Given their injury situation, and the overall youth and inexperience of the team, this is nothing less than miraculous. They aren't stopping, aren't giving up. They just continue to play good, solid, fundamental baseball. If there is a better manager in all of baseball than Francona, I don't know who it is. He has definitely gotten all there is to get out of this young team. Our front office also deserves a ton of credit. People complain that we don't spend like the Yankees, but we make smart trades, and have drafted well.
I wonder how the Sporting News feels about picking us last in the ALC? CBS had the ALC with Cleveland in 4th, overall, with 1 3rd and 1 5th prediction. ESPN and FOX each had us missing the playoffs. (which could still happen, if the team doesn't continue to play hard and smart, but I don't see it happening)
I love this team, and if they win a playoff series this year, I will even call them by their new name.
I am up for the Browns game and sticking around for the Steelers on Thursday night. The Guards have a rain make-up tomorrow against the Twins at 1. We plan on going but will have to see what happens with the weather. Calling for a pretty good chance of showers. Being a rain date, they will do everything possible to squeeze it in.
By Terry Pluto, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio – Scribbles in my notebook as the Guardians hang on to first place in the Central Division:
1. I was talking baseball with Tom Hamilton, the Guardians veteran radio broadcaster. He mentioned how much fun it was doing the games this season with MLB’s youngest team having 30 come-from-behind victories.
2. “This is the most incredible, unexpected (Cleveland) baseball season I can remember,” said Hamilton, who has been doing the game since 1990. “This is unprecedented, being in first place in the middle of September with baseball’s youngest team. We’ve had 15 guys playing the majors for the first time. This is unheard of.”
3. Hamilton and I have a theory. The turning point in the Guardians season came with the first of many unexpected pleasant surprises – Jose Ramirez signing a 7-year contract extension.
4. “It was April 5 in Goodyear,” said Hamilton. “We got on the plane and Jose was with us. If he and (owner) Paul Dolan had not worked out a contract, Jose probably would have been traded. Who knows how the season would have gone. But with Jose staying, it’s like it brought the team together.”
5. Ramirez entered the weekend batting .279 (.881 OPS) with 27 HR and 111 RBI. He leads the American League with 41 doubles. He’s stolen 15 bases. He’s missed only four games. His enthusiastic, hard-driving personality fuels the team. He’s the only established veteran hitter in the lineup.
6. Hamilton and I share something else – we love Oscar Gonzales. “How can you not?” asked Hamilton. “He’s a great kid. He loves the game. He has power. He’s hitting and he’s still figuring it out.” Gonzalez entered the weekend batting .297 (.819 OPS) with 9 HR and 24 doubles in 71 games.
7. This has been a season of fun stories. There has been the rise of Steven Kwan. Hamilton recalled how for years Cleveland has been looking for outfielders. Now they have Myles Straw, Kwan and Gonzalez. They also have prospects Will Benson, Will Brennan, Nolan Jones, George Valera and Richie Palacios. “We have a lot more prospects coming,” said Hamilton. “That’s the great part of this. There’s a lot to look forward to down the line.”
8. Finally, Hamilton added this: “There is no better manager than Tito (Francona) and no better coaching staff in baseball than what we have here. I find it hard to believe anyone else but Tito and his staff could have squeezed this much out of a young team like ours.”
ABOUT THE GUARDIANS
1. The Guardians aren’t sure if the future for Cody Morris is in the starting rotation or the bullpen, but it’s very bright. In 9 2/3 innings in Cleveland, Morris has fanned nine. He’s also walked eight, but pitched his way out of trouble. His ERA is 2.79.
2. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Morris has the look of a bullish starting pitcher. In his last two seasons in the minors, he has struck out 132 in 82 1/3 innings, compared to 50 hits and 26 walks. His ERA is 1.51. A seventh-round pick in 2018 out of South Carolina, Morris has had several injuries so a key will be staying healthy. But that power arm will fit in somewhere.
3. One of the least-told, most remarkable stories on the team is Sam Hentges, a fourth-round pick in 2014. The big lefty was supposed to be a starter. In the minors, he had a 4.36 ERA. In 2019, he reached Class AA Akron, where he was 2-13 with a 5.11 ERA. He pitched only 4 1/3 innings in Class AAA, then came to Cleveland in 2021: His record was 1-4 with a 6.68 ERA.
4. Francona and the coaching staff believed the bullpen was the answer. Simplfy things. Throw hard. Throw strikes. Use that sharp breaking ball. He is 3-2 with a 2.65 ERA this season. I’m amazed. He was wild until this season, but now has cut down his walks at the age of 26.
5. The Guardians believe Hunter Gaddis was probably tipping his pitches when he gave up five HR in four innings in Thursday’s loss to the White Sox. Gaddis has thrown only 241 minor league innings. He’s never pitched above Class A until this season. Between Class AA and AAA this season, he has a 4.15 ERA in 111 innings. He has allowed 16 HR. Inexperienced pitchers were pressed into duty because of the injuries to Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale. Like Hentges, the 24-year-old Gaddis probably needs time to find his best role and gain experience to be successful in the majors.
Went to the stadium yesterday. Once we went up 7-3 end of 6 it was time to leave. I saw we scored 4 more in the 8th.
Nice win v the Twins. Guards in the drivers seat at this point 4 games up on the White Sox. Now we have the Sox on the road for 3 big games. It would be nice to grab at least 2 games to add one more game up. At minimum win 1 game to only drop a game.
Guardians need to win one game this series. Accomplish that and they win the season series against the White Sox. The Guardians would then own the tiebreaker for the division title.
Guardians need to win one game this series. Accomplish that and they win the season series against the White Sox. The Guardians would then own the tiebreaker for the division title.
I agree. No doubt we want to win 2-3, but winning 1 only drops one game in the standings.
I know we have some games against the Rays and KC down the stretch. Not sure about the Sox.
It doesn't really matter. Just keep winning and it take care of itself.
The Guardians are incredibly resiliant. Down 3-1 and cam back to tie it up the next inning. Blow the lead in the 10th to have the game tied back up at 5-5. Proceed to blow the doors open in the top of the 11th to take a 10-5 lead. The Guardians broke the White Sox that inning. Rosario stole 3rd base and Moncado was so defeated he never covered the bag, didn't see the catcher throw the ball and Rosario waltzed in for the 10th run.
The Guardians didn't allow the blown call by the ump in 7th inning when Rosario scored but was called out at the plate to get them down.
Man does this team play hard and run the hell out of the bases.
Tito is the straw that stirs that drink. Easily the best manager they've had. If he had the payroll Hargrove had to work with we'd have a few rings by now IMO
Tito is the straw that stirs that drink. Easily the best manager they've had. If he had the payroll Hargrove had to work with we'd have a few rings by now IMO
Maybe, maybe not. Tito is good at getting the most out of players. I am not sure that with the players Grover had you could get all that much more. That lineup was stacked. I don't think that Hargrove made dumb decisions that got covered by his players talent.
I will say that Hargrove probably wouldn't have this team in 1st place.
As long as we are in a pennant race I don't know how much we will play the kid. Hopefully we can stretch this out a bit more, because this isn't over, and allow the kid to get some starts and at bats.
A nice reward for a nice job at AAA and a good jump for the kid heading in to spring training. It's big time for the player. If nothing else his name makes the almanac with 1 at bat or mound appearance, which never goes away. You can always say you played in the big leagues and can point to the almanac to prove it..good for him.
Arias has been playing quite a bit of first base lately in the minors. Maybe he can end the Owen Miller experience. Brennan has been mashing down in the minors. Love to see the Guardians give these young guys opportunities. Brennan is in the lineup tonight.
At the trade deadline I was really angry. It felt like the ownership and management gave up on a good young team. Contreras was there for trade. Zip, nada, nothing.
How the Guardians turned the AL Central race into a one-team sprint
Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer
On the first day of spring training, Terry Francona called for a meeting with Jose Ramirez. That conversation between a manager and his star third baseman, way back in March, would set the tone for the surprising success of the youngest team in baseball -- a Cleveland Guardians club that is on the verge of winning the American League Central.
Francona asked the ultra-talented Ramirez to simply play hard and with passion throughout the upcoming season because the Guardians weren't exactly constructed to homer their way to the postseason.
"I told him, 'This is how we have to play, everyone follows your lead,'" Francona recalled while sitting in the visitor's dugout at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago earlier this week. "And I said, 'If you don't do it, I can't ask a bunch of young guys to do it.'"
