Enemy Lines An Opposing Team's Scout Sizes Up The Rockies

This organization seems to be panic-stricken, always changing what they're doing. The team that went to the playoffs in 1995 banged the ball around, so they I must think that's the way to go again....

Offensively, they've added a lot of strikeouts. Jose Hernandez is good for about 200. Preston Wilson has made adjustments to cut down on his swing, but he'll still have 130 to 140. Charles Johnson strikes out a lot, plus he's lazy behind the plate and no longer throws well. At least Wilson can hit 30 to 40 home runs in that ballpark....

Larry Walker and Todd Helton still put up monster numbers, but losing day in and day out must be wearing them down. The offense will score runs in bunches, but the Rockies are so streaky that decent pitching will carve them up....

Despite his pear-shaped body, Jason Jennings is a tremendous athlete. His plus sinker is key in that ballpark. He's going to establish himself in the upper echelon of NL starters....

Among the young arms Aaron Cook is the prized gem, but they're throwing him in there three or four months too early. If I were running this club, Shawn Chacon would be my Number 2 starter—he looks like a veteran—but the team has been less than impressed with his dedication.