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A.L. report

Sporting News, The, Dec 27, 2004

By adding impact sluggers 1B Richie Sexson and 3B Adrian Beltre, the MARINERS met their offseason goal of acquiring at least two run-producing hitters. They'll now turn their attention toward the rotation.... The RED SOX might deal from strength to bolster team depth. They're unlikely to enter spring training with both Kevin Millar and Doug Mientkiewicz at first base. The team wants a nice mix of speed and defense off the bench.... The INDIANS haven't addressed their biggest need: a bona fide No. 2 or 3 starter. G.M. Mark Shapiro coveted RHP Matt Clement, but he agreed to a 3-year deal with the Red Sox. Fallback options include LHPs Odalis Perez and Eric Milton. A potential in-house solution is RHP Jason Davis, but he showed potential in a late-season trial in the bullpen, an experiment the team would prefer to continue.... The ORIOLES would like to add power to the middle of the lineup, and names such as 1B Carlos Delgado and OF Magglio Ordonez have surfaced. But adding a front-line starting pitcher is more important.... The ROYALS' quest for a young corner outfielder likely will go the trade route. Rangers LF Kevin Mench and Reds RF Austin Kearns are possible targets, but their asking prices might be too high. LF Aaron Guiel says the blurred vision he had last season is gone, and he expects to compete for the job.... The BLUE JAYS still are looking for at least one more power hitter because recently signed 3B Corey Koskie isn't expected to fully replace Delgado's production. With Eric Hinske willing to move from third base to first, the team could put the extra power hitter in left field or at DH.... With several non-tendered players on the market, TWINS G.M. Terry Ryan will try to add another lefthanded reliever to complement inconsistent LHP J.C. Romero. The club also wants a veteran lefthanded bat for its bench and has been talking to OF Rusty Greet about filling the role. Greet, however, is considering retirement.... The ANGELS are working to increase their depth and versatility. Manager Mike Scioscia loves having a roster with players who can start at multiple positions. A trade for a utility infielder is a possibility.... Although WHITE SOX G.M. Ken Williams has confidence in RHP Jason Grilli as the fifth starter, Williams is looking to use the $6 million freed up by trading OF Carlos Lee to make a move for another front-line starter.... Along with Houston, the YANKEES are the favorites to land talented CF Carlos Beltran. If they sign Beltran, CF Bernie Williams will become the designated hitter.... The RANGERS will take a look at several pitchers who became free agents after the nontender date. The team wants to sign a couple of pitchers as insurance in case its younger starting candidates don't pan out or get injured.... The DEVIL RAYS believe they have good bullpen depth and can afford to make RHP Jorge Sosa or RHP Travis Harper part of a deal. One player they're interested in is Washington 1B Nick Johnson.... Adding a third baseman or center fielder is a greater priority for the TIGERS than picking up a starting pitcher. Club officials have ample confidence in the team's young pitching, and the extra bat is needed to balance a lineup that lacks a home run threat at the top and bottom.... The ATHLETICS have questions about their pitching, both starters and relievers. The team is optimistic righthanded prospects Huston Street and Chris Mabeus and RHP Seth Etherton will shore up the bullpen.

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PITCHING CHANGE

The Blue Jays remain in the market for a midlevel starter but could opt to push RHP Miguel Batista back into the rotation. The team then would need a reliever. Toronto has interest in LHP Steve Kline and RHP Billy Koch, but negotiations have been slow.

INSIDE DISH

CF Andruw Jones is the only proven outfielder left on the Braves' roster, but the club's acquisition of RHP Tim Hudson all but kills the possibility of trading for Cubs RF Sammy Sosa. Atlanta, after failing to land A's OF Eric Byrnes in the Hudson deal, plans to pursue low-cost outfielders and consider top prospect Jeff Francoeur, 20, in spring training * The Nationals pursued 2B Keith Ginter before the Brewers sent him to the A's for RHP Justin Lehr and Class AA OF Nelson Cruz. Lehr is a hard thrower, and Nationals G.M. Jim Bowden says his team's reports indicate that Cruz is a potential All-Star. "I'm kind of disappointed I didn't get a call back," Bowden says. "Now I know why." * The Astros inquired about Diamondbacks 1B Shea Hillenbrand, figuring they also could play him at third and in left. The team also considered trading RHP Wade Miller for OF Carlos Lee before Lee went to the Brewers. * The Twins were immediately linked to free-agent 3B Joe Randa after losing 3B Corey Koskie but ultimately might decide that in-house candidate Michael Cuddyer can offer more production at a lower price. * New Reds RHP Ramon Ortiz, a fly-ball pitcher who has averaged nearly 1.5 home runs per nine innings the past three seasons, could be a poor fit for Great American Ball Park-though the park was much less hitter-friendly last season than in its inaugural 2003 campaign. * The Orioles foolishly lost IF Chris Gomez in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft, then contacted the Phillies about reacquiring him in a trade. No dice: The Phillies see Gomez as a capable backup at second and third and more of an offensive threat than their other utilityman, Tomas Perez. -K.R.

A.L. report

Sporting News, The, Dec 27, 2004

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