A.L. report.(BASEBALL)

RED SOX RHP Mike Timlin will turn 40 in March, but don't expect his play to decline much next season. He continues to rely heavily on his sinking fastball, which still hits the mid-90s. His second pitch, a slider, has a sharp bite. In addition, Timlin is one of the best fielding pitchers in the league. ... Runners don't take liberties against RANGERS C Rod Barajas, and the club's pitchers feel comfortable throwing to him. Offensively, he has home run power and usually hits at the bottom of the order. ... BLUE JAYS SS Russ Adams, 25, showed good plate discipline and emerging power last season and finished the year as the club's leadoff hitter. Adams, a lefthanded hitter, can spray singles all over the park, but be pulls most of his extrabase hits. ... The re-signing of Hideki Matsui gives the YANKBES some flexibility in the outfield. Matsui likely will return to left field, but the team could sign a left fielder and shift Matsui to center, where he played frequently in Japan. Matsui doesn't possess ideal speed in center, but he gets good on balls. ... ROYALS SS Angel Berroa needs to be more consistent. He can make dazzling plays, but his concentration can lapse on routine pickups and throws. He has good power but tends to overswing and chase pitches. ... Expect ATHLETHICS RHP Joe Blanton to report to camp lighter than his season-ending weight of about 235 pounds. The club thinks improved conditioning will allow him to field his position better and consistently work deeper into games. ... Craig Monroe's progress the past couple of years likely has earned him the TIGERS' left field job. Monroe, who once was only able to pound fastballs, has worked to become a consistent hitter against all sorts of pitching and has shortened his swing against junkballers. ... Jerry Owens could prove to be the speedy top-of-the-order option WHITE SOX manager Ozzie Guillen wants to complement OF Scott Podsednik. He had a great season for Class AA Birmingham and was hitting above .400 in the Venezuelan winter .league. ... David Newhan's versatility could make him an integral player for the ORIOLES in 2006. He can play all over the outfield and infield. He's hard-nosed, and his speed provides a spark. ... MARINBRS CF Jeremy Reed could become a Gold Glove winner, but he needs to improve on offense and add some muscle during the offseason. Be has the potential to produce 15 to 20 home runs and hit close to ...