A.L. East.(BASEBALL)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

IF Chris Gomez's recent broken hand further thinned the infield. Rookie Brandon Fahey replaces Gomez as the fill-in for 2B Brian Roberts (groin), who might be activated from the D.L this weekend. Utilityman Ed Rogers was called up from the minors. He can play all the positions except first base in the infield, plus he can handle left and right field. Gomez is out until the All-Star break.... Many of C Ramon Hernandez's errors have been on aggressive throws, but the club will let Hernandez use his arm as he sees fit. At the start of the week, he was 10-for-21 throwing out would-be basestealers. TSNUMBER: 5.79--The starters' ERA at the beginning of the week, fourth worst in the majors. The rotation was expected to be a strength, but RHPs Rodrigo Lopez and Daniel Cabrera and LHPs Erik Bedard and Bruce Chen have struggled. RHP Kris Benson has been adequate.--Spencer Fordin

BOSTON RED SOX

Though the club will explore outside options if it needs bullpen help, the best solution likely lies in the farm system, where RHP Craig Hanson is making strides with every outing. He often works multiple innings at Class AAA in case he's needed as a starter, but it's more likely he will join the bullpen around midseason. Hansen has a devastating slider.... The infield defense is better than it has been in years and gives the pitchers a greater margin for error. 3B Mike Lowell and SS Alex Gonzalez are Gold Glove-caliber, 2B Mark Leretta is steady and 1B Kevin Youkilis is underrated. TSNUMBER: 7--Times RHP Tim Wakefield allowed three or fewer earned runs in a seven-start span from April 9-May 11. Wakefield, who turns 40 in August, remains a rock in the rotation. He has been highly consistent since returning to the rotation for good midway through the 2002 season.--Ian Browne

NEW YORK YANKEES

LF Hideki Matsui's broken wrist leaves a big hole in the Yankees' lineup; he'll miss about three months. Bubba Crosby and Bernie Williams figure to fill in for Matsui for now, although a trade is possible. Cosby's defense is his best attribute. Williams will contribute to be a DH primarily.... The club brought up OF Melky Cabrara from Class AAA Columbus last week to replace RF Gary ...