This was a group that had a lot of question marks coming into the season. In the early going, I feel that they have performed well albeit against lesser competition. They've also had to deal with some pretty horrendous fielding behind them.

Starters

Money - He's been lights out so far. Locating the fastball well and he's shown that he can throw the breaking ball for strikes. Love his attitude on the mound. If he can continue to have success with his secondary pitches, I think we are going to be in good shape for Friday nights. Really looking forward to seeing him compete vs. OU on Friday.

Hilliard - We know what he is at this point. A solid SEC starter that can be dominant at times when he has everything working. Should be in the rotation all year although I would not mind seeing him moved into the Sunday spot at some point if possible.

Floyd - The stats would tell you he has been very good. And he has been. However, I am most concerned about him out of our starters thus far. His fastball is tremendous. Low 90's with some life to it. The teams we've played so far have not been able to catch up to it. He has not shown the ability to throw a secondary pitch at all. I can't see this approach working against the SEC or the better competition we'll see this weekend. Until he develops some secondary pitches, he may be better served as a middle reliever. But who should get a shot to replace him?

Relievers w/ a chance to move into the rotation

Fontenot - Many thought that he would start the year as a starter. He's looked great in limited action so far. He's a veteran presence. Great fastball and a solid breaking pitch. I would think he gets the first look if we change up the rotation.

Cooper - I think he has looked decent. There was a lot of excitement surrounding him coming into the season and its easy to see why at times. He got a bad shake against Tech with the fielding he had behind him. He probably sticks in middle relief.

Taylor - To me, he has been the most impressive pitcher other than Money so far. He is a presence on the mound. Mid 90's fastball with what appears to be a good breaking ball. I'd love to see him get a midweek start to try and extend. He could dark horse to slide into the rotation. If nothing else, he's going to be an important piece of our bullpen.

Hellmers - Looks about like he did last year. All business. Quick worker. He probably sticks in long relief/midweek.

Late Game Relief

Reyzelman - Has been electric with the fastball when he's gotten in. Seems like he may be the guy to close out games. I'd add Fontenot to that mix as well if he doesn't get moved into the rotation

Gervase - As advertised. He's been very solid so far and was throwing a nice breaking ball last night. Probably your setup guy.

Others

Coleman - Would have included him in the guys that have potential to move into the rotation but with the uncertainty around the injury, I'm not so sure. He has some of my favorite stuff on the team. I think he's a starter long-term but I don't know if they'll ask him to extend like that this season post-injury. That's if he comes back at all. Hoping for the best but the silence about it is concerning.

Collins - I've been impressed by him so far. Solid stuff. I think he can be a contributor.

Edwards - Another guy who we kind of know who he is. I think he'll be around to take over for a struggling starter and go 2-4 innings throughout the year.

Bottom line, I think this is actually an above average group collectively. There's no Nola, Gausman, etc. But I think you have a lot of good talent and a deeper group than we've seen in several years. I think all 12 of the guys listed above could be trusted to take the ball at some point in a meaningful game. I'm encouraged so far. Hoping they keep it up in Houston this weekend.