Datoc looked really good on stat sheet. 5 Ks, 1 walk over 12 batters. Only 2 singles for his 0 ER. And threw 65% strikes. I think Datoc is going to be one of our better pitchers next year.
He's one of our better pitchers this year . I'd expect him to either keep the same role next season or to assume the Gorst/Ryan role from the past two seasons.
As far as relievers go right now, I don't feel terrible with Datoc, Ryan, Carpenter, Combs, and Gibson. If Curry, Shadday, Lee, and Schneiderjans can get us about 5 decent innings each game the rest of the way out, we really should do pretty well vs the rest of the schedule. Bats need to stay hot from last night and the defense needs to step up (McCann made some nice scoops at 1B last night).
I hope CDH puts Hughes on the mound as a reliever some time soon to see if he can turn it around. I hate seeing talented arms in the doghouse and not getting a chance---I'm not saying to just leave him out there if he's struggling, but a kid has to get some mound time in a game assuming he's working hard in practice and not looking too bad. It's a very mental game...