Ramirez was already known by his teammates to play 'with his hair on fire' and they have followed suit, specializing in a brand of baseball built around contact, running the bases and playing defense that is atypical in 2022.
The results have been near historic for a roster of players whose average age is just 26 years old. The Guardians are on track to become the youngest team in the wild-card era to not only make the postseason but also to win a division.
"I don't know if you can put an age on being competitive," Francona said.
And even before the team proved anything this season, Cleveland's brass knew one thing about its squad going into 2022: It was going to be full of opportunity for a group of talented young players.
"We made some deliberate choices, even going back to the offseason, to give some of these young players opportunities to go out and contribute," president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said. "To their credit, a lot of them have stepped forward and made a meaningful impact."
But as Francona says, no one has a 'crystal ball' and it came together faster than anyone could have expected. Except maybe the Guardians' star player himself.
"Those guys are very talented," Ramirez said through the team interpreter. "They won a lot in the minors so they know how to win. I'm not surprised by their performance this year."
Second baseman Andres Gimenez, shortstop Amed Rosario and left fielder Steven Kwan are three of those players who have become major contributors at a young age.
The two infielders came to Cleveland together in a blockbuster trade for Francisco Lindor, while Kwan was a little-known fifth-round pick in 2018. Batting leadoff, Kwan has set the table for a lineup that ranks 29th in home runs but has also struck out fewer times than any team in the majors.
"It's refreshing to see that kind of baseball," Kwan said. "It starts with Tito [Francona]. He felt if we had a chance, we had to play the game the right way. We've been taking that to heart."
Kwan called Francona the "GOAT" for his managing style. One of the 63-year-old veteran manager's best traits, according to those who know him best, is his ability to adapt a team to maximize its strengths while minimizing its weaknesses.
The young Guardians have learned winning baseball while dealing with the grind of a long season. It's not an easy task and Francona has prodded when the moment has called for it. Kwan recalled a time after a win over Minnesota.
"He called me into his office, which he normally doesn't do," Kwan said. "And he pulls up a video and it's a runner on first and I hit a single to right. The runner goes first to third and the right fielder sails the ball and I'm standing on first.
"He asks me why I didn't take second base? I told him I hadn't had a hit in while and I got to first and I was happy to be there. He was like 'No kid, that's not what we're about. If we're going to do this we're going to do it the right way.'
"That stayed with me."
Mixed in with those teachable moments, Cleveland's clubhouse has been filled with lively celebrations fueled by a handful of dramatic victories, including several huge come-from-behind wins and extra-inning affairs. Perhaps none defined Cleveland's season better than an early May thriller when the Guardians used a six-run ninth to pull even with the White Sox 8-8 before a three-run 11th sealed the deal. An emotional Josh Naylor hit home runs in both innings and it proved to the youth in Cleveland that they could go toe-to-toe with the reigning division winner.
Those kinds of victories began to pile up, including a 15-inning win last Saturday over Minnesota and another 11-inning one on Tuesday in Chicago. In fact, the Guardians beat up their division rivals during the entire season, combining to go 24-13 against their closest competitors and 12-4 in extra innings overall.
"Everyone is saying we're not supposed to be doing this," starter Shane Bieber said. "And maybe that was the story coming in early. But not now. It's a different brand of baseball, and we're enjoying playing it, and we're doing it really well."
Bieber smiled and nodded his head when Ramirez's name came up. Clubhouse conversations often lead back to the five-tool player.
"What I find so special and invaluable about him is the way he plays the game," Bieber said. "It's hard to put into words. For our superstar to play the way he does, with that infectious energy, and putting his body on the line and doing it every day, with the intent to win, he really sets the tone."
Ramirez is a first-to-third machine, yet another way he epitomizes the Guardians' unique brand of baseball. In their just completed series against the White Sox, Cleveland basically ran them out of contention for the division title.
"It might be a little frustrating for our opponents and when you have so many young guys watching him [Ramirez] hustle like that, they think, 'Why can't I do that?'" Bieber said.
They can and they have. Not surprisingly, the Guardians lead the league in going from first to third on a single. It's just one trait which has them poised for an October run. Cleveland has five players with 15 or more stolen bases, the most in baseball and the most for the franchise since 1919.
"They are young but they don't back down from challenges," Francona said. "All the things that we've tried to live by, they try to do it."
Shaw believes the foundation was set years ago while Cleveland was going through its last window of contention. It included a World Series appearance in 2016. Several current players were in the minors or entering the organization at the time -- and now are on the verge of getting their first chance to play in the postseason.
"Tito has been at the helm the entire run," Shaw said. "We were winning and everyone saw how it's done. Now it's happening again."
Ramirez is a first-to-third machine, yet another way he epitomizes the Guardians' unique brand of baseball. In their just completed series against the White Sox, Cleveland basically ran them out of contention for the division title.
"It might be a little frustrating for our opponents and when you have so many young guys watching him [Ramirez] hustle like that, they think, 'Why can't I do that?'" Bieber said.
They can and they have. Not surprisingly, the Guardians lead the league in going from first to third on a single. It's just one trait which has them poised for an October run. Cleveland has five players with 15 or more stolen bases, the most in baseball and the most for the franchise since 1919.
"They are young but they don't back down from challenges," Francona said. "All the things that we've tried to live by, they try to do it."
It's a beautiful sight watching this team run the bases. Guardians stole four bases tonight.
In an era of waiting for 3 run homeruns, it's refreshing to see a team play station to station, create runs baseball. Hitting homers isn't the only way to score 4-5-6 runs. A walk, bunt and single can score a run.
If you don't have 4-5 guys throughout the lineup who can legit hit 30+ homers and drive the gaps you best play some small ball.
Today you have everybody thinking about launch angle. That's great for the true power hitter, but not so much for the other players. Today you have plenty of player who hit 20 or so homers but in doing so it costs 25 points on their batting average, so they hit 260 rather than 285.
A few studies have been made. The one I reference was by Ron Polk who coached at Mississippi State for many years. One of the best managers ever.
If a player hit nothing but ground balls. Everything from a bunt to a hot smash on the ground, the player would hit 300. If a player hit nothing but fly balls, everything from a weak foul ball pop-up to the catcher to looping single or the longest home run ever seen, you would hit 250.
If you hit nothing but line drives.. Anything from that liner that is caught by the 3rd baseman or that shot that never gets much over 20 feet high that is caught or just barely clears the fence, a player would hit 750.
It's pretty clear that line drives and ground balls is the way to play the game except when you are trying to lift the ball to allow a runner to tag, in which case it's a sac fly and doesn't count against your average. Except for the true power guys, this launch angle stuff is ruining hitters.
Opening Day lineup. Crazy to look at how much has changed since game 1. What a season!
Myles Straw CF Amed Rosario LF-SS Jose Ramirez 3B Franmil Reyes DH Bobby Bradley 1B Owen Miller PH Oscar Mercado LF Yu Chang 2B-1B Steven Kwan RF Austin Hedges C Andres Gimenez SS
I know this team has limited resources financially, but for those who routinely whine about payroll routinely miss the fact this is one of the best run sports franchises in the country.
Congrats, boys. What a great year and we seemingly have a great future with all of these youngsters.
This team is both heartstopping and incredibly fun.
There have been a number of times where I have said to myself, "Well YTown, this game is over. They had to lose sometime. I'm going to feed the dog, and take him outside" ...... only to come back upstairs and see that they had another incredible finish.
14 rookies debuted for this team in 2022. They are younger than some every AAA teams. They play the game the right way. They keep the pressure on the opposing pitcher and defense. They go full out on every play. They never give up. They are on point with their fundamentals. Their pitching is still a strength, which is incredible, given the injuries their rotation has suffered over the year. They are resilient. In short, they are a perfect reflection of their manager, who, incidently, should/must be manager of the year.
I am still not a fan of the new name, but I will be won over if they win a postseason series.
I know this team has limited resources financially, but for those who routinely whine about payroll routinely miss the fact this is one of the best run sports franchises in the country.
Congrats, boys. What a great year and we seemingly have a great future with all of these youngsters.
I could make the argument that the Dolans are the best owners in town. Consistently put out a winning product. Six playoff appearances since 2013 and they are model of stability. They have not had a losing season since 2012 and have never had a losing season under Tito since he took over in 2013. Also, the Dolans never meddle in day to day operations.
