American League

LAYING ONE DOWN: There will be a stronger emphasis on bunting in spring training, especially for Hunter, who has the speed to make bunt singles a formidable part of his offense. Former major leaguer Rob Wilfong, one of the team's scouts and an excellent bunter in his playing days, will be in camp for a weeklong clinic on bunting.... The team filled its final roster spot by signing RHP Robinson Checo after he wasn't tendered a contract by the Red Sox. Checo, whose arm strength is good but durability is a question, will compete for a middle relief spot. The team hopes to carry four righthanders and three lefties in the bullpen. There probably will have to be a trade or an injury for Checo to fit in, but he is worth a look. --Tom Gage

Kansas City

GETTING WELL: The scaled-down roster will get a boost became most of the players who spent the winter in rehabilitation should be ready to go in spring training. G.M. Herk Robinson says everyone except OF Jermaine Dye has progressed well and should be close to 100 percent in the next couple of weeks. A pitching coach and a trainer were brought in to evaluate RHP Hipolito Pichardo, whose elbow is nearly healed. OF Jeremy Giambi had been battling a muscle strain for much of the year but has improved tremendously, and C Mike Sweeney, who had strained his wrist, is almost ready to play. Kevin Appier also is projected to be ready to go this year, provided he is still with the club. Reliever Jamie Walker probably will not be fully recovered until early summer.

HEALTHY WINTER: For the first time in several years, the Royals were able to escape fall and winter leagues with only minor injuries. Robinson says only a couple of players were sidelined during the offseason. Carlos Beltran, who made a splash late last season and is projected to be the starting center fielder, was forced to take time off with a slight groin pull. Jose Offerman's replacement at second base, Carlos Febles, injured his ankle and missed some time. Both are expected to be ready for spring training but will require routine follow-up examinations.... The Royals are still playing the waiting game with SS Felix Martinez, 24, who cleared waivers and is on the Class AAA roster Robinson maintains that a change of scenery would be best for Martinez but says the team will wait and see what happens. --Jim Bradford

Minnesota

MEARES WAITS: Pat Meares is still sitting and wailing. The closer it gets to the reporting date, the more odds improve he will be back as the Twins' shortstop. The club released the six-year veteran for fear of a high award in salary arbitration, and he has received scant attention from other teams. He could end up with Pittsburgh, or he might sign with Anaheim and play second base. If Meares returns, the deal will be similar to the return of C Terry Steinbach. The club didn't pick up the option year on Steinbach's contract, and he re-signed for much less money, with a good deal of it deferred. If Meares returns, his presence would be a major influence on the infield. Without him, 2B Todd Walker is the only mainstay. Denny Hocking, who has the look of a career utilityman, might have to become the everyday shortstop, and nobody in the organization is excited about that.