Enemy Lines

an opposing team's scout sizes up the Indians

"With three quality arms—Bartolo Colon, C.C. Sabathia and Danys Baez—plus Chuck Finley, a crusty veteran who knows how to pitch, the Indians have one of the best rotations in the league. The big question is whether Colon can maintain his concentration, especially if the team struggles. When his concentration drifts, he throws 100 pitches in four innings....

Bob Wickman is an above-average closer who gets people out, but he has to watch his weight....

I'll be curious to see how many pitches Jim Thome sees over the plate. With Robbie Alomar and Juan Gonzalez gone, his protection is down. He may set a record for walks....

Ricky Gutierrez is no Alomar at second base. Alomar and Omar Vizquel saved the pitchers time and time again last season, but this year opponents will get a couple of extra outs. It'll be interesting to see what it does to the pitching staff....

Matt Lawton is pretty good, but for this team to win, he has to have a big year getting on base and scoring runs....

Milton Bradley has good ability. The question is whether he lets it come out on a day-to-day basis. He's been described as a Carl Everett in the making—his makeup is questionable—but Cleveland has had success with guys in that category who did mature, like Albert Belle and Manny Ramirez. If the fans adopt Bradley and he feeds on that, he has a chance to be a good player....

This is a team in transition. The Indians could be very good or mediocre. If Thome goes down, they'll be in big trouble."