Munch Musings from E. 53rd Street and Hamm Avenue: Guards Edition

Hope you are feeling better than good today and if you are watching and following the Cleveland Guardians, how can you not be feeling GREAT! Only one way that could happen is if you are someone who for some bizarre reason desires that this team fail. Hmmm…could it be jealousy or just stupidity? I’ll let you make the call. Hold on, I got it…”They changed their name, so they are deplorable!” Dang friend, time to wake up, smell the roses and enjoy what is going on at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario. What exactly is happening at Progressive Field. WINNING! FUN! Guys who love what they are doing, playing for one another, playing HARD (aka Guardians baseball) and doing it with a legit love of life and FOR LOVE OF THE GAME. I have noted it before, these guys are easy to cheer for and it is so cool that they do not have to keep reminding us how good they are or pretend to be then get ripped by the opponent. THEY ARE DOING THE RIPPING! CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES.

 

A little gumbo here on a few items…

* So Important Department – Last night in the 6-1 domination of the Redlegs the Guards 2-5 batters were 6-13 with 2 Home Runs, all 6 RBI and 2 walks and 0 strike outs! The leadoff man was 0-4. Need KWANIE back. Shucks you are plating at least 1 more run with Kwan in the lineup.

* Bibee pitched like the Ace. 7ip, 7 K’s 2 walks, 4 hits and one earned run. When he plunked the Reds India in the helmet and immediately reacted with concern, horror, and regret. The young fella is growing up and taking the next step.

* I still question plays Rocchio makes or does not make every game however he MUST be there every game. Just when I say he is growing on me I jinx him so keep improving in the field and it’s a must you improve at the plate. Even though it pains me a catcher these days can hit in the low .200’s (even though I do not like it) but not a SS who still muffs one too often.

* Here’s a dilemma…Schneeman must not play the middle infield so who’s left with Freeman sent down? MARTINEZ? With Lane Thomas as the CF, it is time for Angel to get back to the infield.

* No doubt BASEBALL IS THE BEST when I see and hear…

– The Motor City Kitties roaring into a shot at the postseason. Good for the guys from Motown.

– The Astros

(who I deplore) taking the west after being down by 10 games after the break OR is it the collapse by the M’s that is the bigger story.

– John Sterling on the call for the great Aaron Judge’s 56th home run. Yes, it was a “JUDGIAN BLAST” and “HERE COMES DA JUDGE.” Sheesh I know he’s a Yankee but applaud greatness. Dad Max taught me that at a young age.

– Another team that leaves me cold is the Padres but such a savvy move getting Arraez and since his arrival they are hands down the best team in baseball.

– The Mets once dead and buried are back in the hunt leading the Braves by 1 game and 1/2 game over the D’backs for the 2nd of the 3 Wild cards. Interesting story with Frankie Lindor though and yes more drama. He missed his 8th game with a sore back although scans show no damage. Francisco was being talked about for MVP although A DH for the Dodgers has that wrapped up (YES, A DH). We’ll see if he is in the lineup tonight in this HUGE series. Yes, I wish Frankie the best, he is a sellout, but no ill will sent his way unless his team is playing the GUARDS! If that is the case i am calling for the Golden Sombrero!

 

In my last column I praised the broadcast teams of the Guardians but neglected to mention a main component to any TV broadcast. YUP the inimitable ANDRE KNOTT. Simply a treat hearing his insight and camaraderie with the team. A gem no doubt and I must also say HEY to his counterpart with the Reds, JIM DAY. A Pros Pro.

 

Looking forward to seeing you at a Progressive Field soon and as always at a High School football game. I judge the pace of Fall by HS football, and the season is 5 weeks in. WOW!

 

Read more of my takes daily on X (@MunchCleveland) and Facebook (Munch  Bishop) and always on NEO SPORTS INSIDERS! Munch on Sports is powered by Ganley Chevrolet of Aurora and the Ken Ganley Auto Group.

 

Please take care of each other and it’s your world, pay attention. Enjoy every sandwich and for now ADIOS AMIGO, long may you run.