2 weeks ago, the bullpen was clearly the team’s weakness and I think we can agree that it, if not a strength, is no longer a liability.
So what is it now? Rotation? Offense? Bench? Fielding? Managing?
The rotation has talent and depth. Each member has had great starts also consecutive great starts. In a 162 season, all players go through ups and downs.
If the rotation can just get to where they are each consistently pitching 5 innings every start and 6-7 occassionally then all will be well. It’s the 3 or 4 inning outings giving up 4+ runs that is maddening and throwing the whole staff off.
I think that is reasonable and very doable.
This offense, more than any other I have ever seen, relies on passing the baton and feeding off of each other. With Bregman and Yuli out, and sudden promotionnof Chas to starter, they are a bit out if sync. Also there is a different lineup nearly every day so that has also challenged them to get into a rhythm. Once Alex and Yuli return, and Chas has more starts under his belt ( and is no longer needed in #2 or #6 spot in lineup) this offense should gel into the 6+ runs per game machine it is capable of being.
Getting Alex and Yuli back will also help strengthen the bench so that improvement needs no more words.
The defense, overall has been fine, if not great. Tucker is an adventure in RF but solid. Robel missed some plays at 3rd but now he’s out. Alex and Yuli playing everyday will improveoff-season. Yordan has surprised me in left.
Managing: I’m afraid nothing can be done until the offseason, so if the team does not win it all, I’m afraid that will be the reason.
On a positive note- Dusty has not used Raley as a 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd option since he got his shiny new arms.