My years there were 2 CWS appearances and 2 years of not so well. I say that because it is not all about the talent sometimes. 55 games is actually a pretty short schedule. The team has to gel and ride momentum. Sometime that ride is bumpy. So it is not time to panic.
I have not seen this team play other than a few innings on MAX the other day. I do think Conner Powers is the real deal. I know people get on him about his defense, but he is a hitter after my own heart. The only thing I would like to see is for him to work on committing a little later. With all his movement, he commits to a pitch a little earlier than he needs to.
I am anxious to see Nappi. He is definitely in a good zone right now and I hope he can sustain it.
Overall, I have been saying for awhile, that there are some hitters on the team that need to be more aggressive at the plate. It seems the general philosophy is to be patient and work the count. Wait for a pitch that the hitter can handle best. That is a valid and probably preferable way to approach hitting. This is like an Albert Pujols. However, there are hitters that will not perform their best with that style. They need to be prepared to swing on every pitch and make a determination not to swing. A guy like Vlad Guerrero is that type of hitter. I just have seen too many taken strikes for my taste, especially in certain situations.
I hate all pitchers so I do not have much to say about them. Just stop being ***** type pitchers. Always challenge the hitters, don't pitch scared.