The Book

an opposing team's scout sizes up the Cardinals

"The reds are the popular choice to I win this division, but if St. Louis's starting rotation can give the Cardinals some innings, they'll be right there with Cincinnati. Rick Ankiel has a chance to win 10 to 15 games. He has a mid-90s fastball and the poise of a guy who's been around for 10 years....

Andy Benes was horrible last year—he's lost arm speed and his fastball is straight and very easy to pick up....

I'm anxious to see how Matt Morris bounces back from arm trouble. Two years ago he was an awfully good pitcher....

J.D. Drew is about to have a breakthrough year; he'll never have huge power, but he'll hit 20 to 25 home runs....

The outfield is a weakness-no depth....

Fernando Vi�a looked fantastic in spring; he can really work a pitcher—by the time the No. 2 batter comes up, he's usually seen everything the pitcher will throw....

I have serious reservations about Fernando Tatis. He's a bad third baseman, and there are some big holes in his swing....

Dave Veres is a passable closer-decent slider, decent split—but he I can't overpower anybody."