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A.L. report

Sporting News, The, Jan 14, 2005

SPOTLIGHT: Rotations

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ANGELS RHP Bartolo Colon can build on his momentum from the second half of 2004 by continuing to use his changeup against righthanded hitters. ... RHP Kelvim Escobar managed to be the team's most consistent starter last season despite getting no run support. His newfound maturity should help him in '05. ATHLETICS With three rookies potentially part of the rotation, LHP Barry Zito and ace-in-training RHP Rich Harden will need to work deep into most games to keep the bullpen from being overworked. Critics point to Zito's inconsistency the past two seasons, but he was the team's second-best pitcher down the stretch behind Harden. BLUE JAYS Questions lie at the back of the rotation; RHP Dave Bush pitched consistently in a strong rookie campaign, but RHP Josh Towers was erratic. Late-season sensation LHP Gustavo Chacin also could be in the mix. DEVIL RAYS RHP Dewon Brazelton has returned to his herky-jerky college delivery, which aids his changeup and fastball. ... LHP Scott Kazmir, 20, has boundless confidence and the potential to become either an ace or a Billy Wagner-type closer. INDIANS If LHP C.C. Sabathia, the team's designated ace, can't anchor the staff and pitch effectively in big games, the rotation will fall apart. Sabathia and young LHP Cliff Lee should be nice complements to veteran RHPs Jake Westbrook and Scott Elarton. ORIOLES Even if he's exonerated, RHP Sidney Ponson's legal troubles in Aruba could cement his reputation as a clown who doesn't take the game seriously enough. RHPs Rodrigo Lopez and Daniel Cabrera, the Nos. 2 and 3 starters, will be depended on to carry the load. MARINERS If RHP Joel Pineiro has completely recovered from an injury to his throwing arm, he should be the opening day starter. ... Hard-throwing 18-year-old RHP Felix Hernandez is one of baseball's best pitching prospects. His chances of gaining a rotation spot will be enhanced if the team doesn't acquire an experienced starter. RANGERS RHPs Chris Young, Ricardo Rodriguez and Juan Dominguez will have a chance to make their marks as the team makes a commitment to developing young starting pitching. They'll be counted on to provide quality and consistency at the bottom of the rotation. RED SOX RHP Curt Schilling could miss his first four or five starts as he recovers from ankle surgery, but the additions of big-game LHP David Wells and talented RHP Matt Clement should provide sufficient depth to withstand Schilling's absence. Working with a catcher of Jason Varitek's caliber could elevate Clement's game. ROYALS RHP Jose Lima is a veteran innings eater who can help take pressure off a young bullpen and keep the clubhouse loose. ... RHP Zack Greinke should emerge as the staff's best pitcher. He has the uncanny knack for throwing everything from 95-mph fastballs to 62-mph curveballs with great accuracy. TIGERS RHP Jeremy Bonderman is a consistent changeup away from becoming a 22-year-old staff ace. ... Nate Robertson pitches so aggressively that he's considered a power lefty, even though his fastball doesn't reach the mid-90s and his strikeout pitch is a slurve. TWINS Lost in LHP Johan Santana's Cy Young season was RHP Brad Radke's performance. Though his win total didn't reflect it, many felt Radke never pitched better. He'll continue to provide control and consistency. ... As a first-year starter in '04, RHP Carlos Silva won 14 games and developed pitches to complement his hard sinker, experience that could make him more effective this year. WHITE SOX The team has two big-game pitchers in RHPs Freddy Garcia and Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, whose success in the postseason and past divisional races could translate positively down the stretch. Garcia, LHP Mark Buehrle and RHP Jon Garland chew up lots of innings. YANKEES Newly acquired RHPs Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright will infuse youth and power into the team's aging rotation. Pavano might have some adjusting to do as he pitches in the A.L. for the first time. ... Inserting Randy Johnson into the rotation will take pressure off all of the other starters, even erstwhile ace Mike Mussina.

Bouncing back

There's no guarantee RHP Wade Miller's arm will be fully recovered from a rotator cuff injury that ended his 2004 season. When healthy, though, Miller is one of the game's most solid starting pitchers. He could be a steal for the Red Sox. ... Twins RHP Kyle Lohse is expected to start making good on his potential after a disappointing 2004 season. He can begin by pitching deeper into game--she pitched more than seven innings just once last season. ... Yankees RHP Mike Mussina expects to rebound from an injury-plagued 2004. Mussina has a broad arsenal and is consistent.

Model defense

New Angels SS Orlando Cabrera is an upgrade, but not just because he provides better range and more pop at the plate. Cabrera's presence on the left side of the infield will be invaluable to 3B Dallas McPherson, 24, who has a lot to learn about playing defense.

A steal of a deal If he stays healthy, Jermaine Dye could produce 30 home runs and close to 100 RBIs. He gives the White Sox an upgrade in right field over a pretty good defensive player, Magglio Ordonez, and provides a strong clubhouse presence. Dye could be the steal of the 2005 free-agent class.

A.L. report

Sporting News, The, Jan 14, 2005

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