I want to see how the league adjust to our young players. They are absolutely pitching away from Kris Bryant power. He is getting hits, but not with the force he use to put on the ball. They seem to be busting him low and inside with fastballs. Pitchers are missing but missing low. I want to see how they adjust because even though the power hasnt been there. The hits sure have been and in big situations. The league is still learning him and will be interesting to watch how they attack. Soler they are pounding low with off speed and breaking balls. He needs to be a little more patient. He is swinging at some ugly pitches. Time for him to adjust back to the league.
Rizzo has sacrificed power for getting On base. I dont mind that. We have enough power in the lineup where he doesnt have to belt 30 plus every year. He will come down a little bit because he usually has a couple of slumps a year.
Castro is just raking to right field which is an awesome sign. Pitchers will get tired of him poking hits to right and will challenge him inside and thats when Castro can show some power. He usually doesnt start walking until later months. His D has been above average and he is hustling on every play. Maddon praised him for his 9th inning run to first base two games ago. Maddon said that just oozes into your game. Castro will be completely over shadowed now by are other big names and thats ok with me and probably him.
The guy who has impressed me the most. Dexter Fowler. I didnt care about the trade for him. I didnt like it. I didnt hate it. I just thought it was like another DeJesus. A solid player that will give you a major league at bat, but fowler I like better. his switch hitting is awesome at the top of the lineup. He squares the ball up well and he has some pop off the bat. He also is a tremendous base runner. He has great instincts for the base path. His D in center has been good as well. He will never be spectacular but those are the guys that help you win championships.
Russell, I dont think he is ready. He looks over matched in almost every at bat. Maybe he works through it in the majors, but I wouldnt count him being up here the whole time. He is extremely young and he shows it.