BALTIMORE ORIOLES: The team is gambling and could lose OF Keith Reed, who was not protected on the 40-man roster. Considered a fivetool prospect, Reed came to baseball late in life, switching from basketball to baseball while in college. He still is developing as a hitter but is considered the team's best non-pitching prospect.... Veteran SS Mike Bordick, 36, will be back in 2002 after his last season was cut short by a shoulder injury and surgery. The team is willing to consider a better alternative, but it does not have a shortstop candidate who is ready to go in its system. Top prospect Ed Rogers is considered at least another year away. ... Discussions with the Reds about 1B Dmitri Young appear to be dead. The Reds want RHP Sidney Ponson; the Orioles are offering RHP Jason Johnson. --Dave Sheinin

BOSTON RED SOX: The team is keeping tabs on big-name free agents but is starting small. It did sign its former prospect, OF Michael Coleman, who was in the Yankees' system last year and has a shot at making the club as a fifth outfielder. Coleman's skills are raw, and he is sometimes outspoken, but he has power-hitting potential.... Another of the team's former players, LHP Butch Henry, signed a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Henry is hoping to land a spot as the club's lefthanded reliever. The incumbent is Allen McDill, but former Devil Ray Jeff Wallace also is in the mix.... The club is pursuing two other free agents, IF Quilvio Veras and OF Damon Buford. Veras could be the answer for needs at second base and leadoff. Buford, a defensive specialist, would be a spare outfielder. --Michael Silverman