BASEBALL ’91 LEAGUE PREVIEWS : AMERICAN LEAGUE : By Whatever Route Everybody Is Chasing the Oakland Athletics

Manager Tony La Russa of the Oakland Athletics said his club enjoyed being in a race with the Angels and Kansas City Royals for the American League West pennant two years ago and wouldn’t mind being tested again.

“Our guys like to compete,” La Russa said.

The A’s, winners of the last three league championships, may get serious competition.

“I definitely think the division is going to be real rough, and I’m not saying that to be cute,” said La Russa, whose club pulled away from the Chicago White Sox late last summer and won the West title by nine games, then swept the Boston Red Sox in the playoffs. “I think any team in the division can win 90 games. Everybody’s got a nice base and some question marks. Some have more question marks than others.”

With a starting lineup averaging more than 30, there is no question the Angels have experience. The A’s won 103 games last year, but Angel Manager Doug Rader said he’s not sure anyone will reach 100 this season.

“I think the division is going to be more competitive this year, and the more competitive it is, the fewer games will win it,” Rader said. “You look at the pitching staff in Seattle, the players with Kansas City and Texas. That should cut the number down.”

In the East, the Toronto Blue Jays have tried to trade for a pennant, and the Red Sox have tried to buy one.

A bold trade with the Padres brought second baseman Roberto Alomar and outfielder Joe Carter to the Blue Jays for shortstop Tony Fernandez and first baseman Fred McGriff. Toronto also helped its defense and pitching by acquiring center fielder Devon White and right-hander Willie Fraser from the Angels for Junior Felix and Luis Sojo.

The Red Sox paid $21.5 million to extend Roger Clemens’ contract, $8.7 million to sign Jack Clark for three years, $11.8 million to sign Danny Darwin and $6.35 million to sign left-hander Matt Young, who has a 51-78 record. That unwittingly made Young the symbol of baseball’s excesses, the Red Sox throwing money at him instead of into their bullpen.

Here’s a look at each division in order of projected finish:

WESTERN DIVISION

OAKLAND A’S

* 1990 finish: 103-59, first.

* Outlook: Manager Tony La Russa’s patience will be tested. Rickey Henderson, four stolen bases away from setting the record, said during training camp that his $3 million salary may not be enough to motivate him because so many players make more. Jose Canseco, recovered from the back problems that led to his benching in Game 4 of the World Series, got another speeding ticket in the off-season and is in the midst of a divorce. How much turbulence can the A’s withstand if they find themselves in a race?

* New faces: Outfielder Willie Wilson, infielders Ernest Riles and Vance Law, pitcher Eric Show (free agent).

* Must have: More victories from Show than the six he gave the Padres last season. Show will be the fourth starter and rookie Kirk Dressendorfer the fifth, behind Dave Stewart, Cy Young Award winner Bob Welch and Mike Moore. Stewart is going for his fifth consecutive 20-victory season, which no one has done since Catfish Hunter in 1971-75. The A’s need big years from Stewart and Welch and another superb year from Dennis Eckersley, who had an earned-run average of 0.61 and walked only four batters in 73 1/3 innings while earning 48 saves.

* Don’t have: The air of invincibility they had in winning the last three division titles. Third baseman Carney Lansford, a stabilizing force in the infield, will be idled by knee surgery, the result of an off-season snowmobile accident. Law, who played in Japan last season, is expected to replace him. They also lack left-hander Rick Honeycutt, who underwent shoulder surgery during spring training. If Henderson lacks commitment, the A’s will have problems.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

* 1990 finish: 94-68, second.

* Outlook: With former Oakland scout Ron Schueler as general manager and Manager Jeff Torborg’s astute handling of his pitchers, the White Sox may avoid the letdown that often hits after a team has taken huge strides. Their bullpen is deep, led by Bobby Thigpen and his record 57 saves.

* New faces: Outfielders Tim Raines and Cory Snyder, pitcher Charlie Hough. And Comiskey Park, reincarnated across the street from the Sox’s old home.

