Enemy Lines

Two advance scouts, one from each league, discuss what they saw and heard last week

The rangers' Darren Oliver might have the messiest 4-0 record in the history of baseball. He gets nine or 10 runs of support every time out [actually, it's 8.8], and he needs every bit of it. None of the other Texas starters are doing much better, and the pressure's mounting on manager Johnny Oates because he's wearing out that bullpen. The vultures could start sniffing around there soon....

Astros righthander Wade Miller has stuff as nasty as there is. He has four plus pitches: fastball, curve, slider and a changeup with late sinking action. He's not Pedro, but he might be close. He has a chance for double-digit strikeouts every time he pitches....

Speaking of Pedro Martinez , there's a little bit of concern about him in Boston because his command has been off this year. No panic, just concern. Maybe he's mortal....

The Rick Ankiel thing is really hurting the Cardinals . They might have to get another starter, especially since Dustin Hermanson is struggling. I thought pitching coach Dave Duncan would get Hermanson to use his changeup more, but it hasn't happened....

The Blue Jays' Esteban Loaiza is one of the surprises of the American League . He has good composure and is relaxed on the mound for the first time. He used to go through the order a few times and then have the wheels fall off.