoulder. Because he has a three-quarters release point instead of a classic over-the-top delivery, he tends to move his arm across his body on the follow-through, which might have contributed to his injury.... With 3B Kevin Youkilis optioned to Class AAA, utilityman Ramon Vazquez will get more frequent playing time. Vazquez can play three infield spots. Youkilis was hurt by the fact the Red Sox hardly ever need a pinch hitter. SCOUTING RIBPORT: RHP Bronson Arroyo makes opposing hitters uncomfortable. His best pitch is his curve, which many sluggers swing at too early, and his slider often is chased out of the zone. Arroyo isn't a hard thrower but knows how to spot his fastball, which usually hovers between 88 and 91 mph. Arroyo also is adept at holding runners and fielding. A late bloomer at 28, he could emerge as a 15-game winner if he stays in the rotation.--Ian Browne

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS

Manager Lou Piniella plans to hit and run a lot this season, and 2B Jorge Cantu says executing a successful hit-and-ran comes down to one's ability to put the ball on the ground. Even if the ball doesn't get through the infield, which would allow a runner on first base to reach third, a ground ball almost ensures the runner at first will make it safely to second.... LHP Scott Kazmir threw 89 and 100 pitches in his first two starts and only pitched through the fifth inning in both. Kazmir has a difficult time keeping his pitch count low because he lacks command and is a hard thrower whose pitches often are missed or fouled off. SCOUTING REPORT: Cantu is a knowledgeable player with the versatility to play all of the infield positions. lie has a strong arm and good baseball instincts. Most important, he can swing the bat, as shown by his three home runs in the first four games this season. Some scouts point to his big swing as a weakness, but Cantu has used that swing at every level he has played.--Bill Chastain

NEW YORK YANKEES

Jorge Posada probably will catch 125 to 130 games, leaving 30 to 35 starts for John Flaherty. Most of Flaherty's starts will come on days when RHP Kevin Brown pitches. The two worked together during the spring, giving manager Joe Torre the idea to use Flaherty as Brown's personal catcher.... With the offense struggling in the first couple of weeks, Torre tinkered with the order, including lifting 2B Tony Womack from ninth to leadoff to add speed to the top of the lineup.... Several relievers-RHPs Steve Kathy, Paul Quantrill and Felix Rodriguez and LHP Mike Stanton--will have trouble staying sharp unless they get more appearances.

SCOUTING REPORT: LHP Randy Johnson isn't worried about allowing five runs in two of his first three starts. His velocity hasn't been at full strength, but that's normal for him early in the season. Once his arm strength reaches its full potential, he should return to Cy Young form.--Mark Feinsand

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Two of SS John McDonald's first three starts came when RHP Roy Halladay was on the mound. But the Jays aren't committing to using the defensive specialist as Halladay's personal shortstop.... OF Reed Johnson is an adept bunter and uses the skill for several purposes. He can bunt for a hit, which he does when the defense is playing deep. He can sacrifice, forcing the first or third baseman to field the ball and make a play away from the lead runner. And he can drag the ball up the first base line, allowing a runner on third to score easily. The key to that play is keeping the ball away from the pitcher, who can hang the lead runner up if the bunt isn't placed right up the line. SCOUTING REPORT: McDonald makes the routine plays at shortstop as consistently as anybody in the game. He also has a flair for the spectacular, ranging far to his left or right to snare sure singles. He has a strong, accurate arm, which allows him to make plays alter his momentum carries him away from first or after a diving stop.--Spencer Fordin

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