A.L. East.(BASEBALL)(American League)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Club officials are concerned about the season debut of RHP Daniel Cabrera, who reverted to old ways after an impressive showing in spring training. Cabrera lost his release point, began firing the ball and threw at A's 1B Scott Hatteborg in frustration. Pitching coach Ray Mille/still expects Cabrera to have a fine season, but the question is whether he can be depended on to deliver in adverse situations.... Manager Lee Mazzilli said Jay Gibbons primarily would play first base this season, but Rafael Palmeiro started there the first two games and should get a chunk of starts there as Gibbons gets more comfortable after moving from right field this year. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Gibbons' inexperience at first base showed in a crucial mistake he made during a loss to the A's last week. He was in the wrong place to cover a sacrifice bunt by Oakland's Mark Kotsay, cutting off a throw to first, where 2B Bran Roberts stood waiting for the ball.--Gary Washburn

BOSTON RED SOX

The lower part of the Red Sox's order should give teams fits this season. Besides being good hitters, 3B Bill Mueller and 2B Mark Bellhorn, who bat eighth and ninth, are good at battling deep into counts, which drives up pitch counts.... 1B Kevin Millar, who had just 21 RBIs the first three months of last season, has come out swinging a hot bat this year. It's important for Millar to be productive because that prevents opponents from being too careful with LF Manny Ramirez and DH David Ortiz. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: No one is taking better advantage of his new resources than RHP Matt Clement, who has had a new catcher nearly every year of his career. So he is glad he can pick Jason Vadtek's brain for the next few years. The two clicked early in spring training. After learning a lot from RHP Greg Maddux with the Cubs last season, Clement is picking up everything he can from RHP Curt Schilling and LHP David Wells.--Ian Browne

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS

The starting pitchers have been effective early because they have been throwing strikes and getting hitters to put the ball in play. That takes advantage of the club's strength: defense. In the first five games, the five starters all went at least five innings and combined held opponents to a .180 batting average.... Manager Lou Piniella believes speed on the bases can lead to 3-run homers because having fast runners on base translates to more fastballs and a distracted pitcher. In addition, it causes most pitchers to go to ...