1.   Although the Mets lost their ace, Mike Hampton, to free agency last winter, the biggest problem has been at the plate.

2.   But Villeneuve is in the final year of his original contract with Green, who is resigned to losing his ace.

3.   Tech lost pitching ace in Cory Vance, but returns six of its top eight, including right-handers Steve Kelly and Rhett Parrott.

4.   The Sox also face the possiblity of losing their ace, Pedro Martinez, who exited with a muscle burning in the middle of his back.

5.   We lost the ace.

6.   Orioles owner Peter Angelos said if the Yankees want Mussina and he wants them, Baltimore will lose its ace.

7.   It was the first significant free-agent signing for the Orioles, who earlier lost ace Mike Mussina to the New York Yankees.

8.   It was the first significant free-agent signing for the Orioles, who lost ace Mike Mussina to the New York Yankees.

9.   Starting pitching has been a major question mark for the Angels, who lost ace Chuck Finley to the Cleveland Indians via free agency during the offseason.

10.   Starting pitching has been a major question for the Angels, who lost ace Chuck Finley to the Cleveland Indians via free agency during the offseason.