LOUISVILLE COLONELS (May 22, 2015 – 41 Games)
Please direct your attention to the far right column, where you will see all of the minor league teams with excellent records and the prospects doing well. That pair of pitchers at the top of the list are particularly appealing.
The two areas of concern are on-base percentage and the bullpen. Obviously, Vargas gets on base far more frequently than Searles, so this situation will improve in 4-5 weeks. The bullpen will need some help from the outside because the best of the kids (Sanderson, Carlson, Irvine, Kouki) have already been in the majors.
The four starters at the top of that list are performing well, better than expected in most cases. I am a little worried about Gentry. Check the fielding-independent pitching (FIP) and batting average for balls in play (BABIP). Both of those figures indicate that his ERA may rise over the rest of the season. However, I will be happy with anything below four from all of these pitchers. Anderson has to improve a lot to reach that target, and I see nothing in the underlying stats to make me believe that he will get there. He is good for innings, but I might be better off to give those innings to younger pitchers like Maestas or Mazzone. Among the relievers, I am not worried about Brooks. The worst guy in the bullpen in Carlson, and he isn’t that bad.
Among the regulars, right field is definitely a concern, which is why Young is getting a tryout there. I don’t intend to give up on Ferguson. Chavez is out of options and must clear waivers when Banks returns; or I must continue without a right-handed outfielder on the bench. Gillespie is also performing below expectations (good time for an extension, yeah I hear ya). Morrison looks bad but he has hit much better during May. Bland will be starting a few days per week in place of Arkle when he returns from his injury.