Sunday, February 10, 2002
AL teams at the start of spring
By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer
A team-by-team look at the American League entering spring training, including players each club acquired and lost, as well as reporting dates for pitchers and catchers/full squads:
AMERICAN LEAGUE
EAST
Baltimore Orioles
Manager: Mike Hargrove (third season).
2001: 63-98, fourth place.
Training Town: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Park: Fort Lauderdale Stadium.
Reporting Dates: Feb. 14/Feb. 19.
He's Here: OF Marty Cordova, OF Chris Singleton, RHP Chris Brock.
He's Outta Here: 3B Cal Ripken, OF Brady Anderson, RHP Ryan Kohlmeier, RHP Jose Mercedes, RHP John Wasdin.
Spring Chicken: Sean Douglass. With a good spring, Douglass could open the season in Baltimore's rotation. Righty is very durable, with a fastball in the 90s, and projects to be a middle-of-the-rotation pitcher. His 6-foot-6 frame is ideal for a pitcher.
Outlook: There is little to look forward to for the Orioles, who have finished in fourth place four straight seasons. Cordova and Singleton were the two biggest additions as Baltimore missed out on a long-shot attempt at Juan Gonzalez. Even the farm system — once the pride of the franchise — is weak. For the first time since 1981, Ripken won't be there on Opening Day.
Boston Red Sox
Manager: Joe Kerrigan (second season).
2001: 82-79, second place.
Training Town: Fort Myers, Fla.
Park: City of Palms Park.
Reporting Dates: Feb. 15/Feb. 20.
He's Here: OF Johnny Damon, RHP John Burkett, RHP Dustin Hermanson, 1B Tony Clark, LHP Darren Oliver, OF Michael Coleman, LHP Jeff Wallace.
He's Outta Here: OF Carl Everett, RHP Hideo Nomo, OF Troy O'Leary, RHP David Cone, RHP Rod Beck, OF Darren Lewis, 3B John Valentin, INF Mike Lansing, INF Chris Stynes, C Scott Hatteberg.
Spring Chicken: Seung Song. Korean pitcher is the best of a poor lot of prospects for Boston. Went 8-4 with a 1.90 ERA in ClassA last season and could make it to the big leagues by the end of the year. Has outstanding control and a deceptive delivery. Struck out more than a batter an inning with just 36 walks in 123 1/3 innings.
Outlook: Hung in the race until August last year despite injuries to ace Pedro Martinez and SS Nomar Garciaparra. Team fell apart late under Kerrigan, who had a 17-26 record after Jimy Williams was fired. Freed from the cloud of controversy surrounding Everett, who feuded with both managers, GM Dan Duquette is counting on better health and more durable starters to return Boston to the postseason for the first time since 1999. Kerrigan and Duquette might not make it even to Opening Day if the new owners decide for an overhaul.
New York Yankees
Manager: Joe Torre (seventh season).
2001: 95-65, AL champions.
Training Town: Tampa, Fla.
Park: Legends Field.
Reporting Dates: Feb. 14/Feb. 19.
He's Here: 1B Jason Giambi, 3B Robin Ventura, OF Rondell White, LHP David Wells, OF John Vander Wal, RHP Steve Karsay, C Alberto Castillo, C Chris Widger, INF F.P. Santangelo.
He's Outta Here: OF Paul O'Neill, 1B Tino Martinez, 3B Scott Brosius, OF Chuck Knoblauch, OF David Justice, RHP Jay Witasick, RHP Mark Wohlers, INF Randy Velarde, INF Clay Bellinger.
Spring Chicken: Nick Johnson. Yankees hope Johnson's move into the lineup goes as smoothly as Alfonso Soriano's did last season. Johnson, the nephew of Phillies manager Larry Bowa, is extremely patient at the plate and had a .407 on-base percentage at Columbus last year. Slick fielder and has shown improved power. Probably will play DH or outfield with Giambi at first base.
Outlook: Owner George Steinbrenner didn't take the World Series loss well, directing the biggest overhaul for the team since its run of four titles in six years following the 1995 season. Giambi was the biggest addition, providing a patient, power bat in the middle of the lineup. The Yankees also have greatly improved their bench — a weakness last year. Championship veterans O'Neill, Martinez and Brosius will be missed, but their replacements should be even more productive.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Manager: Hal McRae (second season).
2001: 62-100, fifth place.
Training Town: St. Petersburg, Fla.
Park: Al Lang Stadium.
Reporting Dates: Feb. 14/Feb. 19.
He's Here: OF Troy O'Leary, INF Wilmy Cacares.
