American League

Anaheim

STICKING AROUND: The team was pleased IF Justin Baughman, designated for assignment to make room for RHP Ismael Valdes, cleared waivers. That allowed the club to keep him in the organization. Baughman showed promise in a short 1998 stint and is considered the organization's fastest player. But he missed all of '99 after breaking his leg in five places and has been battling to regain his form. Baughman spent most of 2000 playing shortstop in the minors, but the Angels expect him to compete for a utility spot.... LF Darin Erstad, known for his work ethic, was one of two regulars--2B Adam Kennedy was the other--who showed up for the first day of voluntary workouts.

CLOSER ANALYSIS: Coming off shoulder surgery last offseason, RHP Troy Percival didn't lose much velocity. But his command suffered, which is why he Converted only 25 of 34 save opportunities in his first 43 appearances. He then admitted his elbow hurt and went on the D.L. in August. He rebounded strongly, converting seven of eight save chances in September, and he expects to be even stronger when he reports to camp. When Percival is hurt or unavailable, the team has a capable replacement in RHP Shigetoshi Hasegawa, who had a 3.57 ERA and nine saves last season. His most effective pitch might be a changeup that fades away from lefthanders. --Mike DiGiovanna

Baltimore

BUILT-IN DEPTH: It appears the team will open the season without a traditional utility infielder. The reason is the team thinks it has several players who play multiple positions. CF Melvin Mora could fill in at shortstop. Delino DeShields, who was moved to the outfield last season, has played almost his entire career at second base. The team also is well-stocked with corner infielders. Veteran Jeff Conine played extensively at first and third last season but will be challenged by newcomers Jay Gibbons and Mike Kinkade. Because Cal Ripken's durability at third is a question, a dependable backup is needed, and Conine only recently learned the position.... LHP Rick Krivda, who is having a strong winter in the Dominican Republic, might be a dark horse for the rotation or bullpen.

CLOSER ANALYSIS: The team enters the spring with RHP Ryan Kohlmeier as its top candidate. Kohlmeier, who was pressed into duty after the team traded Mike Timlin, pitched impressively as a rookie. He converted 13 of 14 save opportunities--including his first 11--and posted an ERA of 2.39. Ideally, the team would like to bring Kohlmeier along slowly, allowing him to apprentice as a setup man to an experienced closer. But without a better alternative, he might have to close. One other option could be RHP Mike Trombley, whose split-finger fastball can be devastating. --Dave Sheinin

Boston

CONE IN THE MIX: By signing RHP David Cane to a non-guaranteed, one-year deal, the team added the most intriguing ingredient to its thickening rotation stew. Cone, 38, is coming off his worst season, but his 15-season record of 184-116 with a 3.40 ERA was enough for the team to offer him $4 million to $5 million if he makes the roster. G.M. Dan Duquette has long admired Cone's makeup and stuff, and the fact Cone is coming off a down year made him more attractive to the value-minded Duquette. Cone will baffle with RHPs Frank Castillo, Tomo Ohka, Paxton Crawford, Tim Wakefield and Bret Saberhagen and LHP Pete Schourek for the last two rotation spots. The first three spots appear set with RHPs Pedro Martinez, Hideo Nomo and Rolando Arrojo.... The team found a substitute for departed lefty specialist Rheal Cormier in Kent Mercker, who was signed to a minor league deal but is the front-runner in a competition with Sang Lee and Jesus Pena.

CLOSER ANALYSIS: RHP Derek Lowe had an impressive full-season debut as a closer last year with 42 saves in 47 chances. With a nasty sinker as his out pitch, Lowe established himself as the closer for the foreseeable future. He says he is comfortable in the role. RHPs Rod Beck, who had 51 saves in 1998 with the Cubs, and Rich Garces will be the backups. Each probably could step into the role without difficulty. --Michael Silverman

Chicago

BRINGING IN BOOMER: G.M. Kenny Williams was hesitant to part with unsung LHP Mike Sirotka, but LHP David Wells brings a veteran presence and gives the White Sox a proven ace. Even better, Wells' remarkable success in the postseason (8-1, 2.74 ERA in 19 games) should help the team, which won the A.L. Central last season, push later into October As it stands, Wells is No. 1 in the rotation, followed by RHP James Baldwin, LHP Jim Parque and RHP Cal Eldred. RHP Jon Garland should grab the fifth spot. Since taking over for Ron Schueler in late October, Williams' thinks he has upgraded the team's defense at shortstop with the addition of Royce Clayton. And after C Charles Johnson priced himself out of the team's plans, Williams signed veteran C Sandy Alomar.

CLOSER ANALYSIS: RHP Keith Foulke took over for RHP Rub Howry as primary closer last season, but any controversy was erased when Howry endorsed the move. He realized that Foulke, his best friend, has the ability to be one of baseball's elite closers. When his changeup is on--and it usually is--Foulke can make even great hitters look helpless. Foulke is still developing, but he had 34 saves in 39 chances last season. He'll occasionally get burned by a hanging change, but his control is impressive. Manager Jerry Manuel will call on Howry if Foulke is tired or struggling. --Scot Gregor