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A.L. reports

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

ANAHEIM ANGELS The Angels are being patient with 3B/DH Troy Glaus, who admits he's going through somewhat of a spring training experience after missing 97 games because of shoulder surgery. The team knows how dangerous he can be when he gets his timing back.... RHP John Lackey's breaking ball and command of his fastball are as good as they've been in his career, which is translating into success down the stretch. He's a lock for the 2005 rotation. SCOUTING REPORT: RHP Bartolo Colon doesn't throw 99 mph all game anymore, and he has turned into more of a pitcher. The key to his turnaround is his use of the changeup against right-handed hitters and his success in pitching inside. He still can throw 96 or 97 when he needs to, which makes his slider and changeup more effective.--Doug Miller

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BALTIMORE ORIOLES RHP Wade Townsend, a first-round draft pick, has re-enrolled at Rice and has hired agent Casey Close, making him ineligible to negotiate with the Orioles.... The club has to decide whether to offer RF Jay Gibbons arbitration. Gibbons battled injuries and inconsistency this season but is having a solid September.... Manager Lee Mazzilli says RHP Jorge Julio, who was suspended for throwing at Minnesota's Augie Ojeda and lost three games in a week, is the closer, but Julio could be traded in the offseason. SCOUTING REPORT: LHP Bruce Chen has been with eight teams but still has the potential to be a solid starter if he continues to throw his changeup and slider. He had just two pitches but has developed a slider. Chen has lost velocity and can't rely on an overpowering fastball.--Gary Washburn

BOSTON RED SOX Save for an occasional hiccup, RHP Bronson Arroyo has developed into an effective starter. He even could vault past RHP Tim Wakefield in the postseason rotation.... Defensive whiz Doug Mientkiewicz appeared likely to get the bulk of time at first base, but Kevin Millar has taken back the job. Mientkiewicz has battled injuries and struggled at the plate, and Millar has been hot since the All-Star break. SCOUTING REPORT: OF Dave Roberts is the consummate professional, displaying excellent fundamentals and giving his team a lift whenever he plays. The speedy Roberts puts the ball in play and works counts. His arm is average, but he tracks down everything in right or center field. Still, with Trot Nixon's emergence, Roberts will have to fight for playing time down the stretch.--Ian Browne

CHICAGO WHITE SOX LHP Mark Buehrle has topped 200 innings for the fourth straight year. He attributes his durability to not throwing too much between starts, running frequently and not suffering the wear and tear that affects pitchers who throw harder.... RHPs Jason Grilli, Felix Diaz and Jeff Bajenaru and LHP Arnie Munoz are using September to audition. But the team wants to upgrade the rotation, so all four could return to the minors in 2005. SCOUTING REPORT: The team lessened its push to get RHP Jose Contreras to feature his 95-mph fastball more after he was hit hard in a loss to the Angels. Contreras relies too much on the split-finger fastball, a devastating out pitch but one that drives up his pitch count if hitters are patient.--Scott Merkin

CLEVELAND INDIANS The signing of 3B Aaron Boone could shake up the infield next season. The team might move 3B Casey Blake to second if 2B Ronnie Belliard, who is eligible for arbitration, isn't back. Blake also could move to the outfield or replace 1B Ben Broussard.... Rookie RHP Kaz Tadano's back problem might require surgery, but it should not keep him out of spring training. SCOUTING REPORT. RHP Adam Miller has added 4 or 5 mph to his fastball and recently hit 100 mph. Miller, 19, who led Class A Kinston to the Carolina League title, also throws an effective slider but needs to learn an off-speed pitch and how to hold runners better. Look for him in Cleveland as early as the end of 2006.--Justice B. Hill

DETROIT TIGERS The loss of SS Carlos Guillen (knee) weakens the offense, but the defense should be better because Omar Infante has shifted from second base. His arm isn't great, but Infante has better range than Guillen.... The club needs to decide whether Brandon Inge's arm and quickness at third base make him the answer there or whether his ability to play five or six positions is of more value.... Until LHP Mike Maroth perfects his cutter, he will have a hard time pitching inside because he lacks imposing velocity. SCOUTING REPORT: CF Curtis Granderson is a sign of hope that Detroit's farm system finally is developing some offense. Granderson has a quick swing tailored for average, and his frame suggests he could hit for power. He can work the count but also will attack pitches. Granderson, who has a solid arm, used to play in left and right, so he's still working on his reads.--Jason Beck

KANSAS CITY ROYALS OF Matt Stairs' contract extension through 2005 gives the club a solid alternative at the corners and a clubhouse leader. Stairs, 36, has become a player-coach on a young team. He's also second on the club in homers and RBIs.... RHP Zack Greinke's recent performance--he had a four-game winning streak before it was snapped last week-has left no doubt he'll be the No. 1 starter in 2005. He still makes rookie mistakes, such as sometimes not relying enough on his fastball, but he has uncanny control and poise. SCOUTING REPORT: 2B Ruben Gotay, 21, is making strides filling in for Tony Graffanino (knee). A switch hitter, Gotay has a better swing from the left side and good bat speed. In the field, he must learn how to widen his range and position himself according to the situation.--Dick Kaegel

A.L. reports

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

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