When in Rome

Let’s highlight several of the less heralded guys on the Emperors roster that I have been watching the last couple of days. As always, we will start with the preseason blurb.

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.”

Started the season looking like a guy whose arm was about to fall off but has been much better for the last month and has reached the point where I think he can help in the Braves bullpen at some point. He was throwing harder (94-96, touched 98) than before the surgery although he had no real feel for his other pitches tonight. The fastball was basically unhittable though until he lost velocity and movement in the 6th and gave up a long homer. He officially throws 7 pitches but I only saw 4-seam, cutter and change tonight.

Cody Miller, IF, 21, A+, 2028

“Our 3rd round pick this past year, Miller came out hitting and didn’t stop, tearing up the A- level and A+ where he likely starts next season. The kid has terrific tools and his top end speed gives him a chance to move to center if short doesn’t work out. There are a couple red flags which is why I have him in this part of the list. He struck out at a 31% clip in the pros after never being over 20% in college. That is the 2nd knock – he went to ETSU, a fine school but not a baseball powerhouse. As such he faced limited opposition leaving many questions as yet unanswered. During my not-a-scout live viewing at the end of the season he didn’t look overmatched by velocity which was a knock some scouts saw in him, so we’ve got that. He’s one of my favorites for 2026.”

Started the season injured and then has struck out at a 35% clip so far. He seemed to be reaching for everything on the outer half although he did club a homer on cookie middle-middle. I have serious doubts about his contact ability at this point.

Isaiah Drake, CF, 21, A+, 2028

“Some good things happened for Drake in 2025: he stayed healthy, showed good instincts in center and cut his strikeouts down to 21% (35% in 2024). Unfortunately, all this was achieved by also cutting down on his swing which resulted in a lot of 4-3 putouts. He also established himself as a base stealing threat (46) although only at a 76% clip. He is still young and has great tools so don’t give up on him yet.”

Strikeouts are back up in 2026 but the power has returned as well as he is already at a career high 8 homers on the year which is actually really good for the Sally League. They have largely stopped playing him in center, perhaps because Eric Hartman has passed him in the pecking order. Still only 20 and I have to think he has a chance.

In the big city the Jays had on their hitting shoes and thumped the good guys 7-2. Mauricio Dubon continues to be found money and the rest of the game was pretty forgettable. 

Go Rome!