A.L. reports.(Baseball)

ANAHEIM ANGELS

Owner Arte Moreno is said to be eager to land a Hispanic star to appeal to southern California's sizable Hispanic population. The latest talk is that Moreno covets Rangers SS Alex Rodriguez. An Angels source says it's unlikely the club will land A-Rod but that it wouldn't be surprising to see Rodriguez leave the Rangers soon. OFFSEASON ASSIGNMENT: RHP John Lackey will continue to work on his changeup, which was instrumental in his improvement late in the season.--Doug Miller

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Eddie Murray, during his recent interview with management, offered strong ideas about how he'd run the club and deal with younger players; former manager Mike Hargrove was deemed too soft on players. OFFSEASON ASSIGNMENT: RF Jay Gibbons had a breakout season this year, but he needs to improve in several areas if he is to become a premier hitter. Gibbons needs to be more selective at the plate; he drew just 49 walks in 682 plate appearances and swung at a lot of bad balls. Gibbons also must develop patience, resisting the urge to hack at the first pitch.--Gary Washburn

BOSTON RED SOX

Look for RHP Scott Williamson to enter spring training as the closer. Williamson has righted himself after a confidence-boosting conversation with pitching coach Tony Cloninger. RHP Byung-Hyun Kim, the closer for two months, may not return. He has had trouble pitching under pressure and showed immaturity by making an obscene gesture toward fans at Fenway Park. OFFSEASON ASSIGNMENT: The team believes RHP Ramiro Mendoza doesn't work hard enough on maintaining strength and will have him work with assistant trainer Chris Correnti, one of the best at designing productive programs for pitchers.--Ian Browne

CHICAGO WHITE SOX