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A.L. east

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

RF Jay Gibbons has played well in the second half of the season and probably has earned a starting spot for 2006. He is second on the club in homers and has established himself as an everyday player. Gibbons' emergence in the absence of RF Sammy Sosa (toe) is the one good thing to come from the team's failed experiment with Sosa.... After a hot start in which he looked like a legitimate ace, LHP Erik Bedard has taken a step back. Since returning from the D.L in mid-July, Bedard has returned to last year's pattern of pitching deep into counts and with little confidence. He has won only one of 12 starts since his return.

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ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: OF Nick Markakis, the team's first-round pick in 2003, finished the season at Class AA Bowie. A strong showing in Arizona could give him a legitimate shot to make the majors out of spring training, At the least, he'll start at Class AAA Ottawa and be a candidate for a midseason call-up.--Gary Washburn

BOSTON RED S0X

OF Gabe Kapler's season-ending Achilles' injury means RF Trot Nixon will get more at-bats against lefthanded pitching. The effect that will have on the team is unclear because Nixon rarely has faced lefties the past three years.... With RHP Keith Foulke struggling, RHP Jonathan Papelbon will be used in key situations the rest of the season. Though that's a lot to ask of a rookie who spent most of the season in the minor leagues, Papelbon has the stuff and mentality to meet the challenge. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: David Murphy, a 2003 first-round pick, improved steadily this season, and there is a good chance the left-handed-hitting outfielder will make even greater strides in Arizona. After struggling mightily in 2004, Murphy has polished his offense. The team believes the opportunity for Murphy to face quality pitching in Arizona will accelerate his development. Look for him to add more power as he continues to refine his stroke.--Ian Browne

NEW YORK YANKEES

RHP Tom Gordon, who was worn out by September last year, has been lights-out in the final two months this season and will be a big weapon in the remaining games. After posting an 0.68 ERA in August, he continued his hot streak with strong appearances against the Red Sox and Devil Rays this month. He had a 0.96 ERA in his first eight September games. RHP Aaron Small has been so impressive as a starter that manager Joe Torre says the journeyman will remain in the rotation. Small doesn't throw hard, rarely reaching 90 mph, but he keeps hitters off-balance by moving the ball around and changing speeds. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: Eric Duncan, a 2003 first-round pick who originally was a third baseman, could play a lot at first in Arizona because his path to the majors is blocked by 3B Alex Rodriguez. Duncan had decent power numbers at Class AA but must show more consistency after hitting .235.--Mark Feinsand

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS

As if he needed another pitch, LHP Scott Kazmir has added an off-speed delivery he calls a "knuckle-split." He likes the action he gets on the pitch and has had success keeping it down.... RHP Tim Corcoran, a rookie long reliever, has not been needed much because the team's starters have been working deep into games. In fact, he recently went two weeks between appearances. To stay sharp, Corcoran, 27, threw on the side every day from 45 feet and off a mound every few days. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: Though RHP Wade Townsend has all of the physical tools needed to be an overpowering pitcher, he went 0-4 with a 5.49 ERA, walking 24 in 39 1/3 innings, at Class A Hudson Valley. Some of the struggles could be attributed to being rusty; Townsend did not pitch for about a year after last pitching for Rice. A good showing in the fail league could put Townsend in the bullpen mix for the 2006 season.--Bill Chastain

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Orlando Hudson's ankle injury gives the Blue Jays a chance to evaluate Aaron Hill at second base. Hill also has played third base and shortstop this season, but he's blocked by Corey Koskie at third and Russ Adams at short. Look for the team to break its infield logjam with an offseason trade.... RHP Dave Bush has been outstanding since returning from Class AAA Syracuse in July. He is more relaxed and more confident, which has translated to better command of his fastball and better poise in critical moments.... RHP Josh Towers has 11 straight quality starts, helping steady the rotation while RHP Roy Halladay (leg) is on the D.L. Towers already has set career highs in wins, starts and innings pitched. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: OF/1B Adam Lind has burned up the lower levels of the minor leagues. Now he'll get a chance against more experienced competition. The Blue Jays expect to test him at Class AA New Hampshire next season.--Spencer Fordin

A.L. east

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005

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