A.L. reports

Sporting News, The, June 7, 2004

ANAHIEM ANGELES LF Jose Guillen's recent criticism of Angels pitchers for not retaliating against Blue Jays hitters after he was hit by a pitch is a telling byproduct of his frustration over opponents busting him inside regularly.... RHP Francisco Rodriguez is pitching like the "K-Rod" of the 2002 playoffs because he's trusting his stuff and not trying to be too fine. His fastball reaches 95 mph, and his wicked slider, which he has been throwing for strikes even when behind in the count, has the same arm speed.... Shane Halter is struggling at third base because he's letting the ball play him. The negative results have snowballed to the point where he considers his defensive problems similar to a slump at the plate.... Jose Molina's fast start at throwing out potential basestealers and his improved mobility after losing weight in the offseason have made him an almost equal option at catcher to his Gold Glove brother, Bengie, who has been sluggish. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The bullpen has a different look but is as effective as ever, particularly because RHP Scot Shields' 94-mph sinker has made him a perfect replacement for injured RHP Brendan Donnelly, and rookie RHP Kevin Gregg has gotten ahead of hitters with a good fastball and sneaky changeup. RHP Ramon Ortiz, a former starter, is topping out at 94 mph, and the team says he is throwing his best slider in two years.--Doug Miller

MAY GRADES

Offense: C Feeling the effects of the injuries.

Pitching: B Starters clicking, 'pen still solid.

Defense: C Position changes limit continuity.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES The pitching staff is in disarray. RHP Rodrigo Lopez's return to the rotation has left a huge hole in the bullpen. The experiment of promoting RHP Denny Bautista, a top prospect, failed miserably; he now will have to regain his confidence at Class AA Bowie.... With Brian Roberts struggling mightily and Jerry Hairston healthy, there is a looming controversy at second base. Hairston has not hidden his desire to reclaim the full-time job, and Roberts admits he is pressing. His most recent slump began two days before Hairston was activated from the disabled list.... The club likely will seek a righthanded hitter who can come off the bench. Recently recalled IF Jose Leon will help, but he has yet to excel at the major league level.... The club admitted it made a mistake with C Keith Osik, parting ways with him after his disappointing stretch as Javy Lopez's backup. Veteran Robert Machado was called up to replace Osik. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: When manager Lee Mazzilli turns to his bullpen, he doesn't base his decisions solely on matchups. Some managers simply go lefty-lefty or righty-righty; Mazzilli, on the other hand, trusts his instincts and will be against the book at times. As a result, he has built his relievers' confidence, and they are ready to pitch in any situation.--Gary Washburn

MAY GRADES

Offense: B- Must improve with RISP.

Pitching: D The team is running out of options.

Defense: B Fielders are making silly mistakes.

BOSTON RED SOX With Bill Mueller (knee surgery) out until early July, rookie 3B Kevin Youkilis will get invaluable on-the-job training. Youkilis, a disciplined righthanded hitter, has held his own since being thrust into the lineup on May 15. He has plenty of confidence for a 25-year-old, and that will serve him well as he learns how to be a major leaguer.... The club made a savvy move by giving a two-year contract extension to DH David Ortiz. The 28-year-old lefthanded slugger is in his prime and is a lethal Fenway Park hitter. He also is a jovial clubhouse personality who keeps things loose in a high-pressure market.... There is growing sentiment in the clubhouse that C Jason Varitek is the one player among the team's four key potential free agents who must be retained. No one disputes the value of RHPs Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe and SS Nomar Garciaparra, but Varitek's work habits and intangibles make him invaluable. SCOUTING REPORT: Varitek is the rare switch hitter who is equally adept from both sides of the plate. In the past two years, he has made major strides, becoming a more patient hitter. Varitek crushes mistakes when he's hitting well. He also gets hits at key times. Behind the plate, Varitek is in charge. Pitchers rave about the way he calls a game. If he has a weakness, it's his throwing.--Ian Browne

Offense: C Ramirez is asked to do too much.

Pitching: B Foulke has been terrific.

Defense: C Nixon's loss has been crushing.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX As manager Ozzie Guillen looks for a fifth starter who can keep the team in the game for five innings, G.M. Ken Williams has set his sights on a bigger prize. Williams is looking for a No. 1 or 2 starter, which could make the White Sox's rotation as strong as any in baseball.... LHP Neal Cotts and RHP Jon Adkins will remain in the bullpen for the time being. The organization believes the two youngsters have starting potential, but Guillen doesn't want to harm their confidence. Cotts gave up four runs in 2 1/3 innings against the Twins in his first start this season.... With Juan Uribe now the everyday second baseman, former starter Willie Harris could become part of a center field platoon with AAron Rowand, or his playing time could be cut significantly.... Guillen wants struggling 3B Joe Crede to have more fun on the field. Crede has been pressing, trying to be perfect in every at-bat. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Sandy Alomar catches fast-working LHPs Mark Buehrle and Scott Schoeneweis because of his game-calling ability. He allows the two to work rapidly because he has a great understanding of hitters and of what pitches will work, and the pair trusts him enough to throw what is called. That avoids delays in deciding on pitch selection. Alomar's play provides terrific on-the-job instruction for young Miguel Olivo.--Scott Merkin