He's Outta Here: OF Jose Guillen, LHP Jeff Wallace.
Spring Chicken: Dewon Brazelton. The No. 3 pick in last year's draft will probably start his pro career at Double A or Triple A and could make majors by the end of the season. Has a 95-mph fastball and an outstanding changeup. Set a Team USA record with 0.65 ERA in 2000.
Outlook: While expansion partner Arizona won the World Series last season, the Devil Rays are still seeking to avoid last place for the first time in their four-year history. There's little reason to think that will change this season. C Toby Hall and 2B Brent Abernathy showed signs of being productive major leaguers as rookies last year, but they'll need a lot of help for the Devil Rays to rebuild.
Toronto Blue Jays
Manager: Buck Martinez (second season).
2001: 80-82, 3rd place.
Training Town: Dunedin, Fla.
Park: Dunedin Stadium.
Reporting Dates: Feb. 17/Feb. 20.
He's Here: 3B Eric Hinske, RHP Luke Prokopec, RHP Brian Cooper, LHP Felix Heredia.
He's Outta Here: RHP Billy Koch, RHP Paul Quantrill, SS Alex Gonzalez, DH Brad Fullmer, INF Tony Fernandez, INF Cesar Izturis, INF Luis Lopez, C Alberto Castillo.
Spring Chicken: Eric Hinske. Key player acquired from the Athletics in the Billy Koch deal. New GM J.P. Ricciardi, who came from Oakland, is committed to giving Hinske a chance at winning third-base job. Hinske has good power and is a patient hitter, but has limited range at third.
Outlook: Ricciardi cut payroll for the team that had the highest operating losses last season. He's trying to build the Blue Jays in the mold of the low-cost Athletics, the team he left after last season. Toronto has promising talent in infielder Felipe Lopez and outfielder Vernon Wells, but a young pitching staff headed by Chris Carpenter and Kelvim Escobar needs to fulfill expectations. OF Raul Mondesi could be the next big salary to go if the Blue Jays can find a suitor.
CENTRAL
Chicago White Sox
Manager: Jerry Manuel (fifth year).
2001: 83-79, third place.
Training Town: Tucson, Ariz.
Park: Tucson Electric Park.
Reporting Dates: Feb 16/Feb. 21.
He's Here: OF Kenny Lofton, RHP Todd Ritchie, RHP Ryan Kohlmeier, OF Brian Simmons.
He's Outta Here: LHP David Wells, OF Jose Canseco, RHP Kip Wells, RHP Cal Eldred, RHP Sean Lowe, 3B Herbert Perry, OF Chris Singleton, LHP Alan Embree.
Spring Chicken: Joe Borchard. The trade of Singleton could open up a spot in the majors for Borchard some time this season. The former Stanford quarterback has big-league power (27 homers in Double A last year) and a strong arm. He does have holes in his swing, striking out 158 times last year.
Outlook: Injuries helped prevent the White Sox from successfully defending their AL Central title last year. A healthy Frank Thomas is key to returning to the postseason this year. Mark Buehrle and Jon Garland head up talented young rotation, and Keith Foulke is one of the best closers in the game. Magglio Ordonez and Paul Konerko provide big power bats in middle of the lineup.
Cleveland Indians
Manager: Charlie Manuel (third season).
2001: 91-71, first place, lost in ALDS.
Training Town: Winter Haven, Fla.
Park: Chain O' Lakes Park.
Reporting Dates: Feb. 14/Feb. 19.
He's Here: OF Brady Anderson, OF Matt Lawton, RHP Jerrod Riggan, INF Mike Lansing, RHP Omar Olivares.
He's Outta Here: 2B Roberto Alomar, OF Juan Gonzalez, OF Kenny Lofton, OF Marty Cordova, RHP Dave Burba, RHP Steve Woodard, LHP John Rocker, OF Dave Roberts.
Spring Chicken: Alex Escobar. The Mets' former top prospect was a key component in the Alomar deal. Escobar has power, can run and field, and has a strong arm in the outfield. His big weakness is the strike zone. He struck out 146 times, while walking only 35, in 397 at-bats at Triple A last season. But he's only 23.
Outlook: Forced to cut payroll after winning division last season. Losses of Alomar and Gonzalez will be felt deeply, and offense will no longer be able to carry the team. Rotation headed by Bartolo Colon and C.C. Sabathia could be the team's strength if Indians can get strong seasons from Danys Baez or Ryan Drese.
Detroit Tigers
Manager: Phil Garner (third season).
2001: 66-96, fourth place.
