[DG18]

The good:

• Joey Votto has been excellent this year, leading the team in almost every offensive category. In order for us to score runs he will need to be a force in the middle of the lineup.
• Billy Hamilton has been a pleasant surprise at the top of the lineup. While his on base percentage is still underwhelming at .302, 16 steals this early in the season is huge. He still isn't quite the ideal lead off hitter, but at this point he is the best we've got.
• Tucker Barnhart had a very solid month, finishing right behind Votto in the triple slash categories.

The bad:

• After getting off to a hot start in the first week of the season, Jesse Winker has really cooled off at the plate. He was never expected to be a big time power hitter, but a .304 slugging percentage isn't cutting it.
• Fortunately for Winker, his competition Scott Schebler also had a very quiet month. Schebler started to hit this past week, but he still has a lot of work to do to stay in the lineup.
• Scooter Gennett has been very disappointing after a huge 2017. Right now, it's looking like last year might have been a fluke, because he has looked lost at the plate.

The good:

• Although he is still looking for a win, Luis Castillo has been very solid at the top of the rotation. His first two starts were poor, but he has since rebounded very well.
• How about Jimmy Herget? The rookie wasn't expected to do much in middle relief, but he has probably been our best bullpen piece so far.
• Overall, our bullpen ERA is 6th in the National League; A tremendous improvement from 2017.

The bad:

• Even though his last two starts have been passable, Homer Bailey doesn't look like a major league pitcher at this point in his career. For now, his job is safe, but if some of our prospects do well enough to earn a spot, Bailey could be headed a relief role.
• Tyler Mahle has been inconsistent in what looks to be his first full MLB season, as the young righty has already allowed 9 home runs on the year.
• 14th place in the NL in Starters ERA. Ouch.