12 Comments
User's avatar
Kevin J. Rogers's avatar

What I love most about this team is how much everyone contributes. We're not just riding a couple big bats or a couple big arms. Everyone is doing something every game.

And now, we're not only getting into the nice warm weather (finally), but we have Big Sean on the way back, and likely Montas even sooner, although I'm not sure what to expect from the latter. But if Hef and the Laboratory (great name for a band) do their thing and he's a 6-7 inning, 3.50 ERA stud, look out.

Vientos should be back soon from his hammy, and with a little time to think things over and reset, he should be able to get back on track. If Megill gets pushed to the 'pen, his stuff plays as the long man a couple times a week. If he keeps his spot in the rotation and Montas goes to the 'pen, that works too, so we really can't lose there.

When I look across the map, the biggest question Stearns and Mendy have is what to do with all the possibilities.

Expand full comment
Joel's avatar

Montas no competition for a proven performer like Megill. 3 bad starts, 9 or 10 good ones. Banish talk of Megill to pen!

Expand full comment
Kevin J. Rogers's avatar

I like Megill in the rotation too, although he must get more consistent, both from start to start and inning to inning.

The good news is, when he's off it's easy to see why. And he always has the heater to fall back on — provided he throws strikes.

But come the postseason, we're only going to need four starters anyway. Provided everyone is healthy, it's going to be Senga, Peterson, Holmes and Manaea. That puts Megill and/or Montas in the 'pen eventually regardless.

So, really it's a matter of who goes where in the six-man during the regular season. We have four guys competing for two spots. Megill is the one with an option, but he's too valuable to send down again, which is why I mentioned him going to the bullpen if Montas comes in and can be consistently effective over six or seven innings.

That's a really big if, and to be honest, I have my doubts. I thought we took a pretty expensive flyer on Montas. Should he turn out to be something, I'll call myself pleasantly surprised.

Anyway, I'm sure Mendy and Stearns are looking at it and thinking, if we must move someone to the 'pen, it's going to be the 6'6" stud with the big heater: the Duke.

Expand full comment
Ed Pierson's avatar

Who is the Braves team that you mention? ;-)

Expand full comment
Joel's avatar

Well said. This could be the year! Great team chemistry and manager along with a swami for a GM. Cross your fingers that none of the big 3 goes down with an injury.

Expand full comment
D Mac's avatar

I was at the game. It was electric and ps.. Jeff haters lol. 😁

Expand full comment
Steve's avatar

This team is so fun 👏 how good has McNeil been? I’ll admit I did not see that coming!

Expand full comment
Joel's avatar

"former batting champion" has a nice ring to it.

Expand full comment
Peter Mat's avatar

I would like to see Acuna play on a regular basis to see what he can do.. He is able to do things that no one else on the team can, like scoring easily for the winning run last night. Give him at bats. Last nights win, and the beat goes on.

Expand full comment
Joel's avatar

Who sits?

Expand full comment
Peter Mat's avatar

Platoon at 2b with Beaty or McNeil. Jeff has become a jack of all trades and I am amazed how he can play any of the OF positions, and 2b

Expand full comment
Joel's avatar

Playing center is something that seemed optimistic but he's managed. Good baseball instincts he has. I expect soon mendoza will get acuna time at expense of Mauricio and Baty, maybe start 1/3? Tbh, I like all 3 of them better than vientos long term.

Expand full comment