1996 Mercury Cougar tranny throwing oil?

I sent my car to a repair shop over a blow pcm. The tech called me back and said that he hasn't got to my car yet but says he can already tell the tranny needs to come out cause it is throwing oil. He probably meant tranny fluid. However, that seems to be a bold statement for someone who hasn't checked the car yet. Also, if the car won't run than how do you know it is throwing fluid and not just leaking or seeping from the gasket? Am I stupid to feel like this is a shady remark. Isn't it easier to fix the pcm and start the car and have it running at operating temp to find or pinpoint things of this nature.