Off Season

Mike MussinaHis projected role in 1996: Ace of the Orioles' starting rotation.Number crunching: Mussina has the highest lifetime winning percentage of all active pitchers -- .703, from his 71-30 record.Where he's been in the off-season: In his hometown of Montoursville, Pa. "Almost exclusively," he said.What he's been doing: Coaching football and basketball at Montoursville High, his alma mater. "Almost exclusively. I was plowing snow for a couple of months, and I've been trying to fix my driveway because it got washed out in the flood we had up here."

Jesse OroscoHis projected role for the Orioles: Left-handed set-up man.Number crunching: Opponents hit only .169 against Orosco in 1995, with 28 hits in 49 2/3 innings.L Where he's been in the off-season: At his home in San Diego.What he's been doing: "Getting ready for the season and hanging out with my family. We'll go to the park a lot [with his two daughters, ages 1 and 3, and son, age 8]."Who he thinks is the Orioles' best acquisition of the off-season: "Roberto Alomar. We were shifting around so many guys at second base last year, with Manny Alexander and Bret Barberie.

Jimmy HaynesHis projected role in 1996: Probably the No. 5 starter for the Orioles. He appears to have the inside track on the final spot in the rotation, although he'll have to beat out Rick Krivda.Number crunching: Haynes shined after being promoted last September, allowing just 11 hits in 24 innings, going 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA. Before being called up, he went 12-8 with a 3.29 ERA for Triple-A Rochester. His smooth delivery and good mental makeup make him one of the top pitching prospects in the AL.Where he has been in the off-season: In his hometown of LaGrange, Ga.What he has been doing: "I throw and run every day, and I've been lifting at least three days a week.

SALISBURY -- Senior running back Tony Vinson, coming back from off-season knee surgery, ran for 154 yards on seven carries yesterday as Towson State warmed up for next week's regular-season opener with a scrimmage at Salisbury State.Vinson, one of the top runners in NCAA Division I-AA last season, scored on runs of 58 and 65 yards. He also caught a 45-yard pass.The Tigers, 5-5-0 last season, will open their 1993 season at home on Sept. 11 against Central Connecticut State at 1:30 p.m.

Gregg ZaunHis projected role for the O's: Backup catcher, unless the Orioles acquire another catcher who cannot be sent to the minor leagues. For instance, if the Orioles trade for Toronto's Randy Knorr -- something that has been discussed -- they likely would keep Knorr over Zaun. Knorr is out of options and cannot be sent to the minors; Zaun has options and can be sent to the minors without being passed through waivers.Number crunching: Orioles pitchers had a 4.29 ERA when throwing to Zaun last year.

LOS ANGELES -- John Williams hasn't made it back to the Duke University weight-loss clinic this off-season, and he definitely won't be returning to the Los Angeles Clippers.The team announced yesterday it has decided not to exercise the option on Williams' contract, creating an open salary slot of $1.1 million and freeing the former No. 1 draft pick of the Washington Bullets to take his battle with the scale to another city.Williams, who spent the first four months of the season at Duke while on the suspended list, dropped from 330 pounds to 275, earning a recall to the roster in February.