AMERICAN LEAGUE.(team-by-team analysis)

Anaheim

LESSON LEARNED: You wouldn't think a closer who had 32 saves last season would be in need of a fresh start, but closer Troy Percival is looking forward to one this spring. His 2000 numbers are deceiving--he wasn't that good. Physical problems led to mental duress, and it wasn't until August that he admitted coming back too soon from offseason shoulder surgery. Because his shoulder wasn't at full strength, Percival's arm slot fell from his natural three-quarters delivery to more of a sidearm motion. The adjustment to pitch more with his elbow caused other problems, and Percival wound up on the D.L. in August, missing most of the month. He kept his arm pain to himself--until it became too much to bear. That's a mistake he likely won't make again.

IT'S OFFICIAL: Manager Mike Scioscia says Darin Erstad will move from left field to center this season. It was a move considered last year, but Erstad was so good in left--he won a Gold Glove--and Garret Anderson was so comfortable in center that Scioscia never pulled the trigger and even challenged reporters who suggested the switch. Common sense apparently took over this winter. Erstad will cover more ground than Anderson in center, and with two gaps instead of one to be responsible for, Erstad should have more chances to make the spectacular diving catches he--and not Anderson--is capable of. --Mike DiGiovanna

Baltimore

CLOSING IN ON KOHLMEIER: Despite the lingering presence of several experienced closers on the free-agent market--including RHP Rick Aguilera, whose agent the team recently contacted--the Orioles appear content to give young RHP Ryan Kohlmeier the first shot at closing games this season. Although he does not have overpowering stuff, Kohlmeier has good movement on his fastball and an exceptional slider, and he throws both pitches for strikes.... Delino DeShields remains the unknown in the outfield. He still is a trade possibility--more because of OF Brady Anderson's full no-trade clause than any deficiency on DeShields' part--but he also could end up part of a four-outfielder rotation. DeShields was moved from second base to left field after B.J. Surhoff was traded last July, and the Orioles took a look at him in center field last spring.

HOME IMPROVEMENT: The organization has moved home plate seven feet closer to the backstop at Camden Yards, a change that should produce fewer home runs and foul-outs and more doubles and triples. The changes, which came as part of a resodding of the field necessitated by a drainage problem, are the first to Camden Yards since its opening in 1992. Although it has a reputation as a hitter's park, Camden ranked only sixth out of 14 American League parks in 2000 in the number of home runs hit there. --Dave Sheinin

Boston