The Sarge

and think we'll be there at the end of the season. Lots of bright spots I think as these freshman seem to be coming around slowly. Still, tired of seeing guys (including veterans) swinging at the first pitch and popping balls up and then others staring at called third strikes over and over. I like the line up for the most part but hitters have to be more disciplined. Pankake and English continue to get better. I really like how Matthews has adjusted over the past week or so, drawing more walks and giving better at bats. We really need Dantzler to step up and cement the middle of the lineup. Feel good about Marzilli, Walker and Payne. Greiner is struggling but I think you just got to let him work through it. Think we've got it settled for the most part with Celek and Martin platooning at DH. I wouldn't mind Celek getting some more starts vs RH pitching, kid can swing the bat. It all comes down to timely hitting though, if this lineup can get better in that department, there's a lot of W's out there.

Other thoughts...

Can we be done with Roth playing DH and pinch hitting please?

I think this weekend exposed Florida is vulnerable against LH pitching. Roth, Belcher and Webb shut down those guys pretty good. That being said, Florida is a great team (led by tons of JR and SR) and I'm pretty upbeat after seeing us go toe to toe with them for 3 games. The series could have gone either way today.

I'm a bit worried about the starting pitching, think maybe Westmoreland or Belcher might should get a shot for the weekend rotation upcoming. I think Webb and Price probably need to stay in the bullpen. If Carter were still pitching I would be more apt to move Price back into that starting rotation. Or maybe you have Price in the bullpen on Friday night and if he doesn't pitch you start him on Saturday (or Sunday if he hasn't pitched on Fri/Sat). Maybe he can take on a role like Scott Barber did for us in the early 00's, starting sometime, bullpen sometime.

Either way, I'm excited about watching the rest of the season. It will be interesting to see where this team ends up.