Baldwin Faces Biggest Test of Career

BOSTON He's up against the Green Monster, a lethal offense andthe burden of breaking a four-game losing streak.

Like James Baldwin needed any more pressure.

"Definitely, I'll be nervous," Baldwin said. "But that'snatural. Hopefully after the first pitch, I'll get that out of theway."

After waiting two seasons at Class AAA Nashville, Baldwin, 23,makes his major-league debut today against the Boston Red Sox.

And he'll be asked to do something no other Sox starter has done- last more than five innings and win a baseball game.

"This game is definitely going to be big," Baldwin said. "It'llmean a lot to this team, and a lot to me. I've been waiting forthis opportunity for a long time."

Baldwin will battle rookie Frankie Rodriguez, who was given thestart after Tim VanEgmond was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

FAREWELL, FENWAY? Red Sox owner John Harrington said FenwayPark has become economically obsolete, and hopes to move out of the83-year-old stadium by 2001. Fenway's seating capacity of 33,871 isthe lowest in the major leagues, and Harrington is looking torelocate in South Boston.

"I liken this place to Wrigley Field," manager Gene Lamont said."I'd hate to see it go."

A REMINDER: While their team faltered again Saturday, there werea few performances on Friday that would make any Sox fan cringe.

Jack McDowell pitched seven innings to earn the win in hisYankees debut and Joey Cora hit a home run in Seattle. And MickeyTettleton hit two home runs for the Rangers. Tettleton signed forthe same price as Chris Sabo.

"You can't look back at those things," Lamont said. "But I washappy for Joey. I was probably Joey's biggest booster here."

RUFF GOING: After walking six of the 14 batters he faced Friday,Scott Ruffcorn has a 16.20 ERA in two appearances this season.

"You try to keep putting him in situations where he cansucceed," Lamont said. "You can't wait forever, but with a guy likeScott, you try to wait as long as you can because you know he has alot of potential."