A.L. East.(BASEBALL)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Newly acquired Raul Chavez likely will serve as the club's No. 3 catcher and provide a late-inning defensive replacement if the Orioles elect to pinch hit or pinch run for Raraon Hernandez or Javy Lopez. Lopez, who will begin the season as the primary DH, likely will start 25 to 30 games at catcher as Hernandez's backup.... Expect leadoff man 2B Brian Roberts to start slowly, then hit his stride in late May as he continues to recover from a severe elbow injury suffered last September. Roberts resumed game action late in the exhibition schedule. MR. APRIL: 38 Melvin Mora traditionally has been a hot first-month hitter--the past three years, he has batted .328 with 10 homers in April. His efforts to negotiate a contract extension didn't affect his play in spring training. He led the team in homers and RBIs.--Spencer Fordin

BOSTON RED SOX

Backup C Josh Bard appears capable of taking over for Doug Mirabelli as personal catcher for RHP Tim Wakefield. Mirabelli was traded to the Padres in the offseason. Bard has been adept at catching Wakefield's knuckleball, and the two seemed to click right away. Having confidence in his catcher is essential to Wakefield's success.... The club is excited about what its new leadoff and No. 2 hitters bring to the offense. Boston likes CF Coco Crisp's speed and 2B Mark Loretta's ability to handle the bat. MR. APRIL: RHP Josh Beckett is excited about going from the Marlins to the Red Sox; look for him to start, quickly as he gets an adrenaline rush from pitching at Fenway Park. Beckett threw the ball harder than anyone in camp this spring. He also might be able to avoid his chronic finger blisters by getting away from the South Florida heat and humidity.--Ian Browne

NEW YORK YANKEES

RHP Tanyon Sturtze struggled with his command throughout the spring, but manager Joe Torte doesn't seem overly concerned. After battling a tired right shoulder during the second half of 2005, Sturtze worked all winter to strengthen his arm, and he believes it is 100 percent. Sturtze is expected to share setup duties with RHP Kyle Farnsworth.... RHP Scott Proctor will serve as a long reliever until RHPs Aaron Small (hamstring) and Carl Pavano (back, buttocks) return from ...