Better Deal?

Teams always think they need pitching at the deadline. But you have to score too, and many contenders have more pressing needs at the plate. The White Sox have had a hole at DH all year. The Tigers desperately need to replace Magglio Ordoñez, who is out with a broken ankle. The Angels, Padres, Mets and Braves all have lineup holes as well. A savvy G.M. could make an impact by adding the Orioles' Luke Scott(below) to his lineup. Scott, 32, is a career .268/.351/.504 hitter who can play both outfield corners or first base, and for a lefthanded batter, he hits lefties well: .252/.330/.470 for his career. Upgrading from a weak to a good hitter will do a number of teams more good than overspending on a third or fourth starter.

PHOTO

TOM DIPACE (SCOTT)