Eight player observations you might find interesting:

1. Larry Bowa says, "One of these days -- and it might not be long -- Pat Burrell is going to hit 50 homers."

2. One NL scout says Dodgers catcher Paul LoDuca will be that club's big surprise. "I'd say he's right," says one Dodgers official. "He's a smart baseball guy and keeps getting better."

3. An AL scout loves Giants rookie right-hander Kurt Ainsworth. "There are a lot of teams that would put him right in their rotation this season," he says. "But look for him to help come July if they need him."

4. An AL executive says, "Nick Johnson looks ready to hit in the major leagues right now."

5. Royals coaches say rookie outfielder Dee Brown has made that club, partially because he's played so well defensively in center and right fields. Before the trading deadline, Mark Quinn could be traded for pitching help, especially since Jose Rosado isn't throwing well.

6. Speaking of Rosado, Atlanta minor-league coordinator Rick Adair compares 21-year old left-hander Horacio Ramirez to Rosado, "Only he's got a little better stuff across the board. He's about the best young left-handed pitcher I've ever been associated with." Ramirez, who was 15-8 last season on Atlanta's Class A Myrtle Beach staff that scouts have called one of the best A-ball staffs in years, will begin the season in Greenville.

7. Three scouts thus far have said they think Houston's Adam Everett is the best defensive shortstop in the National League. Problem is, he'll probably start the season in New Orleans.

8. Scouts are not overwhelmed with 30-year-old Yankee rookie Andy Morales. "His swing is long and unconventional," says one report. Give him some time. But Adrian Hernandez is in the wrong league. He is a great athlete who can hit and run. First pitch he saw from John Smoltz? Rope into the left-field corner.