* Must have: More victories from their starters--none won more than 14 games in 1990. Maturity from Sammy Sosa, the talented but sometimes undisciplined outfielder. A big year from first baseman Frank Thomas, 22. Another Gold Glove year from shortstop Ozzie Guillen. More production from their left-handed hitters.

* Don’t have: Setup man Barry Jones, dealt to Montreal in the Raines trade. A .300 hitter: the closest were Lance Johnson and the seemingly ageless Carlton Fisk, who hit .285. They don’t have much power but their speed may compensate. They don’t have to settle for less than they accomplished last season.

ANGELS

* 1990 finish: 80-82, fourth.

* Outlook: They will score a lot of runs but may give many back defensively. The middle of the batting order is formidable, as long as Lance Parrish, Wally Joyner and 39-year-olds Dave Winfield and Dave Parker remain sound. Luis Polonia earned the leadoff spot by hitting .335 last season and showed defensive improvement this spring. Manager Doug Rader hopes to have a set lineup, a luxury denied him last season by injuries and a lack of depth.

* New faces: Infielders Gary Gaetti and Luis Sojo, outfielders Junior Felix and Dave Gallagher, pitchers Jeff Robinson and Floyd Bannister, designated hitter Dave Parker.

* Must have: Better defensive play than in 1990, when their 142 errors and .978 fielding percentage ranked 13th in the league. More offensive dimensions than power--they stole only 69 bases last season, four more than Henderson. A rebound by Gaetti, whose offensive statistics faded in Minnesota while he struggled with injuries. Another big season from Chuck Finley (18-9 last year); 15 or 16 victories from Kirk McCaskill, fit after elbow surgery; and 12 to 15 victories from Jim Abbott.

* Don’t have: Much in the bullpen besides Bryan Harvey; only Scott Bailes had an impressive spring and no one excelled in long-relief. Guarantees that Sojo is a major league second baseman and that Felix, who has played right field more than center, is an everyday center fielder.

SEATTLE MARINERS

* 1990 finish: 77-85, fifth.

* Outlook: A formidable starting staff and the exploits of Ken Griffey Jr. could make the Mariners a contender. Griffey hit .300 with 22 home runs and 80 RBIs last year at age 20, and his father hit .377 in 21 games. However, Ken Sr.’s status was clouded by injuries he sustained in a preseason car accident. Jay Buhner and Tracy Jones will hit for power.

* New face: Pitcher Bill Krueger.

* Must have: Better defensive play from third baseman Edgar Martinez, who has little range but a good bat. Big years from Erik Hanson (18-9) and 6-foot-10 left-hander Randy Johnson (14-11). A strong bullpen, led by a healthy Mike Schooler, who had 30 saves in 34 opportunities last season despite missing the final six weeks because of a shoulder problem.

* Don’t have: A winning season in 14 years. Bullpen depth beyond Schooler and Bill Swift.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

* 1990 finish: 75-86, sixth.

* Outlook: They’re being touted to contend on the theory they can’t be as bad as last season. After signing a four-year, $13-million contract, Mark Davis went 2-7 with a 5.11 ERA and six saves. To salvage him, the Royals hired Pat Dobson, who helped Davis win the National League Cy Young Award in 1989 for San Diego. George Brett’s second-half charge to the league batting title was stirring, but at 38, he’s probably going to see more time at DH than at first base.

* New faces: Pitchers Mike Boddicker and Dan Schatzeder, outfielder-DH Kirk Gibson.

* Must have: A typical odd-numbered year from Bret Saberhagen. The right-hander is 61-22 with two Cy Young Awards in 1985, ’87 and ’89 but only 36-48 in ‘84, ‘86, ’88 and ’90. A quick recovery from rotator cuff surgery from Mark Gubicza. A big year from center fielder Brian McRae, who hit .286 in 46 late-season games.

* Don’t have: Bo Jackson, whose defensive play in the outfield and power hitting will be missed after a football hip injury led the Royals to release him. A left-handed starting pitcher.

TEXAS RANGERS

* 1990 finish: 83-79, third.

