Ron Rigney shares his Consistency Triple Play each week. Ron tells you who he believes will turn it around and who won’t. Follow Ron on Twitter – @RonRigney
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Nick Lodolo, SP – Cincinnati Reds
The big 25-year-old lefty gets overshadowed in the Reds organization by flamethrower Hunter Greene, which is extremely unfair as Lodolo is the better pitcher. In three starts this season, he’s striking out 14.29 batters per nine innings, and owns a 2.12 ERA. What makes him even more impressive is he’s doing this while allowing a .415 BABIP as well as walking 3.18 batters per nine innings. Just like every pitching prospect, Lodolo needed to locate his breaking stuff to take the next step. His slider usage is up about 10% from last season and is using his changeup at about the same 10% rate as he did last year. He locates his mid 90’s fastball well, but the slider and changeup are what will determine if he hits elite level status. He appears to be well on his way.
Nico Hoerner, 2B/SS – Chicago Cubs
Say what you want, but unless you own Hoerner, you had no idea he’s tied for the Major League lead in stolen bases with 8. Hell, I owned him in both dynasties, and I didn’t even know it. I’ve been a fan since he was called up, especially because of the eligibility at multiple positions. I was only expecting runs, a handful of steals and homers and a solid slash line. Along with those 8 steals, the Cubbies leadoff man has also scored 13 times and is slashing .321/.367/.375. Earlier this season, I was able to trade Lance Lynn for him, and I jumped at the chance. Here’s to hoping he doesn’t cool on the basepaths. You’re getting 100 runs and at least 30 steals here, and it came at a super affordable ADP.
Nolan Gorman – 2B – St. Louis Cardinals
I’m going to stick with our all-NL Central theme and tell you about the young masher in St. Louis that many had forgotten about. This is also the same guy who was one of the top power prospects in the Minors just two years ago. Gorman impressed with a few homers in 2022 but didn’t stick in the Bigs as his swing just wasn’t ready for prime time. My oh my, 2023 is a different story. Gorman cleared up some issues with his swing, (shout to Esteban Rivera at Fangraphs for breaking him down beautifully) and looks like more than a power sell out type hitter. As much as I LOVE his career best 15.4% BB rate, I’m going to have to see something close to it for the remainder of the season. He’s going to be up as he’s played second, third and he’s a prime DH candidate any day, so there’s a few options for him in the lineup. His bat looks like it will keep him there. If all shakes out right, Gorman will go down as one of the bigger steals from this draft season. We know he can mash, but if he can help your slash line too? OOOH DADDY!