Agree, baseball was my best sport- but I can't watch it often= too slow AND a dominate pitcher takes the fun away. I batted in hs against a guy throwing close to 100mph- I had good 20/20 and barely saw the ball. I was damn glad I walked/ and didn't get hit.
Really like the Guardians as a team- you are correct/ they never give up and have had some damn strange wins....GO Indians/Guardians.
On a side note, bought tickets today to game 1 of WC series. Now have Games 1 and 2 of WC. Also, Game 2 of ALDS. Hope other fans bought tickets as well to enjoy this team live and in-person!
Well, yeah, many people say that. There is some truth to it but it is not completely true. For me the underlying situation is that baseball is not just a game where ownership is billionaires. Now you have to be a multi-billionaire by a fairly significant amount if your goal is direct competition with NY or LA. That being said it is both fiscally responsible and a better way to build a team for a long run to do the dirty, day-to-day work of scouting for talent and developing that talent. While a NY may seem to be on the top all of the time if they don’t win the whole thing there is upheaval. Imo, getting quality talent and maintaining that process is very important. Yes, a FA signing can be helpful but too often when it comes to trying to land a FA we usually end up with guys on the downside of their career. We should just skip that because we end up disappointed with an albatross of a contract around the FO’s neck. Should the payroll be boosted? If done the right way, yes, but not just boosted to boost it.
I was wondering, we have had a lot of extra inning games and wins. Anybody kkow the record for those things and how we stack up?
On Sept. 18 they were 11-4 in extra inning games. I am trying to dig into where they fall against the other teams but 11-4 ain’t too shabby.
I would call that quite impressive. Home you are able to find how they stack up against other teams
Guardians are 13-5 in extra innings. The most extra innings wins in MLB. Mets have best win percentage, with Padres and Guardians a very close second and third respectively.
I found an article from 9/19/2017 that said the red sox tied their franchise record for extra innings wins in one season with 15. So at least that many.
I found a separate article that said the record for extra innings wins in one season in professional baseball was pawtucket at 24 but that was all professional baseball, not MLB. But we know it is less that that.
So somewhere between 15 and 24 I thought we wojuld be closer to that. I don;t ever remember near this many extra innings games nor extra innings wins
I know this the Guardians thread and I am a fan of the team.
But I live in Atlanta and am a Braves fans as well.
Last night the Braves beat Scherzer. They have 14 hits, 7 runs and 5 home runs off deGrom and Scherzer the last two days.
Those two pitchers are two of the best pitchers in baseball. That is no easy task.
A win tonight will be win 100 and damn near cement the division. Magic number would be one with three games to go.
The Mets have led the division the entire year except for one day when the Braves had a half game lead they lost the next day. The Braves lead now is one game. A win tonight will shock the Mets. Just stun them really.
I have to admit that while watching the Browns yesterday. All I could think about was the upcoming Braves game.
Mets came into the series with a one game lead. The Braves needed a sweep against a team that will win a 100 games. Against two Cy Young winners in deGrom and Scherzer and Bassitt who is really good as well.
No problem Braves scored 11 runs and hit 9 HR's off their starters. All three got knocked out of the game. Braves up 2 with three games to go.
Magic number one. Tonight.
My brother asked me who I would root for if it ended with Braves vs Guardians. I don't know. Hope they both get there. It is a tough journey to make it to the World Series.
"If the Guardians make the World Series, the MLB would schedule it at 3am on Cartoon Network."
But for real if the Guardians take down the Yankees then they will become the darlings of MLB.
Everybody loves the underdog feel good story. The little team that could.
MLB is stacked this year with really good teams any number of them could win.
I would not be surprised if the Braves repeat. They are better than last season. They have experience and the roster. Baseball of course is like mother nature. It does what it wants to do.
I was real critical at the trade deadline. Did not understand why they did not make a move at catcher.
Still think they should have done so.
But is shocking to see what the Guardians did since that time. Every time they were tested. They came through.
I am not a believer in favorites once post season begins. I believe in momentum. How the team is playing at the end.
The game has changed. The biggest change is bullpen pitchers. They are better pitchers than at other times. It used to be bullpen guys were guys who were not good enough to be starters. That is long gone. Today bullpens are loaded with really good pitchers. In 2015 the Royals won the World Series. Ned Yost was the manager. He was a neighbor of mine when he was the Braves third base coach. His son Josh caught my son.
Ned won with the his bullpen. It started a trend. Last year the Braves bullpen came up huge.
The Guardians have good starting pitching and a good pen. They also can manufacture runs. Super important in post season because you face great pitching.
They have as good a chance as anyone in the American League.
Thanks! At the ballpark now. Open restaurants/bars were packed so we just headed to the stadium. Barrio had tables but tacos at 10am seemed a bit much.
That was a fun game to watch. I love games that feature excellent pitching, defense, and doing the little things little things like moving runners and aggressive base running. Two out of 3 ain't bad.
Man, Bieber's location was amazing! Very impressed.
Great game to be at. Crowd was going wild for Jose when the Rays challenged whether or not Rosario touched second base. Chanting Bieber's name, too on several occasions.
Outstanding pitching by both teams. Great job by Clase as well.
Thanks! At the ballpark now. Open restaurants/bars were packed so we just headed to the stadium. Barrio had tables but tacos at 10am seemed a bit much.
Glasnow with electric stuff this afternoon. Fastball around 98 mph and big sharp curve. May not be many runs for the Guardians today. What they need to do is not swing at the curve. It isn't in the strikezone and laying off of it will force him to throw fastballs. And while in the high 90's, seeing the fastball over and over will let you catch up to it. Problem is, his curveball breaks big and sharpe. So hard to lay off.
Announcers are saying he is on a 75-80 pitch limit due to the recent tommy john surgery.
I am rooting hard for Cleveland. That won't change. I also love good pitching.
On the other hand, I was reminded of why I haven't gotten back into baseball. I was a huge baseball fan, but the lockouts and all the attention given to steroids turned me off. I don't watch sports to hear about controversy. I like the game.
I've been thinking about getting back into baseball, but I hate the DH. I hate the current trend of homer or strikeout. Absolutely hate strikeouts. I was a line drive hitter and these guys try to lift everything. They usually strike out. The analytics might say that is smart, but it's boring. I like making contract. Bunting. Hitting behind the runner. Stolen bases. Hitting line drives or hitting it down and dirty. I like a manager who can out-strategize his opponent. Now, it's about striking out or hitting a homer. I am from an era when guys would shorten their swings and even choke up a bit w/2 stikes. Not these guys. So many dumb strikeouts. It's boring to purists like me.
With that said, I will be rooting hard for Cleveland as long as they are alive in the playoffs.
It was nice two win that series but it was one of the most boring ones I’ve ever watched. Going to have to find some offense against NYY or they won’t survive . Given preseason predictions this season has been amazing and they are crazy young
What a game. Phenomenal pitching in this quick series. This team and these players are truly special. A great clubhouse.
The play by Ramirez at 3rd in the top of the 12th to keep the game going was phenomenal.
My youngest son and I had to leave after the 14th inning to get back for my oldest son's pictures before the Homecoming dance. Get in the car and hear Hentges work out of a jam and then Hammy's call of Gonzalez's walk-off to win the series. Youngest son was heated we had to leave, lol.
Cavs players were at the game, including Donovan Mitchell.
They'll play Tues., Thurs., Sat., Sun (if necessary) and then Mon (if necessary) beginning 10/11. All games on TBS and times are still TBD. I'd assume prime time because it's New York
I only watch baseball if the Cleveland is in the playoffs, so I have a question about something. Every time I watch them, it seems like their roster is full of young promising players and they always manage a way to develop young, outstanding pitchers. What's their secret? Are they known for having an outstanding scouts? A great farm system w/quality teachers? Or, do they acquire these guys in trades when dealing away the stars they refuse to pay?
This team deserves their support and the fans were giving it. They were into it.
The Guardians were not expected to win their division. Like a 5% chance. They were not in first for most of the year. Hanging around 500.
Didn't do a damn thing at the trade deadline. And damn of they did not catch fire in September and run away with the division. No matter what happens going forward they are a great story.
The road will be harder now. The Yankees came out the first couple months and ran away from everybody. They looked invincible. Then got humbled. They got it back together and finished ok. They are talented with star players and a huge payroll.
The Guardians will have to out pitch them to win. And they could do that. They have the starters and the pen. They gave up one run in 24 innings against the Rays.
