American League East

Sporting News, The, Feb 19, 2001

Baltimore

GRADING THE OFFSEASON: In free the team came up short in countless instances before it signed RHP Pat Hentgen, SS Mike Bordick and 1B/DH David Sagui within one week in December. A promise to rebuild the bullpen never materialized. RHP Jorgen Julio and LHP John Bale were acquired in minor trades, and 1B/OF Jay was picked up in the Rule 5 draft. Grade: D

SPRING THING: A dozen or so young pitchers and players will get dose looks--some might land jobs, some win be counted on at Class AAA Rochester, and some are down to their final chances.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: The most wide-open battle will be in the rotation, where as many as 10 young pitchers will be gunning for one or two spots. Among the top candidates are LHP John Partita and RHP Jay Steven both of whom received extended auditions last season in the second half. RHP Luis Rivera, the centerpiece of the package the team received from the Braves in the B.J. W deal, will get his first serious look from the Orioles. Long shots include RHPs Josh Towers, Mark Nussbeck, Juan Guzman, Sean Douglass, John Stephens and Loslie Brea.

SLEEPER: Although he is not guaranteed a spot on the staff, Rivera possesses possibly the best arm in camp, and he could secure the No. 4 or 5 starting spot with a solid spring. Rivera is coming off a shoulder injury, but he could make an impact in 2001 if he's healthy.

ACHING: OF Albert Belle spent all winter rehabilitating an arthritic, degenerative right hip. He most likely will be the DH. 3B Cal Ripken still is plagued by questions concerning his surgically repaired back RHP Alan Mills is coming off season-ending shoulder surgery but is thought to be 100 percent. --Dave Sheinin

Boston

GRADING THE OFFSEASON: The acquisition of free-agent OF Manny Ramirez makes up for a quarter-century of losing at the free-agency game. However, as much as the team can benefit from the slugging abilities of Ramirez, the team's top priority was finding a No. 2 pitcher. The dub appears to have failed in that regard. Grade: B

SPRING THING: RHP Pedro Martinez is the only sure bet to make the starting rotation. To compete with the Yankees, the team must find four more capable starters.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: Who will be in the starting rotation after Martinez? Nine players are vying for the four spots. RHPs Hideo Nomo and Rolando Arrojo figure to be in the middle of the rotation. If it appears during the spring that RHP David Cone has returned to his pre-2000 form, he would likely be the No. 2 starter. If Cone makes the team, then RHPs Frank Castillo, knucklebaner Tim WakeField, Bret Saberhagen, Tomo Ohka and Paxton Crawford and LHP Pete Schoerek would be in the running for the fifth spot.... 3B John Valentin must prove he is healthy, or Chris Stynes will take over at the hot corner.

SLEEPER: Slick-fielding 1B Juan Diaz has a shot at taking away Brian Daubach's job. Diaz hits for a decent average and has tremendous power. He strikes out a lot, but he will get a dose look this spring.

ACHING: Valentin is recovering from knee surgery and may not be ready for the opener. Saberhagen, who had shoulder surgery in 1999, did not pitch in the majors last year. He should know by mid-March whether he has a shot. Others to watch: RHP Bryce Florie (traumatized eye, facial fractures), 2B Jose 0fferman (bruised left knee), C Jason Varitek (wrist surgery) and RHP Juan Pana (elbow surgery). --Michael Silverman

New York

GRADING THE OFFSEASON: The question is: Should RHP Mike Mussina have the top target? The team's "struggles" of 2000 were on offense. The lineup is the same as last year's, with several players apparently on the downturn of their careers. The bullpen, having lost setup man RHP Jeff and innings-eating RHP Jason Grimsley, who was released, might be in worse shape. Granted, the team's front office has shown it knows what ifs doing, but there are some major questions regarding this team C Joe. Oliver was a nice pickup. Grade: B

SPRING THING: Getting the bullpen in order is manager Joe Torre's most pressing task.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: The No. 5 starter's job is wide open, with RHP Adrian Hernandez the top candidate. RHP Dwight Gooden was impressive last as a Yankees starter. If LHP Ted Lilly or LHP Randy Keisler has a strong spring, either would be attractive because lefthanders historically pitch better at Yankee Stadium. In the six-man bullpen unit RHP Ramiro Mendoza will be in the mix if he's fully recovered from shoulder surgery. LHP Randy Choate showed promise last year. RHP Darrell Einertson and RHP Craig Dingman displayed some talent in 2000. If RHP Allen Watson (shoulder) recovers, he'll be there, too.

SLEEPER: OF Donzell MoDonald had disappeared from the team's radar screen, but he put in a strong Arizona Fall League performance. If he is sharp in the spring, he will have an outside chance at making the team.

ACHING: Watson is definitely behind. There's not much of a fallout because he barely pitched last year, and the Yankees did fine without him. Mendoza's health is much more important But it appears that he is going to be all right. --Ken Daviddoff