AMERICAN LEAGUE.

Anaheim

OFF INTO THE SUNSET: Baseball lost an eloquent player and fiery competitor when RHP pitcher Tim Belcher retired after a 14-year career that began with the Dodgers and a Word Series title in 1988 and ended with two frustrating, injury-marred years with the Angels. Belcher, 39, had a 10.80 ERA in five spring starts, giving up 15 runs in 7 2/3 innings of his last two games. Though he felt sound physically, it was apparent he wouldn't make the rotation. After a meeting with Manager Mike Scioscia and GM Bill Stoneman, Belcher retired.... The Angels signed RF Tim Salmon to a $40 million extension that virtually ensures that he will remain with the club through the 2005 season and adds to a strong core. 3B Troy Glaus and C Bengie Molina also signed four-year deals, and LF Garret Anderson and 1B Mo Vaughn are on board through '04. The team also hopes to secure CF Darin Erstad.

HEAD TO HEAD: Several roster decisions can't be made until a winner is declared at first base from among Wally Joyner, Scott Spiezio and Larry Barnes. If Joyner or Barnes starts, Spiezio will be a backup corner infielder and outfielder. If Spiezio starts, 1B/3B Jose Fernandez's chances improve over Shawn Wooten's. Orlando Palmeiro will be a backup outfielder, Jorge Fabregas a backup catcher, and David Lamb has the edge for backup middle infielder. --Mike DiGiovanna

Baltimore

HOCUS POCUS: The team altered its rotation at the request of RHP Jose Mercedes, who wanted to be moved out of the No. 3 spot because he is superstitious. Mercedes will be dropped to fourth and RHP Jason Johnson moved up to third. Mercedes says he has had bad luck as a third starter throughout his career.... Reserve C Greg Myers likely will be released because rookie Fernando Lunar, acquired last July in the B.J. Surhoff deal, is out of options. Because Lunar is the only player the Orioles have to show for Surhoff--RHP Luis Rivera is out for the season, and OF Trenidad Hubbard was released--the team seems determined to keep him at Myers' expense. The Orioles think another team will claim Lunar if they try to pass him through waivers. A late trade involving Myers is still possible, but other teams are aware of the Orioles' predicament and likely would wait till the Orioles are forced to release him. The Orioles then would be responsible for most of his salary.

HEAD TO HEAD: Battling for the last three bullpen spots, RHP Calvin Maduro has come on strong, RHP Jorge Julio has faded and LHP John Bale is somewhere in between. Julio's fastball drew raves in early spring, but he appears to have slipped behind Maduro and Chad Paronto in the race for the two righthanded spots. Bale's fate depends in part on whether the team keeps LHP Chuck McElroy in the rotation. --Dave Sheinin

Boston