The Guardians are a young team who will be going to Yankee stadium and will not have the advantage of home field. This will be a serious challenge. No doubt they are the underdog. However, the post season is not about the best team or being the favorite. It is about the team who is playing their best.
I am a huge Braves fan. I follow the Guardians and am a huge fan of theirs as well but I don't get to see them. Just follow through box scores and highlights.
I watch the Braves so I see the National League. This is the first year of the DH. I did not want the change. But now that I have seen it for a year. I really like it. The bottom of the order is no longer an automatic out. It is harder to navigate the lineups. Offense brings more intense duels.
Pitching has changed a lot over the last 15 years. More guys throw harder. Breaking balls are used more even though more guys throw 95+.
Bullpens are way better. Starters usually throw five or six innings. Then they bring in arms on top of arms.
The DH was needed because pitching would have dominated.
The home run is a more efficient way to score.
Dating back to 1920, teams in the regular season have amassed a combined .730 winning percentage when they’ve outhomered their opponents. In the playoffs, that combined mark is .774. If we focus on 2015-20, those figures rise to .771 and .825, respectively.
I like small ball but I love power. Teams that can score in bunches with home runs comeback in games that are lost in small ball.
The changes have brought excitement. I like that they are speeding the game up. And I will very happy when the strike zone becomes digital. Umpires calling balls and strikes needs to go. Umpires vary to much in their interpretation of the strike zone. There is a giant difference between a 1-2 count and 2-1. I want to be the right call.
I would never try to convince anyone to be a baseball fan. You are or you are not. You either love the game and enjoy watching MLB or you don't.
I wasn't trying to convince anyone else about my opinions on baseball.
I liked the no DH rule because it brings more strategy into the game. You have a pitcher who is cruising along in a tie game or a 1-run game and your pitcher comes up w/a man on 2nd. What do you do? Tough decision. I like managers who are good at strategy. A lot of people hated Tommy Lasorda, but he was a master at strategy. Chuck Tanner was another one.
Home Runs/Strike Outs. I have always abhorred striking out. Gotta put the ball in play. It seems like line drive hitters are a thing of the past. Clemente, Aaron, Al Kaline, etc. Today, they try and lift everything and take full swings on every pitch no matter the circumstances. They usually miss. The hit lazy fly balls that we used to call a can of corn. They top the ball and hit slow rollers.
I miss the days of base stealers like Maury Wills, Lou Brock, Ricky Henderson. Guys who could bunt and also move the runner by making contact and hitting behind the base runner. A walk, steal, bunt, and SF or base hit was exciting to me. But again........different strokes for different folks.
I didn't mean to imply that you were. I merely stated that I would not try to convince others.
From what I saw this year I don't see much change in strategy.
Except pitchers are no longer automatic outs or are guys who can bunt.
You still try to move runners. You can still hit and run. Stealing bases are not impacted.
Hitters do what they have mostly done. They try to barrel the ball. Hit it hard somewhere.
The shift will end this year and that is a good thing. It takes away hits. Some hitters still rely upon base hits and will hit the ball to open spaces.
Baseball has always been changing. They had to lower the mound because Bob Gibson was so dominate. Offense adds excitement. It is what the fans want.
Great pitching will always beat good hitting. That is baseball. When pitchers are on their game they still dominate.
I speak only for myself. I embrace the changes and love mlb. Always have and always will. Baseball IMO is sports greatest "game."
The one thing that does get under my skin about baseball is the financial structure. It should be like football and basketball.
The Guardians face the Yankees. That is amazing that $57m payroll is up against $200m. That is just wrong. However, even with that imbalance. The Guradians are there. Cleveland deserves an owner who will pay to compete.
Like Peen said, it’s a bit of everything. The Guardians are also considered one of the best run organizations in all of professional sports. Turnover is very rare and usually the only time anyone leaves is for a promotion to another organization.
Look no further than the Ray’s manager Kevin Cash. He was with our bullpen coach before the Rays hired him as their manager.
Former players on other teams now still actively root for this team. It’s a bit of rarity, but that sort of thing starts with Tito and the clubhouse with support from the top down.
Thanks. Frankly, I'm always amazed at how many outstanding pitchers this team develops. That kid yesterday impressed me. He didn't quite have the command that Bieber did [which was beyond outstanding] but he was magnificent. Is he well thought of or was his performance surprising?
Btw---Are you going to any of the upcoming games? That had to be a blast the past 2 days.
Milk, Memphis or others can correct me if i'm stating any of this wrong.
But as for the Guardians, their main focus is pitching mostly through drafting, but they will also trade for mid-level minor leaguer (examples that have play/played with the team or still moving through the minors: Cal Quantrill, Clase, Pilkington, Logan Allen, Cantillio) that may haven't had overall success, but have shown a plus certain pitch. They have been excellent in developing pitchers. As for the draft, one of the reasons for this they focus on the plus pitches a high schooler/college pitcher has in their arsenal. Espino (one of our top prospects) is an example of this in the minors. He had some question marks coming out of high school (if i remember correctly it was durability), but dude has an excellent fastball and slider.
Through the years, their other focus as for positional players, their focus is/was athletic middle infielders. Of what I have read in the past, they value these players b/c of their athleticism, speed, and versatility. Meaning they believe they have develop that player into playing various positions (i.e. second/SS/ third/ OF) b/c of their athleticism. They tend to also base this on their bat to ball contact and vision (example: Kwon and Tyler Freeman). This season was a prime example of that drafting. Because of that drafting (and a couple trades) and the development, they ran into a log jam of a lot of talented players that are middle infielders (Rosario, Gimenez, Arias, Freeman, Rocchio waiting his turn).
Now I don't remember if I've read this somewhere or maybe it's just my take. I don't want to take credit if it's not true. But they value these players, because of the higher probability of success. They know they are on a budget and not going to out spend teams. Having players that have a high contract rate, a great eye, speed, and versatility have a better chance of success and not wasting a pick. Compared to having a player like Franmil Reyes, who if he's not mashing home runs is basically worthless b/c he's not contributing offense and definitely isn't a good fielder. I know they play different positions and different responsibilities, but this is why you can play a guy like Austin Hedges. At least he provides plus defense. Also, it is easier to get out of a slump when you are making contact compared to a player that has less chance of making contact.
They have had issues with developing outfielders through the years. I can't really comment on why that is. I think its mostly because of their focus on pitchers and middle infielders through the years. The good thing, is they do have a lot of high ranking players coming up soon or with the club (i.e. Brennan, Valera who should be with the team next year)
Man, I think I just talked about everything but your questions.
As for your questions, what Milk and Peen said are true (all the above)
I'm echoing what was said, their organization is one if not the top organizations in all of sports. The organization has their vision of what they want in players and the scouts and farm system does an excellent job in getting and developing those players.
They also do an excellent job of identifying players in trades. Examples: Rosario and Gimenez were part of the Lindor trade. Quantrill, Naylor, Hedges, Arias (a high prospect), Miller all on the major league team were part of the Mike Clevinger trade. Clase their top closer was traded for Corey Kluber. Trevor Stephan one of their top relievers was picked up in the Rule 5 draft last year and they were patient in developing him.
As for McKenzie, he was our top rated prospect for a few years and was projected to be a top of the line starter. But he couldn't stay healthy in the minors and was kinda forgotten by the rating services. He's finally healthy and showing his promise. It was actually fun watching him last year from the beginning of the year to the end, as you could see him continuously growing as a player.
One of the positives (and has been a negative at times) this organization is patient with their players. They could of easily given up on Stephan after he was basically just playing in mop up duty last year since he was so raw. Heck, Jose Ramirez was sort of just another player when he first came up. They were patient, and his light just came on and now look at him.
The negative: The beginning of the year, trotting out players like Bobby Bradley, Yu Chang, and Mercado b/c they wanted to be sure if their light would turn on or not.
Damn this is long (sorry) my last thing I want to point out that's crazy. While they have all these young players playing in the playoffs, they have even bigger players waiting in the wings. Espino, Gavin Williams are two highly rated pitchers (in all of baseball) waiting their turn. George Valera, Brayan Rocchio, Gabriel Arias, Bo Naylor are some of the position players waiting for their turn.
Their farm system is loaded right now.
Funny you brought up about how u like the team. About a month or two ago, I was going to post a message to you about watching this team. They are right up your alley of baseball. They've been so exciting to watch. I love watching their reactions, they just look like a bunch of kids having a blast.
