Could it reallllly be true? The jump I've been waiting for and pining for with the uber-talented RHP Yetlin Rodriguez just may be happening before our very eyes. I said it last year and I'll say it again: When he is right, he is every bit the part of a high-leverage MLB reliever. His raw stuff is really too good for High-A and it absolutely brings me joy to see the type of off-season work he put in to harness his penchant for 'wild'. This could be a massive development. He has every bit the raw arsenal of a Uribe or Yoho if he is dialed in. Huge early storyline. If he can keep this consistency up over the next month he is a shoe-in for that Double-A promotion.
If there is a weakness in the early going for the red hot Mudcats, it's likely the unfortunate damage to the top shelf of their pitching staff. It is really hard to replace the innings of Galindez, Knoth, and Woodward! As result, as the coaching staff builds up innings and discovers best roles, they are having to experiment with a variety of looks and roles. The offense remains a juggernaut. The pitching staff remains a work in progress. It will be pivotal they continue to get the Ace output of Holobetz. Here's hoping Hostetler, Meccage, Johnson and Torres can follow suit. We've seen very good things from Garcia, Langhorne and Gillis as well in the early going.