Enemy Lines

an opposing team's scout sizes up the Phillies

"I think the Phillies are going to be a tad better than they were last year. They should definitely be a contender. Travis Lee's bat looks much improved, and Jimmy Rollins gets better all the time....

I never liked Marlon Anderson, but I admit I've seen enough improvement that he's no longer a minus in the field. He still has some trouble turning the double play, though....

I know Scott Rolen has some issues with whether he's staying or going, but that won't faze him one bit. He's a gamer. I haven't seen any sign of back trouble. As long as he stays healthy, he's going to have a hell of a year....

Doug Glanville is adequate. There's nobody there to push him. Marlon Byrd is a kid with great upside. He doesn't belong in the big leagues yet, but if he gets it done in Triple A and if Glanville falls on his face, he could be the guy. He could be a star in the immediate future....

Mike Lieberthal looks good. He's another reason they'll be better. He's very good at handling pitchers, throwing and hitting for power. He hasn't lost a stride off his game....

The bench is pretty solid. Tomas Perez improves every year-a good middle infielder who can run, bunt and put the ball in play....

Robert Person leaves too many balls up in the strike zone, and when he does that he gets hit. He got away with some mistakes last year but he's been getting clobbered this spring....

The best performance I saw all spring was by Vicente Padilla. He was sinking the ball, making it run, throwing hard sliders; if Jose Mesa falters, he could be their closer."