LOUISVILLE COLONELS (May 18, 2017 – 40 Games)
The starter’s ERA should improve with the substitution of Ordonez for Lopez. The rest of the stats look very good relative to the rest of the league. Castro should be back soon and I hope he continues where he left off.
Prospect SP Dean Daniels is having a rough time getting adjusted to AAA. This is a good example of why I don’t like to rush young pitchers. His movement potential dropped in the spring, and he seems to be hanging his slider. I hope he is able to make the adjustment over the course of the season. Plenty of time - we don’t need him yet.
I will sign Longoria up for 20 wins and 8 WAR right now. Ordonez seems to have no ill effects from his injury (fingers crossed). Graves and Bowles are outstanding #3 and #4 starters.
The back end of the bullpen is solid too, although Polk is just a rookie. I think Jackson will come around and keep his job as the primary setup man, but right now it is Carlson in that role.
Before you say anything, -0.1 WAR from our catchers is a big upgrade over last season. I remain confident that Edwards will hit. Otherwise, there is not much to complain about among the position players.
Carson has found a niche as a pinch-hitter and caddy for Martinez and Gillespie. I hope I can afford to keep him.
McConnell needs to run a little less often batting ahead of Martinez.
Guillaume is a base-stealing machine, and he has started to hit lately (.450 OBP in May). I hesitate to bring Morales up with Guillaume playing well.
If we can get our outfield healthy, I may not have room for Wagner. Several teams have been interested in him. I would rather trade Harmon because of the salary, but it might be hard (because of the salary).