Nicole did a great recap tonight, as always, but I just want to keep talking about this amazing game, as the Guardians beat the Tigers 5-2 to take the season series and the lead in the AL Central by virtue
of that tiebreaker.
Last time, the Guardians gave themselves a chance to beat the Tigers with Skubal on the mound through one incredible swing from Jhonkensy Noel who tied the game 1-1 off of Skubal. The Guardians then won the game off the bullpen. Today, it was the very opposite in terms of hit quality as the Guardians scored three runs off of Skubal without a ball leaving the infield.
I have long wondered why the Guardians’ front office does not put an end to the incessant sacrifice bunting. I think today helped me realize at least a partial answer to that question… players being able to bunt in games can be an incredibly effective tool to put pressure on a defense. Now, to be very clear, I never oppose bunting for the purposes of reaching base when it is done by a player who knows how to bunt. So, Steven Kwan’s leadoff bunt was good, and I think Angel Martinez was also trying to get on base. To be honest, the only bunt that didn’t make sense to me in the inning was the one David Fry squared to try with disastrous consequences. But, at that point, making Skubal field his position did make a lot of sense, so I can’t even protest too vigorously. The inning was a redemption moment for the Guardians’ insistence on being able to play small ball… and I loved it.
Kwan, Kyle Manzardo and Daniel Schneemann each managed great opposite field hits, also. I do wonder if the organization is re-evaluating the emphasis on pulled fly-balls… at least to realize that adjusting your approach with two strikes and/or with runners in scoring position and two outs is crucial. I still don’t think pulling fly balls is ever bad, but it is obvious that you cannot pull every pitch in the air, nor is every player able to get to their best exit velocity or contact by trying to pull and lift.
We are so blessed to have Stephen Vogt, guys. I never, ever called for his firing, but his platooning Manzardo frustrated me and I was very concerned after Jose got hit by Kevin Gausman that something was off in the locker room. But, it is very clear how much this team LOVES him, TRUSTS him, and will fight for him. He, right now, is earning YEARS of belief from future players that WHATEVER happens, he will be the kind of manager who can help teams figure it out and survive. That kind of cache is invaluable. Extend Vogt.
Also, extend Jose Ramirez. Again. His incredible hustle was on display tonight, and his ability to be an absolute menace on the basepaths at any time. I just love him so much.
Erik Sabrowski is so nasty he makes me laugh in maniacal glee.
Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith should dominate this Tigers’ team. Thanks for doing it.
Gavin Williams has such a lovable personality. I am so glad he is turning into the ace Carl Willis and so many of us believed he could be. Patience is a virtue. We sat through a lot of frustrating Big Rig outings as he found his way, and now, we are reaping the reward.
If the Athletics can hold on to a three-run lead through this last inning, the Guardians will be one game up on the Astros (with the tiebreaker) and tied with Detroit, as I mentioned, with the tiebreaker for the division with five games left. The Rangers are completely collapsed right now. It is time for this team to come out and dispel their Jack Flaherty demons tomorrow and put even more pressure on the Tigers to give up hope. It is time for them to show they have figured out how to consistently win games by taking that final series from a Texas team beginning to schedule their offseason tee times. And, they have given us all kinds of reasons to hope this is going to happen.
All of our best to David Fry. I would suspect we will see Johnathan Rodriguez brought up in his place for the time being, but I’d like to make a personal appeal to the Guardians to consider a wild move of promoting Chase DeLauter and adding him to the roster. Why? Because if this team makes the playoffs, I want them to do everything to maximize their chances of making a real run. And, I am truly amazed I am having this delusional thought because I thought I’d be planning out our offseason article topics and schedule by now.
I want to also mention that Schneemann can start any time. I was arguing for some Halpin starts against Detroit to maximize all defensive positions, but I am truly happy with Schnee being good everywhere on the field and putting up good at-bats. What an incredible story that young man is. I hope he is the utility guy here for a long time.
What a miracle team. What an amazing night. Show out again tomorrow, Cleveland fans, and let’s root these guys on to complete the impossible. (not a single all-caps phrase, ovid, hope you’re happy).