Thanks Scott. Awesome post. I really appreciate the knowledge. Hopefully, Cleveland can keep this run going. I look forward to learning more from you guys who follow the team and baseball in general.
This is true, Guardians have a tremendous staff and their ability to cultivate their farm system is uncanny. I still think in the end it does come down to spending . In a sport with no cap, talent that can be acquired for the sole purpose of winning a championship I think will win more times than naught.. This next series will show us where we really are. The Rays series is a battle of similar small market teams, this series will show if what we've built will last.. NYY have an embarrassing amount of offense more than us. Pitching is going to have to have another performance like the Rays series, but Offense is going to have to show up, 3 runs over 2 games will not work against NYY. Cole has had our number this season.. I like Quantrill starting game one.. Hopefully we get off to a fast start. October baseball is the best
This is some series. The ultra rich Yankee's versus the poor Guardians. Yankee's payroll $250 m.
Guardians Payroll $80 and that is misleading $57 m active payroll.
Money matters but players play. It is really simple. Players meet the moment. There are gobs of stats. Analytics drive baseball decisions.
But players deliver or they do not.
The Guardians have shown their strength when the calendar hit September. They pitched great and were oportunistic on offense. There are things they lack like power. However, they know that and don't try to win that way.
Momentum means something. It is intangible but damn it comes into play. Belief can be a powerful thing.
I’m a Yankees fan but also a Guards fan when they don’t play.
I’d say it’s a very even series because of the Guards pitching. They are better pitchers than NYY. Cole is overrated and gives up HRs. Cortes is solid but can’t go past 5 innings. Sevvy is a wildcard.
Yankees bullpen has been an issue the 2nd half of the season. Don’t know if they will show up.
It has gotten to the point I mute everything. I have lost the desire to listen to or discuss football.
it has become saturated and overexposed.
I totally understand. I turned on the M’s/Blue jays game after the guards first game. Man, I swear they talked about JRod for most of the game. The dudes first at bat and the announcers said, he was made for this moment…..really, he’s a rookie playing in his first playoffs and YOU know he’s made for this. How about we wait to see him play at least a couple game before making up bs
[quote=bonefish]That is how football has become for me.
It has gotten to the point I mute everything. I have lost the desire to listen to or discuss football.
it has become saturated and overexposed.
Sorry going off topic.
Speaking of football:
"saturated and overexposed" is almost an understatement. I really wonder if announcers talk in their sleep and they mumble over and over: "remember, the receiver has to complete the process of the catch in order for it to be a completion." You know they are going to say it. I'm surprised Draft Kings or another gambling site hasn't added it to its betting roster....+- on which quarter the announcer will say that line.
The built up drama they try to add to the game. Somehow every game has a "controversial play"
Quantrill will compete. Take this game and come back with Bieber and McKenzie.
The Yankee's are hurt. Chapman and LeMahieu are both hurting. Chapman out. LeMahieu may play but he is hurting.
I like the Guards in this series. I really do.
The Braves are rested. Their rotation set. There is no other guy I would want to start a big game than Max Fried. He is so mentally tough. Spencer Strider will be able to pitch in this series. They could start him or use him in relief. He is lightning in a bottle. Explosive fastball and deadly slider. He gets the most swing and miss I have seen this year.
Why is Rosario batting 2nd? He's struck out 111 times, which is just one short of the most on the team. He's grounded into 19 double plays which is most on the team. Don't we have anyone who can handle the bat a little better and help Kwan out while the latter is on base?
I don't know all the specifics. I do know he has elite speed, seems to come through in the clutch, is loved by his teammates (Jose Ramirez recently says he wants him to stay with the team so badly he'd "be willing to foot the bill") and played very well down the stretch.
I don't know all the specifics. I do know he has elite speed, seems to come through in the clutch, is loved by his teammates (Jose Ramirez recently says he wants him to stay with the team so badly he'd "be willing to foot the bill") and played very well down the stretch.
I don't know all the specifics. I do know he has elite speed, seems to come through in the clutch, is loved by his teammates (Jose Ramirez recently says he wants him to stay with the team so badly he'd "be willing to foot the bill") and played very well down the stretch.
I do want to add to this, Kwan takes a lot of pitches, our third batter is Jose, so you know they are nibbling when throwing to him and he can take some pitches for this reason. So Rosario being more of a free swinger "should" get better pitches to hit.
I don't know all the specifics. I do know he has elite speed, seems to come through in the clutch, is loved by his teammates (Jose Ramirez recently says he wants him to stay with the team so badly he'd "be willing to foot the bill") and played very well down the stretch.
I do want to add to this, Kwan takes a lot of pitches, our third batter is Jose, so you know they are nibbling when throwing to him and he can take some pitches for this reason. So Rosario being more of a free swinger "should" get better pitches to hit.
Agreed. Keep the speed at the top of lineup and not keep the lineup too top heavy. It's why Gimenez hit out of the 6 or 7 spot all year. Tito knows what he's doing.
close game with tons of small mistakes that have cost big.
Yep. Several miscues that have been extremely costly. Also, I would have liked to have seen Tito go to the bullpen rather than let Quantrill go a third time through the lineup. Especially, with a day off in between games. Only Bieber and McKenzie should be allowed to go deep in the game given the schedule.
Either way, Guardians playing with house money so it's all good!
close game with tons of small mistakes that have cost big.
Yep. Several miscues that have been extremely costly. Also, I would have liked to have seen Tito go to the bullpen rather than let Quantrill go a third time through the lineup. Especially, with a day off in between games. Only Bieber and McKenzie should be allowed to go deep in the game given the schedule.
Either way, Guardians playing with house money so it's all good!
For sure. I started cringing in the 5th. By the 6th. It was too late.
It's a great experience for a young team. Hopefully, next year we can make a more serious run at the playoffs
close game with tons of small mistakes that have cost big.
Yep. Several miscues that have been extremely costly. Also, I would have liked to have seen Tito go to the bullpen rather than let Quantrill go a third time through the lineup. Especially, with a day off in between games. Only Bieber and McKenzie should be allowed to go deep in the game given the schedule.
Either way, Guardians playing with house money so it's all good!
For sure. I started cringing in the 5th. By the 6th. It was too late.
It's a great experience for a young team. Hopefully, next year we can make a more serious run at the playoffs
Let's get game two! Either way, this team has overachieved. Something quite unique to Cleveland teams.
Bieber going tomorrow. Just need to get after them.
Braves today. Hopefully we can get the win. Kyle Wright won 21 games. He has been consistent. Zach Wheeler is going for the Phillies. Local kid from Atlanta. Good pitcher we have seen him a lot. Game could go either way. Have to put on our hitting shoes.
I don't know all the specifics. I do know he has elite speed, seems to come through in the clutch, is loved by his teammates (Jose Ramirez recently says he wants him to stay with the team so badly he'd "be willing to foot the bill") and played very well down the stretch.
I do want to add to this, Kwan takes a lot of pitches, our third batter is Jose, so you know they are nibbling when throwing to him and he can take some pitches for this reason. So Rosario being more of a free swinger "should" get better pitches to hit.
Agreed. Keep the speed at the top of lineup and not keep the lineup too top heavy. It's why Gimenez hit out of the 6 or 7 spot all year. Tito knows what he's doing.
Thanks for the info. It used to be that you wanted a guy who was good at handling the bat and working pitchers to hit second. I like what I have seen from Rosario as a player. He just seems more like a #6 hitter to me. Of course, I am realizing the entire game has changed so much. I was shocked to see Judge leading off. He seems like the classic #3 hitter to me.
--I agree w/Milk in that we probably should have taken Quantrill out. He was struggling w/his location all game long. He was too high in the zone on too many pitches. That catches up w/you.
--Rosario seems like a scrappy player.
--The announcers were a joy to listen to. They expertly filled the blank spaces w/relevant stories filled w/history, stats, and interesting facts. I always thought highly of Costas and I remember Darling as a pitcher w/the Mets. He was a damn fine pitcher.
--I'm worried about how our rotation is set-up. The reason is that there is a good chance that tomorrow's game is postponed. If that happens, Bieber would have to pitch on Friday and that would probably result in him only getting one start in the series.
--I think we could have broken the game open if we had come through w/a hit when the bases were loaded. Cole's recent playoff history would have reared its ugly head w/the fans in NY.
