As we get ready for today’s (8/18/24) 2:10p first pitch in Suds City against the Milwaukee Brewers I need to remind myself, you and the Guardians that the team is 21 games over .500, in first place in the AL Central and have the third best record in baseball behind the Phillies and Yankees. Yup there are 30 teams in MLB and the Guards are better than 27 of them! Ok since I am reminding the team I need to ask them, in the words of the Talking Heads David Byrne “How did I get here”?
* With a patchwork starting rotation after losing 3 top hurlers (One to season ending surgery and 2 to not being good) plus a 4th missing significant time.
* Having a solid bullpen. I know watching 2 guys on my DNT (Do Not Trust) List, Barlow, and Sandlin, make you wonder but the back end of the pen has been lights out anchored by the best closer in baseball, a rock star and flame thrower, the unflappable Emanuel Clase.
* With 4 All Stars in the lineup who hit when needed (most of the time!) in Kwan, Ramirez, Josh, and Fry.
* A wizard at 2nd base with the leather and a decent bat.
* A young slugger nicknamed Big Christmas.
There is more as the team gets clutch hits from others when you least expect it, they play for each other and hustle…GUARDIANS BASEBALL.
Still, some scolding is needed and to start I must take to task two of the Guardians starters – The Ace of the rotation Tanner Bibee and a man we needed back Gavin Williams. Along with these gents I must also ask Pitching Coach Carl Willis if he really stresses and works on these pitchers throwing strikes. OF COURSE you say but I must wonder especially in times where a walk is horrendous.
Friday Gavin Williams got the first hitter, then surrendered a triple, had a FC, and got the runner at home (so two outs) then proceeded to hit the cleanup man to bring up a man who leads the majors in 3 run home runs! I knew that it appears that Gavin did not throw a 4 seamer in Adams’s wheelhouse! Another walk in the 3rd led to Milwaukee’s 4th run.
Last night the Ace of the staff Tanner Bibee WALKED THE LEAD OFF HITTER to start the game. I will be cold here but then Tanner had a pickoff error allowing the runner to go to third and he was promptly doubled home. SERVES YOU RIGHT for walking the lead off guy who he had 1-2!!
Now I was told by a Milwaukee sports guy that this series was HUGE for the Brew Crew as they just got worked over by the Dodgers but in turn it should be huge for the Guards who have Minnesota and KC breathing down their necks. PLAY LIKE IT TODAY FELLAS!
A few things along with the NDT guys in the Pen that need to be addressed…
* The team needs steady play at SS. Rocchio is not the answer but who is? Schneemann? Freeman? Again and this had been noted for an organization deep in Short Stops right now we do not have one! I call Rocchio “ARMY.” It’s not a job, it’s an adventure.
* NOEL and FRY should be in the lineup every day! Simple.
* Lane Thomas has been awful. It does not look like he is “playing his way out of his funk.”
* Does the team really have a CF? Angel? Tyler? Lane? Brennan has been swinging a nice stick since his return from CBus but is a step off in CF.
* Skipper has to decide on SS and CF and go with it. Juggling belongs in the circus.
Today’s game is very important. Our Boys of Summer need to go into the Bronx after a W!
It’s been fun and will continue to be fun. Fans are responding. The players really need to think and play hard. REMEMBER WHAT GOT YOU THIS POINT! Play Cleveland Guardians baseball.
Read more my musings and thoughts plus “All Good” narratives at www.neosportsinsiders.com and yes indeed #MunchOnSports is powered by Ganley Chevy Of Aurora & the Ken Ganley Automotive Group.
Please take care of each other and it’s your world, pay attention. Always enjoy every sandwich and for now ADIOS AMIGO, long may you run.
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