Training Town: Lakeland, Fla.
Park: Joker Marchant Stadium.
Reporting Dates: Feb. 17/Feb. 20.
He's Here: OF Dmitri Young, INF Craig Paquette, OF Jacob Cruz, RHP Juan Acevedo, RHP Billy Simas.
He's Outta Here: 1B Tony Clark, OF Roger Cedeno, OF Juan Encarnacion, SS Deivi Cruz, RHP Chris Holt, LHP Heath Murray.
Spring Chicken: Eric Munson. The third pick in the 1999 draft could be ready for the majors following Clark's departure. Munson had 26 homers, 35 doubles and 102 RBI at Double A last season and showed he isn't afraid to take a walk, drawing 84.
Outlook: There is little to look forward to for team with eight straight losing seasons. New stadium has brought little optimism and not many fans in two seasons. Young was a big offseason addition from Reds, but will have little help in the lineup. Knuckleballer Steve Sparks was most consistent starter in a weak rotation last season. Closer Matt Anderson was one of the lone bright spots, converting 22 of 24 save chances.
Kansas City Royals
Manager: Tony Muser (sixth season).
2001: 65-97, fifth place.
Training Town: Haines City, Fla.
Park: Baseball City Stadium.
Reporting Dates: Feb. 15/Feb. 20.
He's Here: OF Chuck Knoblauch, OF Michael Tucker, LHP Darrell May.
He's Outta Here: C Gregg Zaun, INF Donnie Sadler, RHP Brian Meadows.
Spring Chicken: Angel Berroa. Acquired from Oakland in the Johnny Damon deal last year, the 22-year-old shortstop is almost ready for the majors. He is an outstanding fielder with good range and a strong arm. Isn't bad offensively. either. Hit .304 in Class A and Double A with 14 homers and 38 doubles. Also batted .302 in 53 at-bats as a late-season call-up.
Outlook: Surprisingly, Muser is back for a sixth season despite a .426 winning percentage and no winning seasons. This doesn't figure to be the first. Knoblauch and Tucker were the only substantial additions on a team that needed lots of help. OF Carlos Beltran returned to his 1999 Rookie of the Year form, hitting .306 with 24 homers and 101 RBI last season. 1B Mike Sweeney has quietly become a star. Team finished 11th in the league in ERA and 10th in runs scored last year.
Minnesota Twins
Manager: Ron Gardenhire (first season).
2001: 85-77, second place.
Training Town: Fort Myers, Fla.
Park: Hammond Stadium.
Reporting Dates: Feb. 17/Feb. 22.
He's Here: RHP Mike Jackson, RHP Brian Meadows, INF Kurt Abbott.
He's Outta Here: RHP Todd Jones.
Spring Chicken: Michael Cuddyer. This power-hitting prospect could open the season as the Twins' right fielder. Showed nice combination of power and patience at Double A last season, with 30 homers, 36 doubles and 75 walks in 509 at-bats. Could be the big hitter Minnesota needs to go with its deep, young pitching staff.
Outlook: After surviving contraction for at least a year, Twins made few moves in the offseason. But in a division without a dominating club, last year's surprise team could contend again in 2002. Rotation headed by Brad Radke, Eric Milton and Joe Mays is division's strongest. Injury to Cristian Guzman devastated the team in July. If he's healthy and Cuddyer reaches his potential, Twins could come out ahead in wide-open division.
WEST
Anaheim Angels
Manager: Mike Scioscia (third season).
2001: 75-87, third place.
Training Town: Tempe, Ariz.
Park: Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Reporting Dates: Feb. 15/Feb. 20.
He's Here: RHP Aaron Sele, RHP Kevin Appier, DH Brad Fullmer, LHP Dennis Cook, RHP Donne Wall, INF/OF Clay Bellinger.
He's Outta Here: 1B Mo Vaughn, RHP Shigetoshi Hasegawa, LHP Mike Holtz, RHP Brian Cooper, SS Gary DiSarcina, RHP Pat Rapp.
Spring Chicken: Bart Miadich. Bounced around the minors before settling down in Anaheim's system. Had 27 saves and a 2.44 ERA in Triple A last season to win team's minor-league pitcher of the year award. Throws hard, has a good slider and could be a valuable part of the Angels' bullpen.
Outlook: Sele and Appier strengthen an already solid rotation, but the Angels need to find ways to score. Anaheim needs Darin Ertsad to rebound from disappointing 2001, when his average dropped from .355 to .258. Tim Salmon also struggled, his homers cut in half to 17. Need someone better than Scott Spiezio to play first base to replace Vaughn.