* Outlook: Nolan Ryan and Bobby Witt, who finished 1-2 in strikeouts last season, and Kevin Brown make the Rangers long-shot contenders. Ryan, who turned 44 in January, pitched his sixth no-hitter last season and held opponents to a .188 average, lowest among league pitchers. He’s complemented by Witt, who won 12 consecutive decisions and a career-high 17; and Brown, who won 12 games before being stopped by elbow problems.

* New faces: Designated hitter Brian Downing, now out with a broken hand.

* Must have: Fewer strikeouts. Ranger hitters struck out a league-high 1,054 times last season. Another outstanding season from first baseman Rafael Palmeiro, who hit .314 with 89 RBIs. Better defense from left fielder Ruben Sierra; a solid year from second baseman Julio Franco, who missed a fifth consecutive .300 season by .004; and a good season from closer Jeff Russell, who was sidelined for most of last season because of elbow surgery.

* Don’t have: Much bench strength. A capable shortstop--Jeff Huson has a weak arm and limited range. Bullpen depth.

MINNESOTA TWINS

* 1990 finish: 74-88, seventh.

* Outlook: Three years after winning the World Series, the Twins hit bottom. They traded or lost Frank Viola, Gaetti, Tom Brunansky and Jeff Reardon and their enthusiasm. Inexperienced starting pitchers and pitching in the offense-oriented Metrodome will be tough to overcome.

* New faces: Third baseman Mike Pagliarulo (free agent), pitchers Jack Morris and Steve Bedrosian.

* Must have: More than the 13 complete games their starters produced last season. More power. Kent Hrbek led them in homers with 22 last season and Kirby Puckett’s 80 RBIs was a five-year low. Puckett will move from center to right to accommodate Shane Mack.

* Don’t have: Speed. A reliable third baseman. Depth in the starting rotation. Only Morris (15-18) and Kevin Tapani (12-8) hit double figures in victories, and Tapani won only one game after mid-season.

EASTERN DIVISION

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

* 1990 finish: 86-76, second.

* Outlook: They have pitching, power, speed, defense and the Sky Dome. General Manager Pat Gillick’s bold trades at the winter meetings turned over a team that had gone stale.

* New faces: Outfielders Joe Carter and Devon White, pitchers Willie Fraser and Ken Dayley, infielders Roberto Alomar and Pat Tabler.

* Must have: Cohesion from so many new players. Another good showing from Dave Stieb, who pitched a no-hitter and a career-high 18 victories last year. They also need a sound Jimmy Key, who was 13-7, and clutch performances from Tom Henke, who had 32 saves in 1990. If Kelly Gruber stays at his current level--31 homers, 118 RBIs--they could win easily.

* Don’t have: George Bell, lost to free agency. This may be addition by subtraction--he was renowned for his griping. They don’t have a regular designated hitter, so Manager Cito Gaston will rotate it among several players.

BOSTON RED SOX

* 1990 finish: 88-74, first.

* Outlook: Roger Clemens was 21-6 with a league-leading 1.93 ERA and 209 strikeouts. The drop-off after Clemens is dramatic. Greg Harris won 13 games but tired late in the year, a lapse the Red Sox can’t afford this season.

* New faces: Designated hitter Jack Clark, pitchers Matt Young and Danny Darwin.

* Must have: Solid outfield play from Tom Brunansky, Ellis Burks and Mike Greenwell. More speed, but that’s true every year on this traditionally power-hitting team. A strong season by reliever Jeff Reardon, who had back surgery.

* Don’t have: Mike Boddicker, who took his 17 victories to Kansas City. Darwin and Young will try to fill his role as the No. 2 starter. The Red Sox have no semblance of a bullpen, their downfall in last year’s playoffs.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

* 1990 finish: 76-85, fifth.

* Outlook: Manager Frank Robinson’s team is due for an upswing. The Orioles lost 107 games in 1988, contended in 1989, then fell to fifth last season. There’s enough talent to expect better in their last season at Memorial Stadium.

* New faces: First baseman Glenn Davis, DH Dwight Evans, pitcher Jeff Robinson.

