Scouts views: observations and opinions from major league scouts

Sporting News, The, August 5, 2005

I wouldn't touch the Reds' Sean Casey. He has only four home runs playing in that bandbox in Cincinnati and he's making $8 million. ... Andy Pettitte has morphed into a different guy. He's not able to overpower anybody, but he's deceptive--hitters can't see his ball. He's in and out, up and down with his fastball, and he sells his changeup well.

... Oscar Robles is a good shortstop for the Dodgers. He doesn't run well for a middle infielder, but he has good hands. He's one of those guys who, because he can play shortstop, might stick around a few years in the big leagues. ... The Pirates' Chris Duffy is a true center fielder who can throw. He's kind of a throwback player. He does all the little things well. And as a leadoff guy, I like that he isn't afraid to bunt and keeps the ball on the ground. ... Brewers shortstop J.J. Hardy has perked up. He might have been their best player in a recent series against the Cardinals. He's playing good defense, getting some hits. ... If Giants prospect Merkin Valdez stays a starter, he can at least be Pedro Astacio. But I think you might be able to put Valdez at the back of the bullpen. He's got the body to be Armando Benitez. ... That game Chan Ho Park threw against the Yankees on July 19 was the best I've seen him pitch. That was the most aggressive I've seen him. I can see why he got the money. He just can't do it often enough.