Oakland Athletics
Manager: Art Howe (seventh season).
2001: 102-60, 2nd place, lost.
Training Town: Phoenix, Ariz.
Park: Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
Reporting Dates: Feb. 16/Feb. 20.
He's Here: RHP Billy Koch, OF David Justice, 1B Carlos Pena, C/1B Scott Hatteberg, LHP Mike Holtz, INF Randy Velarde, LHP Mike Venafro, RHP Allen Levrault.
He's Outta Here: 1B Jason Giambi, OF Johnny Damon, RHP Jason Isringhausen, OF Ron Gant, LHP Mark Guthrie, RHP Gil Heredia.
Spring Chicken: Carlos Pena. Oakland's biggest acquisition of the offseason. The former Texas phenom will be counted to help make up for Giambi's loss. Pena is an improvement defensively at first base over the 2000 AL MVP and should develop into a big-time hitter. Has 20-homer power and the patient approach Oakland GM Billy Beane covets.
Outlook: After taking the Yankees the limit in the first round the past two seasons, the Athletics have big holes to fill. Giambi, the clubhouse leader and best player, went to the rival Yankees and will be impossible to replace. Pena and Justice will be counted on to make up for some of that production. Terrence Long will move back to center field and the leadoff spot to replace Damon. Koch should be a slight upgrade over Isringhausen. Strength of the team again is in its trio of dominating young starters: Tim Hudson, Barry Zito and Mark Mulder.
Seattle Mariners
Manager: Lou Piniella (10th season).
2001: 116-46, first place, lost in ALCS.
Training Town: Peoria, Ariz.
Park: Peoria Sports Complex.
Reporting Dates: Feb. 14/Feb. 19.
He's Here: 3B Jeff Cirillo, RHP Shigetoshi Hasegawa, RHP James Baldwin, OF Ruben Sierra, C Ben Davis, INF Desi Relaford, SS Alex Arias.
He's Outta Here: RHP Aaron Sele, 3B David Bell, RHP Jose Paniagua, OF Jay Buhner, OF Stan Javier, OF Al Martin, RHP Brett Tomko, C Tom Lampkin, SS Ramon Vazquez.
Spring Chicken: Ryan Anderson. Was close to the majors before tearing the labrum in his left shoulder a year ago. Missed all of last year recovering from the injury. The Little Unit — nicknamed for his similarity in size (6 feet 10) and ability to throw hard (460 strikeouts in 349 1/3 minor-league innings) to former Mariners ace Randy Johnson — will be closely watched in the spring. If he's healthy, he could make a big impact in the majors.
Outlook: Tied the major-league record with 116 wins last season, but fell short to the Yankees in the ALCS for the second straight season. Ichiro Suzuki exceeded expectations, winning the batting title and MVP in his first year over from Japan. Cirillo and Davis could be key additions, but Mariners still might need a No. 1 starter to match up with Yankees.
Texas Rangers
Manager: Jerry Narron (second season).
2001: 73-89, fourth place.
Training Town: Port Charlotte, Fla.
Park: Charlotte County Stadium.
Reporting Dates: Feb. 14/Feb. 20.
He's Here: RHP Chan Ho Park, OF Juan Gonzalez, OF Carl Everett, LHP John Rocker, LHP Mario Ramos, RHP Hideki Irabu, LHP Bill Pulsipher, RHP Dave Burba, RHP Jay Powell, RHP Todd Van Poppel, RHP Dan Miceli, RHP Ismael Valdes, RHP Rudy Seanez, OF Ryan Ludwick, 1B Jason Hart, 3B Herbert Perry, C Pat Borders.
He's Outta Here: RHP Rick Helling, 1B Carlos Pena, RHP Tim Crabtree, OF Ruben Sierra, OF Ricky Ledee, OF Chad Curtis, LHP Darren Oliver, LHP Mike Venafro.
Spring Chicken: Hank Blalock. He's patient and powerful and could make an impact soon for the Rangers. Could partner on left side of the infield with Alex Rodriguez for years to come or move to the outfield to make room for last year's top draft pick, Mark Teixeira. Blalock hit .352 with 28 homers and 108 RBI in Class A and Double A last season.
Outlook: GM John Hart was busy after coming over from Cleveland, signing almost every available pitcher to staff that finished last in the majors with a 5.71 ERA last season. Should be an interesting clubhouse with Everett and Rocker. Lineup is formidable with Alex Rodriguez, Ivan Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro and Everett, but pitching remains sketchy.
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AL teams at the start of spring
