The big news today is that I finally got to my first Rome game today. It was a good one too.
Some notes:


Today’s starter, Cade Kuehler, has had a nightmare start to 2026 after missing a season and a half to TJ surgery. Why do they never run a news story about snake bites man? Here’s his blurb from my prospect list:

“Cade Kuehler, RHP, 24, DNP, 2028
Fighting Camels represent! Missed the entire season after 2024 TJ surgery. Up until then he was a small college guy with good stuff who seemed on his way to being a good #3 if the command/control came around and a useful bullpen guy if they didn’t. Will likely start back at A- to begin his rehab.”

Well, I missed on the destination. He came into today with a double digit ERA and that is never good. I can see why he has struggled so far as he had no command over anything. This is par for the course after TJ so I’m willing to give him time. Somehow he made 4 hits and 4 walks produce nothing today, so good on him.

He was followed by 2 non prospects who allowed nothing the rest of the way for the shutout.

On the other side of the ball there was a lot happening even though we only got 2 runs.

“Eric Hartman, OF, 20, A-, 2028
The kind of day 3 draft pick I wish we had more of part II. Hartman is a 20th rounder from Alberta lured south with an overslot bonus to forego college. He didn’t get into any games in 2024 but showed excellent tools in 2025 while competing with players who were on average almost 2 years older than himself. He already has some pop and the team hopes he can develop into the prototypical right fielder.”

The team rewarded him with a move to A+ because of what the coaches saw in spring training. This may be another case like Michael Harris where he improves at such a rapid rate that prospect sites don’t keep up with him until he hits the bigs at a ridiculously young age. He smoked a couple balls today although the launch angles left something to be desired. Still, rocking a 1.022 OPS in the Rome park is hella impressive.

“John Gil, SS, 20, A-, 2029
I had him 1 tier lower last year as there was concern about how his approach and tools would play against better competition (he had no power at all but excellent plate discipline). Well, he passed the test so far, hitting 7 homers while running a 61/71 bb/so ratio. Improved footwork on D now has most scouts convinced he can stay at short long term as he has a great arm. Don’t expect him to rocket through the system as he still needs to learn a lot so expect him to move up one level per year”


I’m likely wrong about this kid’s approach velocity as well as he is exceeding expectations. I now expect both Hartman and Gil to at least see some time at AA this season. Gil started off hot in ST and hasn’t let up at A+. While he only has 3 homers he looks the part of a 300 hitter while keeping an impressive 16/19 bb/k ratio. Oh, he’s a good shortstop too. “Just” a single and a walk today.

In the less important game up in Atlanta, we really ought to win when Elder only gives up 1 in 6 innings but when you follow him and Kinley with the 3 worst members of the pen you are going to lose. Enough said!