A.L. report.(Baseball)(American League)

SPOTLIGHT: Rotations

ANGELS RHP Bartolo Colon can build on his momentum from the second half of 2004 by continuing to use his changeup against righthanded hitters. ... RHP Kelvim Escobar managed to be the team's most consistent starter last season despite getting no run support. His newfound maturity should help him in '05. ATHLETICS With three rookies potentially part of the rotation, LHP Barry Zito and ace-in-training RHP Rich Harden will need to work deep into most games to keep the bullpen from being overworked. Critics point to Zito's inconsistency the past two seasons, but he was the team's second-best pitcher down the stretch behind Harden. BLUE JAYS Questions lie at the back of the rotation; RHP Dave Bush pitched consistently in a strong rookie campaign, but RHP Josh Towers was erratic. Late-season sensation LHP Gustavo Chacin also could be in the mix. DEVIL RAYS RHP Dewon Brazelton has returned to his herky-jerky college delivery, which aids his changeup and fastball. ... LHP Scott Kazmir, 20, has boundless confidence and the potential to become either an ace or a Billy Wagner-type closer. INDIANS If LHP C.C. Sabathia, the team's designated ace, can't anchor the staff and pitch effectively in big games, the rotation will fall apart. Sabathia and young LHP Cliff Lee should be nice complements to veteran RHPs Jake Westbrook and Scott Elarton. ORIOLES Even if he's exonerated, RHP Sidney Ponson's legal troubles in Aruba could cement his reputation as a clown who doesn't take the game seriously enough. RHPs Rodrigo Lopez and Daniel Cabrera, the Nos. 2 and 3 starters, will be depended on to carry the load. MARINERS If RHP Joel Pineiro has completely recovered from an injury to his throwing arm, he should be the opening day starter. ... Hard-throwing 18-year-old RHP Felix Hernandez is one of baseball's best pitching prospects. His chances of gaining a rotation spot will be enhanced if the team doesn't acquire an experienced starter. RANGERS RHPs Chris Young, Ricardo Rodriguez and Juan Dominguez will have a chance to make their marks as the team makes a commitment to developing young starting pitching. They'll be counted on to provide quality and consistency at the bottom of the rotation. RED SOX RHP Curt Schilling could miss his first four or five starts as he recovers from ankle surgery, but the additions of big-game LHP David Wells and talented RHP Matt Clement should provide sufficient depth to withstand Schilling's absence. Working with a catcher of Jason Varitek's caliber could elevate Clement's game. ROYALS RHP Jose Lima is a veteran innings eater who can help take pressure off a young bullpen and keep the clubhouse loose. ... RHP ...