[enemy Lines]

an opposing team's scout sizes up the Cubs

Good teams go into a season with one or two questions; the Cubs have them at first base, catcher, centerfield, closer and at two of the spots in their rotation. They finally got a real third baseman in Bill Mueller, a contact hitter who'll be on base when Sammy Sosa comes up. Mueller plays the hell out of third....

The Cubs complained that Mark Grace didn't have enough power, then replaced him at first with Matt Stairs and Ron Coomer, two guys who will have about the same power numbers without the on-base percentage, average, defense and leadership that Grace gave them....

Ricky Gutierrez isn't a frontline shortstop....

Second baseman Eric Young is as good offensively as almost anyone at that position. He's adequate defensively....

What can you say about Sosa, that he's not a good fielder? That's nitpicking. He'll hit 60 and drive in 140, so who cares?

... Corey Patterson is a four-tool player, but he's not ready for big league pitching. Damon Buford is a good centerfielder and has some pop for a little guy....

Rondell White is a big bat. He can't throw, but he's fine for Wrigley's short leftfield....

Will Todd Hundley ever be able to throw runners out? His arm strength is coming back, but he just doesn't have the mechanics and footwork....

Kerry Wood still has velocity and the good curve and slider....