Matt Holliday, LF, Rockies.(Scouting Report)

Ht/Wt: 6-4, 235. B/T: R/R. Ago: 24. First season.

Vital stats: Called up because of injuries to outfielders Larry Walker and Preston Wilson, this rookie is taking advantage of his opportunity--especially at Coors Field. He entered the week batting .320 at home, and six of his eight home runs were at Coors Field. Overall, Holliday was hitting .292 with a .361 on-base percentage and .538 slugging percentage.

Offense: Holliday has shown plus bat speed, an easy swing and the ability to go with the pitch. He attacks the ball in his hitting zone, which he quickly is learning. He is not easily intimidated and has displayed unusual pitch recognition and patience for a rookie, though he needs to cut down his strikeouts--like most young hitters with power potential. He keeps his hands back and drives sweeping curveballs and hanging sliders. He is a quick study of pitchers and learns their weaknesses as a game progresses. Finesse lefties with good cutters and breaking balls who mix their pitches intelligently are toughest on Holliday. He uses the gaps and--unusual for a rookie showing power hits the ball where ...