Scouts' views: observation and opinion from major league scouts

Sporting News, The, August 2, 2004

I think Mets rookie 3B David Wright is an All-Star in the making. It's tough to call up a kid this quickly and throw him into the fire, but he has the makeup to handle it. He'll hit for both average and power. In a perfect world, when he maxes out, he'll be a 30-plus home run guy.... Eric Gagne has better overall stuff than any of the great closers in history.

His stuff is far better than Dennis Eckersley's was when he closed. I saw Gagne throw a 97-mph cutter to end a game in Houston, and there was not a person alive who could have hit it. His changeup also is unhittable because he throws it to both sides of the plate. And he has a breaking ball. As far as combining three pitches as a closer, I don't think we've seen anything like him.... The Astros' bullpen is terrible. Former manager Jimy Williams burned it up and left nothing for Phil Garner. They don't have anybody who can stop a rally now. Trading Billy Wagner and Octavio Betel really backfired.... I wouldn't trust the Cubs' Kyle Farnsworth as far as I can throw him. It's the old adage about some guys finding a way to lose. In big games, he pitches scared. He never goes in there with that look of, "I'm getting you out." ... Barry Zito has command issues, and command issues get back to delivery. His delivery looks more rushed than in the past. He's not consistently hitting his release point. His stuff has never been overwhelming, but he has to be able to throw his curveball when he wants it, where he wants it.... Troy Percival is not throwing very well right now. Clearly for me, Francisco Rodriguez should be the Angels' closer. But I don't think you can do that to Percival's psyche.