Photo: MiLB.com
The Bakersfield Blaze have gotten out of the gates quickly this season with a 5-1 record and RF Kyle Waldrop is one big reason why the offense is clicking. As the Blaze pace the circuit in the early going with a team batting average of .314 and an OBP of .387, Waldrop is putting up big numbers from the #5 hole with a .522/.577/.565 line.
In both 2012 and 2013, the Ft. Meyers, FL native started slowly and then came on to have big second halves. Last season, also in Bakersfield, Waldrop finished with a line of .258/.304/.462 and blasted 21 homers. The production increased over the second half, especially in July and August when Waldrop was swinging a lethal bat.
He had committed to play football at South Florida, but signed with the Reds after being drafted in the 12th round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.
We’re only a week into the 2014 season, but Waldrop appears to be making good on a commitment to put the slow starts behind him. His power numbers aren’t there yet, with only one double and no homers, but Waldrop is making solid contact and has scored five runs and driven in five as the Blaze have been a run-scoring machine so far.
