High and inside

Sporting News, The, Jan 25, 1999

* INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE:

The Orioles' attempt to schedule an exhibition game in Cuba has historic implications, but will owner Peter Angelos be able to get the complicated trip off the ground?

* ALL QUIET ON THE NORTHERN FRONT:

Trade speculation surrounding five-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens has been dormant recently, but it could bubble up at any time.

* THEY'VE GOT RANDY JOHNSON, TODD STOTTLEMYRE, STEVE FINLEY ...:

Contrary to any rumors you might have heard, the Diamondbacks have not put World Series tickets on sale.

* PRESSURE COOKER:

Dodgers G.M. Kevin Malone and manager Davey Johnson say they love pressure, which is good--it will be awaiting them the day they arrive in Vero Beach for spring training.

* A WESTERN SHOOTOUT:

The best race in baseball this season probably will be in the A.L. West, where the Rangers and Angels are loaded for bear.

* STILL IN HIBERNATION:

For the most part, the Cubs are standing pat after their wild-card season. They better hope that Clemens and the Astros don't get together,

* TROUBLE HERE:

The Yankees' roster looks much the same as it did in '98--which, considering the club's 125-50 record, must seem frightful to the rest of the league.