Scott Erickson

MONTREAL - Jason Johnson last night traded places with Scott Erickson, who the night before had done the same with Mike Mussina. The cycle continues for the Orioles' starting rotation. While its offense grinds, satisfaction for the starting rotation must come from the nebulous "quality start."mmand, Johnson entered the dugout to slam the bench, and that was before watching struggling rookie reliever B. J. Ryan allow a two-strike, two-run single that broke open a 5-3 loss to the Montreal Expos before 12,645 at Olympic Stadium.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Cincinnati Reds general manager Jim Bowden put Queen City media on a 48-hour notice Monday that he was prepared to announce a major trade. Speculation immediately sprouted that the Reds and Orioles were discussing a trade involving pitcher Scott Erickson. While the Reds assigned a scout to the Tampa Bay series, vice president of baseball operations Syd Thrift said last night that the two teams have not spoken recently. "Scott Erickson's not going anywhere," Thrift said of the Reds rumor.

Misplaced priorities I read with dismay The Sun's article last Tuesday depicting the Maryland State Legislature's unwillingness to fund a "special" appropriation for resurfacing the floor of the 5th Regiment Armory. Schools in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County squeeze into this facility each winter indoor track season because there just isn't another facility in the area to accommodate that sport or the excessive number of participants. The present flooring needs renovation and the plans are to replace the material with one that is not conducive to running indoor track.

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Minnesota Twins general manager Terry Ryan stood in his office at the Lee County Sports Complex, frowning. "Is this about Radke?" he asked. Well, it wasn't about Corey Koskie. "We'd like to keep him," Ryan said. "That's our desire. That's the only thing I'm working toward. He's as important to us as Mussina is to the Orioles." Brad Radke is indeed the Minnesota version of Mike Mussina, which is why the Twins want to sign him long-term and the Orioles want to acquire him in a trade.

At Edison International Field, Anaheim, Calif.Day Time TV StartersTonight 10: 05 54, 50 Scott Erickson (13-11, 4.83) vs. Jarrod Washburn (2-3, 6.19)Tomorrow 10: 05 HTS Sidney Ponson (11-11, 4.37) vs. Brian Cooper (1-0, 4.09)Sunday 8: 05 HTS Mike Mussina (16-7, 3.65) vs. Mike Fyhrie (0-4, 5.15)Radio: All games on WBAL (1090 AM) and WTOP (1500 AM)Angels updateA turbulent season is drawing to a close, and not a moment too soon. Dissension has run deep in the Angels' clubhouse, leading to manager Terry Collins' resignation.

DETROIT -- The Orioles and pitcher Mike Mussina are discussing the framework for a long-term contract extension. That's good news. The bad news is that the same could be said at this time last season.As the Orioles approach a significant winter in which decisions will be made regarding their manager, general manager and clubhouse mix, they now confront the most important contract negotiations of the Peter Angelos era.Mussina is on the second year of a three-year, $20.45 million contract described by players association chief Donald Fehr as "garden variety" upon its signing and subsequently ripped by union activists such as Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine, who had hoped to use Mussina's deal as leverage for his own approaching deal.

Promoted as a leadoff hitter last December, he now bats eighth. Signed for three years, he has been overshadowed by injuries and a prospect who swayed his organization and its fan base in only 24 starts. But within a 8-6 win that included 13 hits and Cal Ripken's near-miss of home run No. 400, Orioles second baseman Delino DeShields reminded a Camden Yards crowd of 41,692 that he remains a player of consequence.While Ripken produced three hits and three runs and catcher Charles Johnson generated four RBIs, DeShields provided the night's signature performance.

Scott Erickson -- UP -- Undefeated since June 5 and taken off the market. The Orioles realize that to contend next season (or beyond), they need his innings profile.Trade intrigue -- UP -- Rent-a-pitcher Juan Guzman, Delino DeShields, Harold Baines, Jeff Conine or possibly Mike Bordick could relocate by Saturday. The New York media has labeled any interest by GM Steve Phillips in Albert Belle as Mets Madness.Jerry Hairston -- UP -- Gone but not forgotten, Hairston used 23 starts to convince the organization that he is major-league ready.