The Book

an opposing team's scout sizes up the Giants

"I don't get the Giants. They finished 14 games back and did nothing to change the team. Very strange....

They will get some energy from their new ballpark. And Dusty Baker gets his guys to play hard every day. But it's going to be tough to win with that catching. Bobby Estalella has a bigger upside than Doug Mirabelli. He's a big, strong kid, but he's a dead-red fastball hitter who has trouble making adjustments at the plate....

Barry Bonds is getting closer to 500 home runs, and he's one of those guys who kicks it into gear when there's a milestone like that out there. He'll be right back in the MVP race....

I like shortstop Rich Aurilia. He's made himself into a tough out, and he's got enough pop to hit it out if you make a mistake....

Russ Ortiz is for real. He'll win 15 to 17 games. If he gets a little better command of his fastball, he could win more....

Ask any team if they'd want Shawn Estes, and every one would say yes. But he'll be cruising for five innings and suddenly give up five runs. I think his biggest I problem is he's too tough on himself."