American League

Sporting News, The, Nov 20, 2000

Anaheim

HOLES TO FILL: The team needs to improve the rotation, get a starting shortstop and fill the backup catcher and designated hitter jobs, but G.M. Bill Stoneman first has two contract priorities: He wants to sign LF Darin Erstad, who is entering the final year of a four-year, $7.25 million deal to an extension, and he wants to lock up 3B Troy Glaus, who led the league with 47 homers, to a long-term deal.

FIRST BASE ANALYSIS: Mo Vaughn's power numbers are respectable, but his average has been in a sharp decline. Many scouts consider his defensive range the worst in baseball. Vaughn is adept at fielding low throws, and his relatively quick reactions and athletic ability allow him to make some good plays, but he simply won't be able to get to a lot of balls other first basemen reach until he drops a few pounds. It's possible the extra weight also has affected the timing of his swing. The Angels want Vaughn (6-1, 270) to drop 20 to 25 pounds. Vaughn also was perplexed by his inability to hit lefthanders last season. Despite Vaughn's flaws, the position has to be considered a plus for the Angels because of Vanghn's offensive production. Both Erstad and Scott Spiezio are good late-inning defensive replacements. --Mike DiGiovanna

Baltimore

MUSSINA SWEEPSTAKES: With bidding beginning, ace RHP Mike Mussina reiterated that he would stay with the team if the Orioles get close to his highest offer But Mussina said he is past the point where the team could sign him by meeting a specific price, which is believed to be about $14 million annually for six years. If Mussina leaves, the team will go after LHP Denny Neagle, a Maryland native who asked the Yankees for $10 million a year. The team also wants a slugger to bolster a lineup lacking in power since July's salary purge, and it has shown interest in reacquiring SS Mike Bordick.

FIRST BASE ANALYSIS: The Orioles seemed to have found their first baseman in the second half of last season with the emergence of Chris Richard, who was acquired from the Cardinals in the Mike Timlin deadline trade. But several factors could change that. RF Albert Belle's degenerative hip condition could force him to be a full-time DH. In addition, Richard was playing outfield at the time of the trade, and he said he felt more comfortable there. The Orioles could swap positions with Richard and Belle. Veteran Jeff Conine is a backup, and there has also been talk of 3B Cal Ripken playing first on occasion. --Dave Sheinin

Boston

THIRD OPTIONS: The team contacted the representatives for free-agent 3B Ken Caminiti. Besides long coveting Caminiti, G.M. Dan Duquette is also worried 3B John Valentin, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, may not be ready or productive this season. The team explored a trade with San Diego for 3B Phil Nevin, but that did not get far.... Astros 1B Jeff Bagwell, whom the club traded away as a minor leaguer, is amenable to a return, and if contract talks with Houston bog down, a trade to Boston is not a long shot.

FIRST BASE ANALYSIS: This has been one of the weakest positions since Mo Vaughn departed after the 1998 season. Brian Daubach is the incumbent, but his numbers (.248, 21 HR, 76 RBIs) did not build on his rookie year. He is a hard worker who should get better, but he is a streaky hitter and an average fielder He is resting the elbow he injured last season but hopes to play winter ball. The team is interested in free agent Dave Nilsson as a way to get instant offense and use Daubach more as a DH. Dernell Stenson was the club's top prospect but was moved to the outfield. Fast-rising Juan Diaz, who fields well and hits for power and average, will get a spring look. --Michael Silverman

Chicago

IN THE HUNT: G.M. Kenny Williams has had exploratory talks involving free-agent SS Alex Rodriguez, and there seems to be legitimate interest on both sides. The team was thrilled with SS Jose Valentin's offensive production (.273, 25 homers, 92 RBIs), and manager Jerry Manuel says Valentin was the team's MVP. But he committed 36 errors, and his defense doesn't figure to improve anytime soon. Rodrignez's expected price of $20 million per year does figure to be too steep for the Sox. Valentin, also a free agent, is looking for a three- or four-year contract at $5 million per season. Despite his errors, Valentin is worth that kind of money. But so far, the team has offered less than $4 million per year.

FIRST BASE ANALYSIS: Frank Thomas played at first 49 times last season, but he is considered the team's full-time DH. The team is happy to have Paul Konerko, a talented young hitter, at first on a regular basis. He is not a flashy defender and his range is below average, but he has become good at digging throws out of the dirt, and his arm is above average. Although Konerko and Thomas will play the bulk of next season's games at first base, Jeff Liefer, who hit 32 homers at Class AAA, could see some playing time. --Scot Gregor

Cleveland

GOLDEN INFIELD: If the team doesn't resign OF Manny Ramirez, it will pursue a top starting pitcher. The club would bid on Orioles RHP Mike Mussina, and other possibilities include Dodgers RHP Darren Dreifort, A's RHP Kevin Appier and former Cardinals RHP Pat Hentgen. The pursuit of a pitcher will likely be helped by the standout infield. 2B Roberto Alomar, SS Omar Vizquel and 3B Travis Fryman made the 2000 Gold Glove team.... The decision not to submit a bid on Japanese OF Ichiro Suzuki increases the likelihood the Indians will pick up CF Kenny Lofton's $8 million option for next season.