* Must have: More Ripkens. Shortstop Cal Jr. made only three errors last season and extended his consecutive-game playing streak to 1,411, second to Lou Gehrig’s 2,130. Second baseman Bill hit .291 last season and played respectable defense. They also need another season from Jeff Ballard like 1989 (18 victories) and not 1990 (2-11). Homers from Evans, tied with the Dodgers’ Eddie Murray as the active leader with 379. Other needs: a complement to closer Gregg Olson, who had a club-record 37 saves, and victories from Ben McDonald, who won his first five starts as a rookie last season and was 8-5.

* Don’t have: Much of a bullpen. Production from their catchers, Bob Melvin and Chris Hoiles.

DETROIT TIGERS

* 1990 finish: 79-83, third.

* Outlook: Cecil Fielder stunned everyone by hitting 51 home runs. He’s part of a solid infield. Overall, the Tigers have power and a decent outfield, led by Rob Deer in right and youngster Milt Cuyler in center.

* New faces: Deer, catcher Mickey Tettleton, pitcher Bill Gullickson, infielder Tony Bernazard.

* Must have: Another strong year from second baseman Alan Trammell, who hit .304 in a rare injury-free season, and third baseman Travis Fryman, who hit .297 in 66 games. Trammell’s longtime double-play partner, Lou Whitaker, will see more time at DH than at second. Right-hander Mike Henneman and left-hander Jerry Don Gleaton, who combined for 35 saves last season, must be effective again.

* Don’t have: Much of a starting rotation, since Jack Morris’ departure to the Twins. Frank Tanana, Walt Terrell and John Cerutti aren’t fearsome. Gullickson, back from Japan, could be the fourth starter.

CLEVELAND INDIANS

* 1990 finish: 77-85, fourth.

* Outlook: They’re building their club--and moving back the fences--to show off center fielder Alex Cole, who has dazzling speed and above-average offensive ability. Albert Belle, who changed his name from Joey after going through treatment for alcoholism, can hit for power.

* New faces: Pitchers Eric King and Shawn Hillegas.

* Must have: More starting pitching to back up Tom Candiotti, Greg Swindell and King. Another good year from catcher Sandy Alomar Jr., who hit .290. Support for reliever Doug Jones, who had 43 saves.

* Don’t have: Power. Reliable infield defense.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

* 1990 finish: 74-88, sixth.

* Outlook: The defense that committed a league-worst 149 errors last season may get worse. Paul Molitor will be the designated hitter as he comes back from shoulder surgery and Greg Vaughn is sub-par in left field. The pitching staff is almost as full of holes.

* New faces: Pitcher Edwin Nunez, outfielders Candy Maldonado and Dante Bichette, infielder-outfielder Franklin Stubbs, infielder Willie Randolph, catcher Rick Dempsey.

* Don’t have: Enough starting pitching. Left-hander Teddy Higuera has a tear in his rotator cuff and is on the disabled list, and Chris Bosio and Mark Knudson won’t cut it.

* Must have: The kind of season Bichette seemed poised to have with the Angels but never did. His arm is beyond reproach, but his pouting after he lost his starting job left him open to criticism. More than a career low .247 season from Robin Yount.

NEW YORK YANKEES

* 1990 finish: 67-95, seventh.

* Outlook: The post-Steinbrenner Yankees may finally find peace--and another last-place finish. They should do better than last season, their worst since 1912, but the pitching still isn’t there.

* New faces: Pitchers Steve Farr, Scott Sanderson.

* Must have: A strong Don Mattingly. Hampered by a bad back, the perennial Gold Glove winner hit .256 with 42 RBIs. Better starting pitching. After signing a $5.7-million contract, Pascual Perez pitched three times before being felled by rotator cuff problems; Tim Leary lost 19 games and former Angel Mike Witt, projected to be the No. 1 starter, had elbow problems and starts the season on the disabled list.

* Don’t have: A closer to replace Dave Righetti, who signed with the Giants as a free agent. Farr and Lee Guetterman will share the role. They lack a reliable third baseman, a position that will be split by Mike Blowers and Randy Velarde.