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Sporting News, The, March 4, 2005

The ATHLETICS have been short on righthanded power in recent years, which is good news for Keith Ginter, who hit 19 homers with the Brewers last season. The A's hope Ginter, who will battle 2B Mark Ellis for a starting job, can develop into a middle-of-the-order threat.... The TWINS want their starting shortstop to have a steady glove, and the three veterans vying for the job--Nick Punto, Juan Castro and Augie Ojeda--each fit that mold. Rookie Jason Bartlett also is in the mix; he has the best hitting skills of the four and has been working to improve defensively.... RHP Jose Contreras could be the X-factor in the WHITE SOX's rotation. He has the talent to win 15 to 18 games but must use his wide array of pitches instead of relying too heavily on his devastating split-finger pitch and plus fastball.... It's time for C Miguel Olivo to take command of the MARINERS' pitching staff. Olivo spent much of the offseason working with catching coach Roger Hansen, and the results of their sessions could show early in spring training. ... One of ROYALS pitching coach Guy Hansen's projects is to whittle clown RHP Ryan Jensen's assortment of pitches. Jensen, who might end up in the bullpen, throws seven pitches. Hansen believes that's too many and wants Jensen to rework his arsenal.... DEVIL RAYS manager Lou Piniella says he will wait until he sees strong-armed OF Danny Bautista in a few spring training games before deciding whether Bautista will start in left field or right, with Aubrey Huff filling the other spot. Huff appears better suited for right field.... The ORIOLES will take a long look at LHP Matt Riley and RHP Daniel Cabrera to fill rotation spots. Riley has immense talent and could break through; Cabrera worked on a change-up this offseason and should be able to hold down a spot.... Of the pitchers fighting for the TIGERS' only bullpen opening, RHPs Fernando Rodney and Chris Spurling best fit into middle and long work because of their ability to change speeds.... The last spot in the ANGELS' bullpen will be filled by a long reliever. RHP Matt Hensley might have an edge over RHP Scott Dunn because Hensley spent more time with the team in 2004 and had an excellent strikeouts-to-innings ratio.... The BLUE JAYS expect RHP Dustin McGowan (elbow), one of the organization's best prospects, to regain top velocity on his pitches by August. But he'll be monitored closely, and the team won't rush his big-league debut.... The RANGERS won't be vulnerable offensively if one of their top three catchers--Rod Barajas, Sandy Alomar or Gerald Laird--gets hurt. When Laird missed significant time last season, Texas had to turn to light-hitting Ken Huckaby.... RHP Kevin Brown plans to ease into workouts, following a different schedule than the rest of the YANKEES' pitchers so he can be at full strength for the start of the season. His chronic bad back is in good shape after his work with a physical therapist this winter. ... The INDIANS have a logjam of pitchers. LHPs Brian Tallet and Billy Traber, both coming off elbow surgery, might put pressure on LHP Cliff Lee to hold down his starting job. ... The spring training battle for the RIBD SOX's backup first baseman job should be intriguing. Kevin Youkilis, who will fill in at third until Bill Mueller (knee) returns, will learn how to play first base in camp. The Sox know what David McCarty, a slick-fielding veteran, can do; the dark horse is Roberto Petagine.

SOFT SPOTS

The Red Sox lack a true No. 2 starter. RHP Matt Clement probably is the favorite for the job; LHP David Wells is a better fit as a middle-of-the-rotation guy, and it's unlikely RHP Wade Miller (rotator cuff) will start the season on time. If no one emerges in the No. 2 spot, look for the team to make a significant trade by July.... The Tigers have ranked last in the American League in errors and fielding percentage the past three seasons. Finally having a set line-up should help teammates work together better.... The Blue Jays' chief trouble spot is late relief. The team hopes defining each reliever's role and a year of added maturity for the younger pitchers will help.

SCOUTING REPORT

Although he doesn't have the stuff of a prototypical ace, LHP Mark Buehrle has been named the White Sox's opening day starter. Buehrle can locate four pitches-cutter, sinker, curve and changeup--and has the confidence to get out of tough situations and throw any pitch at any time. He plans to work with pitching coach Don Cooper this spring in an effort to do a better job of working the perimeter of the strike zone.

Packing a left-right punch

With Jose Cruz gone, Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella must decide who will hit fifth, behind lefthanded-hitting OF Aubrey Huff. Piniella's fondness for a lefty-righty setup could lead him to righthanded-hitting DH Josh Phelps, but Phelps might strike out too much. SS Julio Lugo and 1B Travis Lee also are candidates.

CORRESPONDENTS: Baltimore, Gary Washburn; Boston, Ian Browne; Chicago, Scott Merkin; Cleveland, Justice B. Hill; Detroit, Jason Beck; Kansas City, Dick Kaegel; Los Angeles, Dough Miller; Minnesota, Mark Sheldon; New York, Mark Feinsand; Oakland, Mychael Urban; Seattle, Jim Street; Tampa Bay, Paul C. Smith; Texas, Robert Falkoff; Toronto, Spencer Fordin.