Last season and at the start of this season, Myles Straw was the leadoff hitter. He did really well last season but has had an off year. If he turns things around, I would like to see some combination of Kwan and Straw at 1-2 and drop Rosario down into the middle of the lineup.
This would give him more RBI opportunities and he seems like a clutch hitter, so I would expect that he would take advantage of that. It might also give Ramirez some better pitches to hit. Right now no one is afraid to pitch to Oscar or Naylor.
Of course this isn't a change to play around with this time of year. Thinking more for next season.
Thanks for the info. I had looked up the stats of our lineup before I asked my original question. Straw was a guy I thought looked like he could be a #2 hitter. However, I saw how pathetic his average is. I did not realize that he was better last year.
One more question. So, you think Rosario would be better in the at 4 or 5, rather than 6?
I do love Ramirez hitting 3rd.
One more note. I'm glad the league is outlawing the shift. It infuriates me watching guys not taking advantage of that.
Tough question about Rosario's best spot in the middle of the lineup.
The 4 hole is traditionally a power spot. But I would like him right behind Ramirez, so I would put him 4th.
Gonzalez 5 and Naylor 6 look better than Gonzalez 4 and Naylor 5
An interesting guy is Gimenez. We have him lower in the lineup because he is still developing as a hitter but i think some day he will be a middle of the lineup guy. Not sure if that will be next year or the year after
Scrappy is very subjective, but I think most of our players are scrappy. I think Gimenez has the potential to develop into a superstar perennial all star 2nd baseman Good defense, high average and developing power.
I don't know much about Rosario since I don't get to watch many games. A #2 hitter should be good at hitting behind runners and be a good contact hitter if you want to play a hit and run if they aren't a classic #2 who might be a good bunter to move a runner.
Hitting behind runners is a lost art. If he can do that you can move the fast guy to 3rd. It is also a bit harder for the 2nd baseman to start a DP and the SS to turn the DP.
Bringing in a few stats. Rosario was 5th in all of baseball in hits. He was at least leading the AL a good part of the year in hits. He led the league in triples with 9 (second place was Kwon and a couple others with 7)
Hey guys........if I say something dumb or ask a dumb question, it's okay to let me know. LOL
Again, I was into baseball big time ever since I was a child. I was a pitcher and SS in high school. Coached my son's travel team after I quit coaching football. But, and it is a big but, I haven't followed the game in a long time. Things change. Listening to Costas the other night really drove that point home. He was probably saying stuff you guys already knew, but it was news to me.
I agree w/peen about a guy who can handle the bat in the 2-hole. I like hitting behind the runner, bunting, working the count, etc. But again, those things might not be part of the game. Hell, I am still astounded that Judge is a leadoff hitter. It's kinda cool when guys like Bobby Bonds [Barry's father] and Ricky Henderson had some pop in their bat and led off, but in mind, Judge seems to be the ultimate #3 hitter. The times have done changed. So, feel free to correct me if I am wrong. For example, perhaps my point about Bieber only getting one start is wrong? I don't know...
No doubt then that he is a contact hitter. I pulled up a spray chart of his hits and he sprays it around so he can hit behind the runner. I couldn't paste the chart.
Billy Beane and analytics changed the game. Decisions are wrapped around analytics.
Leading off is now about getting your best hitter more at bats. That is why Judge leads offs.
"Hot bat" is another managerial move that has become common. If a player is hot. They move him up in the order. Hitters are streaky so when they are hot they want to get him AB's. The traditional leadoff and three and four hitters are not the same. Lineups do not stay the same. A guy hitting third in one game may hit 7th in another game. The "shift" caused changes. It will be gone next year.
There is so much information in the dugout today. Matchups against pitchers. Averages in ballparks. How to pitch to each batter. Defensive alignments. The scouting reports are so detailed. Tons of stats. Bullpens have become so important. They have guys for 6th, 7th, 8th, and closer. Guys come out of the minors who have never been starters.
It used to be if you could not make it as a starter. You went to the pen. That is not the case today.
I got to see a lot of these changes as they began. East Cobb baseball has put over 35 guys into the major leagues. I coached there for ten years. I coached or coached against many of those players. Their website has the players listed. That is not counting the hundreds of college scholarships that come out of ECB. The players are given the best instruction and play against the highest level of competition at a young age. By the time they are 18 these kids are so advanced.
Michael Harris of the Braves will win the ROY in the National League this year. He is the youngest player in the game. Played locally. Last night he faced Zack Wheeler with the Phillies another ECB player. Dansby Swanson Braves SS another ECB player. Buster Posey I saw play when he was sixteen.
The talent in the game today is off the charts. So many great players. I get to see the National League during the regular season. I love being able to see the American League games now in the post season so I can see the players.
The Guardians are unique. They really play "old national league" style. It was a necessity in order to compete. They lack power and can not win trying to play the power game. Tito is a tremendous manager and the right manager for this team. Fingers crossed for tonight.
I'd argue it's better for the Guardians. Yankees are going to have to figure out how to manage a banged up bullpen with three games in a row. Guardians bullpen is a big strength for them and an area where they are better than the Yankees.
[quoteSo, feel free to correct me if I am wrong. For example, perhaps my point about Bieber only getting one start is wrong? I don't know...[/quote]
It isn't wrong.
I think Tito decided he would rather take the game against Cole and call it a maybe win....not wanting to call it a throw away because I think he likes our #1 pitcher against their #2 nd our #2 against their #3 pitcher.
You can never count on a win, but I think he sees Biebers chances of winning against the #2 guy as a more sure thing than had he gone against Cole. That might have been a toss up match.
I know you are not saying otherwise, but I want to say that I really like Tito. I always have. I remember his dad [the original Tito] as a player and had many of his baseball cards. Great baseball family.
Nice post Bone, good information and cool to hear about the ECB.
That goes for the same in the Caribbean. Kids from DR and PR grow up playing baseball all year around. And of what I know, over the years MLB has assisted in the growth of those areas. Man, remember back in the day (i think it was Orlando Hernandez?) that came over on a raft to defect from Cuba to play baseball. In 2018, MLB and Cuba struck a deal for players to play in the big leagues without having to defect. Crazy stuff.
A little off topic, but aren't our dang Cleveland teams oddballs. Last year you had the Cavs running a big lineup most of the year, which went against the small ball everyone else was playing. You have the Guardians playing small ball/fundamental ball compared to almost everyone else playing home run ball. The Browns are one of the few run first teams in a passing league.
I know you are not saying otherwise, but I want to say that I really like Tito. I always have. I remember his dad [the original Tito] as a player and had many of his baseball cards. Great baseball family.
Tito is freaking awesome, lol. When I was stationed in DC, the Tribe would play the O's once a year at Camden Yards. So I would drive up for the weekend and stay at the hotel next door and watch the whole 3 or 4 game set. The first game I would get tickets in the first row behind the dugout and the rest of the series I would buy a bleacher seat and hang out in the centerfield outside bar (the view for the game and surroundings was so cool).
So the one year (I always arrived when the gates opened), I was hanging out by the dugout and ended up talking to Andre Knott for a bit. Really nice cool guy. Afterwards, Tito came out of the clubhouse and into the dugout. I said, hey Tito! Can I get a picture? His response with a serious face/voice, "hurry up, I'm workin' here".
Jeff Francoeur, Brian McCann, Jason Hayward, Nick Markakis, all played at ECB. Dexter Fowler was on a team I helped coach. Brandon Phillips, he was at workout at Kennesaw college with my son.
Francoeur was a total stud. He had an incredible arm and could hit the ball a long way.
It is a private business owned by Gary Baldwin (a total jerk,) But he built a entire baseball complex and got the backing of big companies.
Baseball America lists ECB as the number one youth program in the US. It is basically All Star players from the Southeast. They play all summer and compete in every tournament. They show up with three or four teams for each age bracket from 13 to 18. It is amazing to see kids that young play at the level they play at.
I remember being confused about the Francona's at one point. I knew Tito, the player. Then, I heard about Terry Francona playing in the Bigs. All of a sudden, I hear the name Tito Francona being thrown around and I'm thinking how the hell can he still be playing? Of course, I soon found the answer.......and now I think it's cool that he has "inherited" that nickname.
Need more timely hitting if we want to pull this off. But damn, gotta love this hustle and resilience! Took our lumps and kept coming back off the ropes!
[quote --I was surprised we didn't have Straw running in the 9th. He would have scored on the play where Kwan hit the ball and an error was charged.[/quote]
I was thinking the same except making the 1st baseman hold the runner opens up that side of the field a bit.
