A.L. report

The addition of Mike Myers gives the YANKEES the lefthanded specialist they desperately needed. Myers held lefthanded hitters to a .158 batting average last season and should stabilize a role that has been shaky in recent years.... Rob Mackowiak, acquired by the WHITE SOX from the Pirates, will serve as Joe Crede's backup at third base, but Mackowiak also can play first or second base. His arrival could mean the end of IF Willie Harris' tenure with the Sox.... Though LHP Kenny Rogers, 41, and RHP Todd Jones, 37, are approaching the ends of their careers, the TIGERS like the veteran savvy they show in changing speeds and working both sides of the plate. Rogers and Mike Maroth give the team two finesse lefthanders, so it will avoid having them throw back to back in the rotation. The Tigers like Jones' ability to stay ahead in the count and limit walks.... Sean Burroughs, acquired from the Padres, could stabilize the DEVIL RAYS' third base situation with his outstanding glove. His power hasn't developed as expected, but Burroughs provides the lineup with another lefthanded bat.... The ANGELS acquired a lefthander for their bullpen when they landed J.C. Romero from the Twins in exchange for minor league IF Alexi Casilla. Romero, who can handle setup duties along with RHP Scot Shields, mixes a sinker and a fastball. He held lefthanded hitters to a .198 average last season.... 1B Lyle Overbay will be a good fit in the middle of the BLUE JAYS' lineup. The club thinks his line-drive bat is an ideal fit for the Rogers Centre's wide, carpeted gaps. Overbay likely will bat fifth.... The MARINERS love RHP Marcos Carvajal's arm and upside. Carvajal, 21, was acquired from the Rockies and has a shot at making the 25-man roster this season.... Though C Ramon Hernandez has been hampered by injuries the past two seasons, the ORIOLES consider him ah upgrade from C Javy Lopez. Hernandez is one of the league's best at handling a pitching staff and has improved at hitting breaking balls. His signing likely means Lopez will switch to first base or DH or that he'll be traded.... RHP Paul Byrd gives the INDIANS a playoff-tested veteran who can show their young staff how to do more with less. His ability to induce ground balls and avoid walks will make him a nice complement to a staff that includes LHPs C.C. Sabathia and Cliff Lee and RHP Jake Westbrook.... For now, the ROYALS' second base job belongs to Esteban German, who was obtained from the Rangers for LHP Fabio Castro. German can get on base and adds needed basestealing skills.... The RANGERS think Castro, the first pick in the recent Rule 5 draft, could develop into much more than a situational lefthander. He'll have all of spring training to show he deserves a roster spot in 2006.... The RED SOX landed one of baseball's top prospects in 3B Andy Marte, who was part of the Edgar Renteria trade. If Marte begins the season in the majors, he'll likely shift to a new position, something he has the athleticism to do.... Newly acquired ATHLETICS RHP Chad Gaudin struggled in his few major league outings last season but performed well in the minors. His pitches include a 90-mph fastball, a late-biting slider and a changeup.... TWINS OF Denard Span played well in the Arizona Fall League and is evolving into the prospect he was expected to be when the team made him a first-round pick in 2002. He's adept at putting the ball in play and could begin 2006 at Class AAA.

A new No. 2

The Red Sox's trade for 2B Mark Loretta gives them the perfect No. 2 hitter to replace departed SS Edgar Renteria. Because he's a doubles hitter, Loretta should thrive at Fenway Park. Defensively, he has good hands but average range, so look for the team to acquire a shortstop with plus range.

Pitch-perfect moves

RHP A.J. Burnett, who throws a 98-mph fastball, gives the Blue Jays a power arm in the front end of the rotation. The team hopes he'll benefit from his reunion with pitching coach Brad Arnsberg, who was with the Marlins in 2002, Burnett's best season.... LHP Mark Redman and RHP Elmer Dessens bring veteran savvy to the Royals' staff. Redman can suck up innings; Dessens, signed for middle relief, can help stabilize the young bullpen.... Though recently signed RHP Hector Carrasco has made only six starts in 10 major league seasons, he'll compete for the fifth spot in the Angels' rotation. Carrasco was effective as a starter for the Nationals last September after he added a cutter.... Recently acquired RHP LaTroy Hawkins is expected to fill a setup role for the Orioles. Hawkins, along with RHP Jorge Julio, also will serve as the team's safety net for closer Chris Ray.

Following a new leader

The Rangers gained a potential leadoff hitter in OF Brad Wilkerson, who was part of the trade that sent Alfonso Soriano to the Nationals. The team thinks Wilkerson's offense will make up for a lot of Soriano's production. The Rangers also might be stronger defensively with Wilkerson in the outfield and prospect Ian Kinsler at second base.

CORRESPONDENTS: Baltimore, Spencer Fordin; Boston, Ian Browne; Chicago, Scott Merkin; Cleveland, Anthony Castrovince; Detroit, Jason Beck; Kansas City, Dick Kaegel; Los Angeles, Mike Scarr; Minnesota, Mark Sheldon; New York, Mark Feinsand; Oakland, Mychael Urban; Seattle, Doug Miller; Tampa Bay, Bill Chastain; Texas, Robert Falkoff, Toronto, Tom Singer.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning