The issue with them is not their level of talent. It is their ability to be consistent. I agree, pretty much, with the OP.
I refrained from saying much about Holliday going down because there was so much whining about it. I will say that I think his offensive approach and swing decisions are something that need some work. He’s an incredible talent, but he is far from where he will be in a year or two. His swing and miss is an issue. I have seen him swing from his heels and miss by a foot on several occasions, including last nights game. The kid doesn’t get cheated, but his swing is a bit wild right now at times.
Holliday has thrown “lollipop throws” on several occasions this Spring. Those bug me, honestly. It’s a pet peeve, throw the damn ball. Hit them in the chest. I’m sure he’ll adjust in a little time, but there is work to be done there.
Mayo and Kjerstad are more polished in some ways, but still not there yet. I am still not convinced Mayo is a good defender at 3B. Does the bat make up for it? IDK, tough call. I can tell he has worked hard on his body and mobility.
Look, these are young men we will be seeing for a long time. They aren’t in an ideal state of readiness right now. No rush, for me anyway. Could they play in MLB right now? Sure. They could play now, and we’d likely lose some games because of mistakes they will make that others may not. Pitchers would have to make more pitches, and we’d have to make more roster moves.
I do not want to watch sloppy baseball that leads to our pitchers wearing down sooner than they should. I don’t want to see us lose games that we should be winning with more consistent and efficient play. Elias and Hyde know what they’re doing, as evidenced by how this team and organization have grown steadily and quickly. The executive and manager of the year in 2023. According to some here, they’re terrible morons who are simply trying to game the system to get another year of Holliday. It’s hilarious.