I forget how many outs were on the board, but if a DP was in order, it would have been even bigger. since the Yankees would play at double play depth with the 2nd baseman shading towards 2nd. He wouldn't be able to play more in the hole and still be able to turn a double play if he had to cover the bag. He would never be able to get to the bag and set for a throw,
You figure that Straw could swipe the bag, but in that situation you also don't want to be running in to outs. Tough call. I am just trying to think what Tito may have been thinking.
As it worked out, holding the runner is what probably caused the 1st baseman to get handcuffed. I know that wasn't the plan by any means, but if he was deeper he probably fields it cleanly.
Just like you like talking football, I like talking baseball.
1-1 tied up. Feels like it’s Cleveland’s to lose IMO. Yankees weaknesses continue to show: bad approach at the plate and no bullpen.
It should be a bit in our favor but there is a good chance we end up back in NY on Monday.
Today would be a good day for the bats to pick up and have a bit of a lead later because I don't think Clase will be available in todays game. He looked to be losing his stuff yesterday as he got up to 25 pitches. Some guys have rubber arms but don't have starter arms just like starters many times need a few innings before they find their groove.
Off topic just a bit, but if you can stream "Facing Nolan", do so. Nolan Ryan was pretty amazing. One really cool part was after the first inning of one of his no hitters, he came to the dugout and told the rest of the players he only needed 1 run today.
Not surprising but ... The tougher question is who starts Game 5 if there is one? My guess is Civale
Guardians announce RHP Cal Quantrill will start Game 4 of ALDS vs. Yankees Updated: Oct. 15, 2022, 10:32 a.m.|Published: Oct. 15, 2022, 10:17 a.m.
By Joe Noga, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio — Guardians right-hander Cal Quantrill will start Game 4 of the American League Division Series on full rest Sunday at Progressive Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m.
Quantrill will be opposed by Yankees righty Gerrit Cole in a rematch of the series opener won by New York, 4-1, on Tuesday in the Bronx. Quantrill is 14-0 with a 2.88 ERA in 34 career starts (44 appearances) during the regular season at Progressive Field.
New York got to Quantrill for four runs (three earned) in five innings on Tuesday. He allowed five hits and three walks while striking out five. But home runs by Harrison Bader and Anthony Rizzo put the Yankees in front as Quantrill faltered in the sixth. Cole, meanwhile, is 3-0 in his career against Cleveland, including a 2020 wild card victory at Progressive Field.
Guardians manager Terry Francona also had right-hander Aaron Civale available to start Game 4, but it seems likely that Civale would now start a potential Game 5 if the series goes that long. Shane Bieber started Game 2 in New York on Friday and is likely unavailable on short rest for a Game 5 appearance.
Prior to his Game 1 start, Quantrill talked about keeping the approach simple against Yankees slugger Aaron Judge.
“Limit the damage, last as long as I can, and trust that the lineup and the defense behind me is going to play their best baseball, and they have,” Quantrill said. “Score a lot of runs. I focus on great pitching and they do great defense and that allows me to do the thing that I think I’m best at, which is staying in the game and giving us a chance to win.”
Civale probably the guy if it goes 5. Although, Tito could opt for Plesac. Civale was kept off the Wild Card roster because Tito preferred Plesac's experience.
I think Naylor's ankle is the impretus for the change. He tweaked it in Firday's game and I think Tito wants to rest it without losing his bat, thus Naylor at DH We don't really have a backup 1sr baseman. Miller could do it but hasn't been great out there.
I do like Arias
Looking forward, I think Rosario is our starting SS next season. It will be a very interesting battle between Rosario, Arias, and Freeman for 2024 Gimenez isn't out of the picture but I think he will be our starting 2b for the next 10+ years
Sorry about your Braves, Bone. That sucks. MLB postseason is so hard. The ebb and flow of a 162 game season changes dramatically when it gets compacted into the intensity of a short series. The wrong team at the wrong time, a mini slump, a bad outing... and it can all be over as quick as it started.
Baseball is a humbling game. The Braves won a 101 games. They are a better team this year than last. However, the post season is all about who gets hot. The Phillies played better. They won the first game against Max Fried. I did not expect that. We came back in the game but not far enough. I am bummed a bit but we won a World Series last year. So, I can handle it.
Now it is all about the Guardians. They are such a great story. Baseball is driven by analytics. But something can happen inside a team that is unexplainable and has nothing to do with analytics. I saw it last year with the Braves who won 88 games in the regular season.
People call it momentum. But I don't think it is that. It is an infectious belief that the team will win no matter what. Sometimes you can see it on the players.
I know it sounds crazy but I have coached over a thousand games. I have seen it happen.
As I have watched the Guardians so far in post season. It seems crazy how loose this young team is. They are focused but don't seem to be intimidated by the moment. It would be wild to win this series. But it sure feels possible.
Tonight is a big step. The team is in the same position as the Plillies were. Home at 1-1. Win tonight the pressure is all on the Yankees. They want to win a game to take it back to NY. Win tonight. They will be tight.
The pitching will need to continue. The lineup is not strong. It is all about pitching against their power.
So, I am all about the Guardians now. Hoping for another miracle.
Once again, I thought we were doomed after we squandered 9 baserunners and only scored 2 runs and they hit two 2-run homers. Glad I was wrong.
Milk's point about the bullpens is ringing more and more true.
Small ball over power ball. I freaking love that.
This kid......our leadoff hitter.....is a special player. He's going to be good for a long time.
It's great we didn't have to use key members of our bullpen tonight.
The starter........I forget his name.....was up too high in the strike zone. That's a no-no.
--Francona did a very nice job of managing tonight. There was one time I would have sent the runner on first, but other than that.......his pitching moves and use of pinch hitters was excellent.
Took the fam to see this screening at the Cleveland International Film Festival back in the Spring. Really great watch. Andy Billman and the author of the book did a Q & A session that was a lot of fun.
Hamilton is great, but I want to say this........and it might not be popular. However, we are getting prime time games only because we are playing the Yanks. That's an indisputable fact. Costas and Darling have actually given far more attention to the Guardians than I ever expected, and probably more than any other team would. I bet Yankee fans are pissed at them over it.
I was commenting during the game, to the people I was watching with, that it looks like the umps were calling the frame not the actual pitch and that the Yankee catcher was doing a fantastic job of framing the pitches.
Hamilton is great, but I want to say this........and it might not be popular. However, we are getting prime time games only because we are playing the Yanks. That's an indisputable fact. Costas and Darling have actually given far more attention to the Guardians than I ever expected, and probably more than any other team would. I bet Yankee fans are pissed at them over it.
Just sayin'...........keep that in mind.
I don't think this is true.
I mean it's not like:
- the camera has spent almost more time showing Yankees pitcher Cortes then it has the actual baseball game for some weird reason
- shown spike lee at yankee stadium, but hasn't shown anyone that's a Guards fan (psst, he might not be a huge celebrity, but Jay Crawford is sitting right there in the backstop seats)
- the few times they brought up examples about the next series with the Astros (twice), their example is Cole and not a Guards pitcher
- saying something like it must be deflating to get all those hits and only two run, while one swing of the bat by the Yankees and the game is tied
Hmm, Vers...I think you are right, lol.
I'm joking, you are definitely right Vers. They have one of the largest markets and fan bases in baseball.
I do want to point out Bob and Ron have been great announcing this whole series.
I swear though, when Judge hit that home run something snapped in their broadcasting. All of a sudden, they went into Judge talk, then brought up some home run stat about teams being something like teams being 35-6 (I don't remember the correct record they said) when they hit more home runs then the other.
And what was I doing during the Tribes victory? Watching...........until my cousin's kid "needed" someone to play Wii tennis with her. Missed the whole 9th inning.
And they said commented how it is an advantage that the Astros have rest and can set up their pitching staff but that because this series is going 4 games at minimum with Cole pitching game 4, there is no way, regardless of who wins, to start the 1st 2 games with their 1 and 2 pitchers.
That is 100 % true if the Yankees win, but if we win Bieber starts Game 1 and McKenzie Game 2.
I was screaming at the TV and demanding robots replace human error for balls and strikes (it was an emotional time)!
The strike 3 on Kwan that was 8" off the outside of the plate was egregious.
Too many inconsistencies.
