American League

Sporting News, The, Dec 11, 2000

Anaheim

NOT IN THE A-ROD RACE: The team has been mentioned as one free-agent SS Alex Rodriguez is considering, but C.M. Bill Stoneman and a source close to agent Scott Boras say that is not the case. Stoneman says the Angels are a midmarket club "and we're going to live and act like one." ... Stoneman has contacted the agent for RHP Andy Ashby to express interest, but he probably won't jump into the bidding unless Ashby still is available in a few weeks. ... The team is interested in signing veteran utilityman Jeff Huson, who played the 1999 season in Anaheim, then signed with the Cubs for last season.

SHORTSTOP ANALYSIS: If the team can't land a starter through free agency or trade, and Gary DiSarcina doesn't fully rebound from shoulder surgery, this could be a trouble spot, one the team entrusts to Benji Gil. In 2000, Gil hit .143 with runners in scoring position-few teams can afford such little production, even in the No. 9 spot. Defensively, Gil has good range, but he is hardly Gold Glove-caliber The team isn't expected to re-sign Kevin Stocker, so Justin Baughman, who makes consistent contact but has not hit for much of an average in the big leagues, could win the utility infield job and serve as a backup. --Mike DiGiovanna

Baltimore

LEAN TIMES: The loss of Mike Mussina to the Yankees underscores that the Orioles are rebuilding, The rotation-pending the expected signing of one or two second-tier starting pitchers-will be headed by 24-year-old RHP Sidney Ponson and late-blooming journeyman RHP Jose Mercedes. Offers have been made to LHP Denny Neagle and RHP Kevin Appier, but Neagle appears close to signing elsewhere. Many in the industry think the Orioles, in their rebuilding state, will have a difficult time convincing free agents to sign with them.

SHORTSTOP ANALYSIS: Melvin Mora is no longer regarded as the team's shortstop because his defense is shaky, and he has more natural ability in the outfield. That leaves the position wide open, at least until either prospect Ed Rogers or Brian Roberts is ready. The team already was turned down by free-agent Jose Valentin, who re-signed with the White Sox despite the Orioles' offer of an additional year and a higher average annual salary. The team is involved in discussions with Mike Bordick, whom it traded to the Mets as part of a salary purge in July. However, Bordick is being pursued by several other teams and does not feel an allegiance to the Orioles. -Dave Sheinin

Boston

ONLY BAD NEWS: After free-agent RHP Mike Mussina signed with the Yankees, the club switched its focus to the next tier of free-agent pitchers, including LHP Denny Neagle, RHP Andy Ashby, RHP Kevin Appier and RHP Frank Castillo.... More bad news: A free-agent deal with left-handed hitter Dave Nilsson fell apart after he failed a physical. The club had doubts his surgically repaired left knee would allow him to be C Jason Varitek's backup. The club might approach Nilsson again later

SHORTSTOP ANALYSIS; The club has no better all-around player than Nomar Garciaparra, arguably the league's best hitter and one of the flashier defensive shortstops in the game. His footwork in the field is lightning-quick, and he usually can sure-handedly gobble up whatever he can reach. His across-the-body throwing motion makes trainers and baseball insiders wince, yet it usually works. At the plate, back-to-back batting titles support the claim that Garciaparra is one of the best. His power numbers dipped in 2000 because of lingering injuries, but he is expected to be at 100 percent next spring. That's important because there are virtually no prospects in the club's minor-league system at this position. --Michael Silverman

Chicago

OK GIVEN: After being examined by a team physician, RHP Cal Eldred has been cleared to resume throwing. He was a huge surprise in the first half last season, going 10-2. After the All-Star break, the ulnar nerve in Eldred's elbow flared up. When he got back on the mound in September, he suffered a stress fracture in the elbow. A five-inch screw was surgically inserted to repair the injury. With a winter of rest, Eldred thinks he has a good chance to contribute in 2000. He is a free agent, and the team would like to have him back on the roster

SHORTSTOP ANALYSIS: SS Jose Valentin signed a three-year, $15 million contract plus an option for the 2004 season. Valentin, though, has been told by doctors to rest during the winter after more tests were done on his sore pelvic area. Valentin can be a defensive liability-his 36 errors last season were the most in the majors-but he makes more than his share of spectacular plays. In addition, Valentin and 2B Ray Durham formed one of the top double-play duos in baseball last season. Valentin drove in 92 runs from the No. 2 spot in the order and also stole 19 bases in 21 attempts. Tony Graffanino is a reliable reserve, but he doesn't have Valentin's range or arm. --Scot Gregor

Cleveland

UNCERTAIN FUTURE: The team has no idea whether RHP Charles Nagy will be ready to pitch when spring training opens. G.M. John Hart says the team is in no-man's land with Nagy, who had elbow surgery in May. There are no plans yet for Nagy to staff a throwing program.... Hart is more optimistic about RHP Jaret Wright, who had shoulder surgery in August. Wright is scheduled to start throwing this month. If he is healthy, he'll compete for the fourth or fifth spot in the rotation. ... If Nagy isn't ready and the team doesn't add a starter, RHP Steve Karsay could move into the rotation, but the team will make Karsay a starter only if it acquires another reliever