A.L. reports

KANSAS CITY ROYALS FINANCIAL STATEMENT: 1B Mike Sweeney, 2B Tony Graffanino, SS Angel Berroa, OF Matt Stairs, C Benito Santiago, RHP Scott Sullivan and LHPs Darrell May and Brian Anderson are under contract for a total of $22 million. The Royals haven't revealed a budget, but it's expected to be just above $40 million; last year's opening day figure was $47 million. With an infusion of kids, that would allow for a medium-priced free agent or two. FILLING THE HOLES: 3B Joe Randa will not have his option picked up, but he might be persuaded to return if he encounters a soft market and the team can't find a suitable short-term replacement. LF Aaron Guiel is a big question because of vision problems, and RF Abraham Nunez has yet to prove he's an everyday player. The club will seek power because, after 1B/DH Mike Sweeney, the home run potential dips considerably. Also needed is a strong starter, preferably a righthander who, with RHP Zack Greinke, would diversify a rotation that was tilted toward soft-throwing lefthanders. There will be a gaggle of would-be starters in camp, but RHPs Runelvys Hernandez, Kyle Snyder and Miguel Asencio are coming off surgeries. RHPs Mike Wood and Denny Bautista will be in the hunt, and RHP Kevin Appier might give his arm one more shot. A righthanded bat off the bench is another priority, and backup infield help is needed because Desi Relaford will be a free agent. Virtually all of the top minor leaguers who might fit in next season got big-league trials this year. --Dick Kaegel

MINNESOTA TWINS FINANCIAL STATEMENT: There's no reason to believe owner Carl Poblad will increase the payroll in 2005. It was about $53 million in 2004, essentially the same as it was the season before. The club will have to make some tough decisions. FILLING THE HOLES: For the most part, the club will look internally to plug open spots and fill any that remain with inexpensive free agents or trade acquisitions. There's a possibility several infielders won't return. The Twins must decide whether to re-sign free-agent 3B Corey Koskie, invoke the $5.25 million option on SS Cristian Guzman and trade or offer arbitration to 2B Luis Rivas. Versatile Michael Cuddyer can play second and third base capably, so look for the Twins to retain Koskie or Rivas and use Cuddyer in the other spot. RF Jacque Jones is eligible for arbitration but likely will be too expensive to keep. OFs Lew Ford and Jason Kubel could replace Jones, but that would mean Shannon Stewart, a subpar outfielder, would have to play left field rather than be a designated hitter. Matthew LeCroy would be the best option at DH in that scenario. The club also will watch C Joe Mauer closely to make sure his injured left knee allows him to catch without trouble. Losing RHP Brad Radke, another free agent, would be a big blow, but he is a good bet to return. Even with Radke back, there's still one spot open in the rotation. RHP Kyle Lohse needs to rebound from an inconsistent season, and RHPs J.D. Durbin and Scott Baker will likely get opportunities next spring. If the club looks outside for pitching help, it will seek someone in the middle price range.--Mark Sheldon