I don't see a big problem. I see 2 fastballs that look outside. The inside sliders would have been breaking towards the plate, so they would be close enough to call. What those graphics don't show is a strike zone has depth as well. It isn't just a point at the front of the plate or just the back of the plates. A pitch can nip a front edge or back point of the plate and be called a strike. So a pitch that nips the front corner of the plate can end up looking like it is 6 inches outside by the time the catcher has the ball. Remember, the strike zone isn't the depth of a sheet of paper in front of the plate. It is like a cardboard box that also includes the depth of the plate. Graze any portion and it can be called a strike.
What else that isn't shown is how many pitches in the exact same spots were swung at? Those were never given a chance to be called strikes. If we had some graphic of pitches called balls for comparison, we might have something to talk about.
Plus, maybe Mac wasn't hitting edges?
A whole lot of complaining over nothing in my book.
I tried to explain this and even to myself, but I thought it would sound like I am nuts:
"Baseball is driven by analytics. But something can happen inside a team that is unexplainable and has nothing to do with analytics. I saw it last year with the Braves who won 88 games in the regular season.
People call it momentum. But I don't think it is that. It is an infectious belief that the team will win no matter what. Sometimes you can see it on the players."
The Yankees had been 167-0 when leading by multiple runs entering the 9th.
Growing up I was a diehard of all three Cleveland teams - Browns, Indians, and Cavs. My grandfather made sure of it. And although I wasn't a Clevelander, like most Clevelanders the Browns were and always have been my first love. I was a 12 year old kid at training camp when Bernie Kosar signed a rookie card for me. I was hooked.
Over the years I have found it harder and harder to keep up with the Indians and Cavs due to the number of games combined with work, marriage, kids, just life in general. I have lost touch with the Indians and Cavs, but kind of follow from afar and always watch the playoffs if they are in it. I was stoked to watch the game yesterday. I watched all the way through until the very end. I was screaming after the Gonzalez hit.
I laid in bed this morning reading this thread and all the twitter reaction that was posted and literally had tears coming out of my eyes. The fans of Cleveland deserve so much in my opinion. The fans greeting Tito at his residence is a special kind of special.
What a game.
Some observations from a guy who doesn't follow baseball all that closely -
1. Kwan and Ramirez have a lot of plate discipline. They rarely swing at bad pitches and usually put balls in play. The rest of the lineup gets nervous and chases pitches.
2. Ramirez looks short and pudgy but it has been a joy watching him play 3rd base in these playoffs. Guy can field.
3. Has any Cleveland sports team had a manager/coach with the clout of Francona? And it's not just reputation. Guy seems to deliver year after year. Is he the best in the majors? I remember him as child the year he played what I thought was third base for the Indians.
4. What an electric game and crowd last night. Man, the fans deserved that so much. I kept thinking I wished I was there.
I text back and forth with my brother who lives in Cleveland. He listens to the radio broadcast all year.
I keep telling him I want a laser strike zone. I am sick of missed balls and strikes.
The difference between a 2-1 count and 1-2 is incredible when looking at the stats of those counts.
Any ump can call a pitch down the middle or an obvious ball. But, pitchers live on the black. You make a great pitch on a 1-1 count and the ump misses the call. It is enormous.
The technology is here. Use it. They correct calls on the bases. Foul or fair. Use it on the strike zone. To many umps call a different strike zone.
I have seen the NLCS ruined by a bad umpire calling balls and strikes. They fired the ump after the series. He was calling strikes a foot outside.
The laser would call the game accurately. Call the ump and give the right call. Now the hitter and pitcher would be treated fairly.
It will happen. They are doing it in the minors. I will be glad when it does happens.
Kinda figured the guardians would get stomped today too. Bad day for cleveland sports. Cole owned is all year. Offense needs to get it to the bullpen asap.
Cole has shut us down everytime.. I think the key is to get early offense to get NYY into their bullpen while ours maintains the lead.. We have a hard time generating a lot of offense. We have to slowly chip all game, but tonight it just wasn't happening after we gave them 3 right off the bat, Some defensive lapses as well, like Arias getting pulled off the bag, and Kwan jogging out a fly ball that landed fair...little things like that hurt a young team.. but Quantrill has been horrible. He couldn't get any of his pitches off. But here we are, lowest payroll against highest in a game 5 winner take all.. Meanwhile that mistake on the lake got beat by a 4th round qb like a rented mule. Would be extra sweet to send NYY home at their place.. I don't have much faith in Civale though.
No matter what happens in game 5, they gave the fans a lot of heart, effort, and enjoyment. They cared. They played smart. And they left it all out on the field. Completely opposite of what we are witnessing with the Browns.
I thought we let Cole off the hook multiple times by swinging at some bad pitches. Of course, maybe his stuff is better than I perceived it to be.
I agreed w/Tito's pitching moves even though the one guy wasn't so effective after replacing Quantrill. The latter makes me nervous when he pitches. I think he leaves too many pitches up and it's only a matter of time before someone hits a bomb off of him.
The Jose baserunning blunder was by all accounts rare for him, but it was a killer.
It seemed like there was a ton of energy in the stands.
LOL at the trash talking that has invaded baseball. Naylor's trot was hysterical even though I was pretty shocked. Of course, the Yankee left fielder who is a rookie has been over the top w/his junk throughout the series.
I thought we should have slid in feet first after Rizzo blocked the bag. Screw him.
Well, it's going to be a battle of bullpens. I'm hoping Milk's prediction turns out to be true. It should, but then again, you never know in baseball.
I’ll tell you one guy (for the Yankees) who is going to be relied upon who is a total wild card: Domingo German. He’s going to have to pitch tonight and he is literally a crap shoot.
I am not sure about the spelling, but Cabrera, the rookie left fielder. He was staring down Bieber and the skinny kid in the two previous games and even grabbing his junk while staring at them AFTER striking out. Pathetic.
However, they just faced him and a couple things stood out. Cole's plan was clear. Get ahead with high fastballs and and get them to swing at out of the strike zone breaking balls when behind in the count.
They interviewed Tito and he said "got to lay off the breaking balls down."
They did not adjust very well and kept chasing.
I felt we had a chance in the 8th. But. Jose could not lay off the inside back foot slider.
Game five will be empty the roster. All hands on deck. This will be a managers game. Moves made on matchups.
The Guardians can not get into high scoring game. They do not have the lineup. In order to win this game they have to stay close.
That will give them opportunity to get that key run.
One thing I forgot to mention earlier was Arias. I'm not getting on him because I believe he is rather inexperienced at first base and he did make a really nice play. But, his inexperience showed up twice. Once when he backed up on the throw from Jose and another time when his foot wasn't on the bag. An experienced guy would not make those mistakes.
If ever you needed evidence of it being rigged, here you go. NY didn't stand a chance in a bullpen game, now suddenly they have a chance and it is clear out.
They start games that late all the time, it’s called an 8pm game on the west coast. They were so adamant to get the game in last night and the timeline was lining up with exactly with what they expected it to be. They were holding on, and then they change their mind at the last second when it looked like the weather was doing exactly what they thought it would do. Sorry that is awfully sus.
They start games that late all the time, it’s called an 8pm game on the west coast. They were so adamant to get the game in last night and the timeline was lining up with exactly with what they expected it to be. They were holding on, and then they change their mind at the last second when it looked like the weather was doing exactly what they thought it would do. Sorry that is awfully sus.
Sorry, that is a 8PM game. I could say that is a 4am start in London. The start time is determined by the place in which they are plying, not some other point on the globe.
It is literally the same thing for the players. The team is based here, yet they play 8 pm games in Seattle. It is no different then playing at 11pm on the east coast. The only team that benefits delaying it a day is NY because they might not have to rely on their bullpen.
Likewise, the real winner here is Houston. That game isn’t delayed so it’s back to back games for their opponent in the playoffs.
Side note: Nestor Cortes has never pitched on 3 days rest. And neither has Bieber, which is why Tito is most likely going this route. If you need Bieber late in the game if it's close or you go extras, you can use him. If you win and don't use him, you have Bieber starting Game 1 of the ALCS tomorrow. I'm guessing this is the mindset.
It is literally the same thing for the players. The team is based here, yet they play 8 pm games in Seattle. It is no different then playing at 11pm on the east coast. The only team that benefits delaying it a day is NY because they might not have to rely on their bullpen.
Likewise, the real winner here is Houston. That game isn’t delayed so it’s back to back games for their opponent in the playoffs.