A.L. report.(Baseball)

The ATHLETICS have been short on righthanded power in recent years, which is good news for Keith Ginter, who hit 19 homers with the Brewers last season. The A's hope Ginter, who will battle 2B Mark Ellis for a starting job, can develop into a middle-of-the-order threat.... The TWINS want their starting shortstop to have a steady glove, and the three veterans vying for the job--Nick Punto, Juan Castro and Augie Ojeda--each fit that mold. Rookie Jason Bartlett also is in the mix; he has the best hitting skills of the four and has been working to improve defensively.... RHP Jose Contreras could be the X-factor in the WHITE SOX's rotation. He has the talent to win 15 to 18 games but must use his wide array of pitches instead of relying too heavily on his devastating split-finger pitch and plus fastball.... It's time for C Miguel Olivo to take command of the MARINERS' pitching staff. Olivo spent much of the offseason working with catching coach Roger Hansen, and the results of their sessions could show early in spring training. ... One of ROYALS pitching coach Guy Hansen's projects is to whittle clown RHP Ryan Jensen's assortment of pitches. Jensen, who might end up in the bullpen, throws seven pitches. Hansen believes that's too many and wants Jensen to rework his arsenal.... DEVIL RAYS manager Lou Piniella says he will wait until he sees strong-armed OF Danny Bautista in a few spring training games before deciding whether Bautista will start in left field or right, with Aubrey Huff filling the other spot. Huff appears better suited for right field.... The ORIOLES will take a long look at LHP Matt Riley and RHP Daniel Cabrera to fill rotation spots. Riley has immense talent and could break through; Cabrera worked on a change-up this offseason and should be able to hold down a spot.... Of the pitchers fighting for the TIGERS' only bullpen opening, RHPs Fernando Rodney and Chris Spurling best fit into middle and long work because of their ability to change speeds.... The last spot in the ANGELS' bullpen will be filled by a long reliever. RHP Matt Hensley might have an edge over RHP Scott Dunn because Hensley spent more time with the team in 2004 and had an excellent strikeouts-to-innings ratio.... The BLUE JAYS expect RHP Dustin McGowan (elbow), one of the organization's best prospects, to regain top velocity on his pitches by August. But he'll be monitored closely, and the team won't rush his big-league debut.... The RANGERS won't be vulnerable offensively if one of their top three catchers--Rod Barajas, Sandy Alomar or Gerald Laird--gets hurt. When Laird missed significant time last season, Texas had to turn to light-hitting Ken Huckaby.... RHP Kevin Brown plans to ease ...