AMERICAN LEAGUE.(team-by-team analyses of professional baseball clubs)

Anaheim

SPIEZIO'S SPOT: It appears Scott Spiezio will have the edge at DH going into spring training. Spiezio hit just .242 last season, but he showed power with 17 home runs and 49 RBIs in just 297 at-bats. He doesn't have much speed, but he makes fairly consistent contact and doesn't strike out a lot.... If Mo Vaughn does not show defensive improvement next spring, the club may move him to DH and start Larry Barnes at first base. In Barnes, the Angels have a defensive specialist who sparkled in the Arizona Fall League after hitting just .257 with seven homers and 54 RBIs in an injury-plagued 2000 at Class AAA Edmonton.

RIGHT FIELD ANALYSIS: Tim Salmon may be one of the best players who never has made an All-Star team, but there's a reason why he hasn't been chosen: He's a notoriously slow starter whose hot streaks are offset by prolonged slumps. Last season he hit .217 in April and .231 in September, but he finished at .290 with 34 homers and 97 RBIs. Some scouts think Salmon has slipped a notch defensively, but he's still above average. Orlando Palmeiro mad Kimera Bartee provide excellent defense and speed off the bench. CF Garret Anderson also can play right in a pinch. --Mike DiGiovanna

Baltimore

ADDING EXPERIENCE: The signing of RHP Pat Hentgen to a two-year, $9.8 million deal provides an established, veteran presence for a rotation that lost RHPs Mike Mussina as a free agent and Scott Erickson because of elbow surgery. Before the signing, the rotation was headed by RHPs Sidney Ponson and journeyman Jose Mercedes. The last two spots in the rotation are up for grabs among veteran LHP Chuck McElroy and a group of youngsters, including LHP John Parrish and RHPs Jason Johnson, Jay Spurgeon, Josh Towers and Luis Rivera.

RIGHT FIELD ANALYSIS: The signing of 1B David Segui probably means Chris Richard will be the team's regular right fielder. Richard, 26, was acquired from the Cardinals in the deal for RHP Mike Timlin. Richard played first base for the Orioles but is better suited to right field. Previously, Brady Anderson, who was moved out of center as the Orioles looked at prospects, appeared to be the starter in right. In 2001, center field will belong to Melvin Morn. Anderson now might play left. Albert Belie probably would have been the right fielder, but a degenerative hip condition will force him to be the designated hitter in 2001. --Dave Sheinin

Boston