A.L. reports

Sporting News, The, Sept 6, 2004

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TAMPA BAY DEVIL BAYS B.J. Upton, who struggled during his stint at shortstop and was moved to DH, has been working out at third base and is expected to play there the rest of the season. His offense has been fine; he has displayed good opposite-field power. The move of Upton to third sends Julio Lugo back to shortstop and might open a spot for rookie Jorge Cantu at second base. Cantu hit seven doubles in his first two weeks back in the majors.... LHP Scott Kazmir, a top pitching prospect who was promoted from Class AA to the majors, has two- and four-seam fastballs in the mid-90s, a curveball, a slider and a changeup. Unless he runs into trouble before the end of the season, the Devil Rays expect him to compete for a spot in their starting rotation next spring. AUGUST GRADES: Offense: D. Upton provided a spark; most of the others slumped. Pitching: C. The bullpen was solid, but several starters began to wear down. Defense: D. Position changes and an infusion of new players led to uncharacteristic errors.--Paul C. Smith

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TEXAS RANGERS Eric Young has been invaluable because of his versatility and hitting expertise. Manager Buck Showalter can use Young at three infield spots, three outfield spots or as a DH and thereby get another .300 hitter in the lineup. Showalter will have a sense of comfort knowing he can turn to Young, 37, in a hot playoff chase. Young's experience also will be valuable to what is generally a young team.... 1B Mark Teixeira's power progression has Rangers officials excited. The switch-hitting Teixeira had 26 home runs as a rookie and reached the 30-homer plateau at the three-quarter mark this season. The evidence suggests he should hit at least 35 homers per season for years to come. AUGUST GRADES: Offense: B. The homer-happy attack has experienced a few dry spells but nothing major. Pitching: B. The rotation has been an unsolved mystery, but the bullpen has been superb. Defense: B-. CF Laynce Nix has absolutely no fear when approaching the wall at full speed.--Robert Falkoff

TORONTO BLUE JAYS CF Vernon Wells missed three games with another right calf injury last week, but the injury is much less severe than the problem that sidelined him for a month earlier in the season. Wells says the tightness is now higher in the muscle, located away from the Achilles'. The team will use him at DH until his leg feels good enough to return to the outfield.... The Jays were expected to summon three top prospects as September call-ups: 1B Eric Crozier, SS RUSS Adams and C Guillermo Quiroz. Crozier, a patient power hitter, came from the Indians last month in exchange for 1B Josh Phelps. Adams was the first draft pick of the current front office and has shot through the organization in two-plus seasons. Quiroz has needed more time to develop after signing as a teenager from Venezuela. All are expected to fight for jobs next season. AUGUST GRADES: Offense: D. It's stirring but still is near the bottom of the league in many categories. Pitching; D. The staff hit the wall in a big way. Defense: A. This has been a pleasant surprise in a dismal season.--Spencer Fordin

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Sporting News, The, Sept 6, 2004

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