OOTP 23 Bloopball (Cleveland Guardians est. 2022)

[U7Gohan]

State of the Team

The team went 19-8 in Spring Training, the best record in MLB. Updated Preseason Predictions has us going 100-62, 2nd to only the 101-61 Mets in MLB. It should be another exciting season.

News Dump

The battle for the 5th SP spot was won by Tanner Burns (2.5, 3.0, #94 Overall), who had a 0.53 ERA and 1.96 FIP along with a 7.5 K/BB this spring. In another roster storyline, C Bo Naylor is expected to get regular DH duties.

Everyone who did not make the Opening Day Roster was optioned to AAA Columbus, aside from SS Owen Miller (2.5, 2.5) and RF Matt Vierling (2.5, 2.5), who were DFA'd after struggling in spring, and LF Yohendrick Pinango (2.0, 4.0), who was returned to his original team after being selected by the Guardians in the Rule 5 Draft.

Additionally, SP Ethan Hankins (2.0, 2.5) was sent to the 60-Day IL with radial nerve compression that will keep him out for 5 months.

Opening Day 40-Man Roster

* = On 26-Man Roster

Hitters:

C Austin Hedges* (2.5, 2.5)
C Bryan Lavastida* (2.5, 2.5)
C Bo Naylor* (4.0, 5.0)
1B Nolan Jones (2.0, 2.5)
1B Josh Naylor (2.5, 2.5)
1B Jhonkensy Noel (2.5, 2.5)
1B Vinnie Pasquantino* (3.0, 3.0)
2B Ernie Clement (1.5, 2.5)
2B Andres Gimenez* (5.0, 5.0)
2B Bryson Stott* (2.5, 2.5)
SS Carlos Correa* (4.5, 4.5)
SS Angel Martinez (2.5, 3.0, #49 Overall)
SS Jermaine Palacios* (2.5, 2.5)
3B Jose Ramirez* (4.5, 4.5)
LF Steven Kwan (2.5, 2.5)
LF Oscar Mercado* (2.0, 2.0)
LF George Valera* (4.0, 5.0)
CF Michael A. Taylor* (3.0, 3.0)
RF Will Benson (2.0, 2.5)
RF Oscar Gonzalez (2.5, 2.5)
RF Kyle Tucker* (3.5, 3.5)

Pitchers:

SP Shane Bieber* (4.0, 4.0)
SP Sandy Alcantara* (3.5, 3.5)
SP Sean Hjelle* (3.0, 3.5)
SP Zach Plesac* (3.0, 3.0)
SP Tanner Burns* (2.5, 3.0, #94 Overall)
SP Cody Morris (2.5, 2.5)
SP Lenny Torres (2.5, 3.0, #80 Overall)
SP Kris Bubic (2.5, 2.5)
RP Denny Bentley* (3.0, 3.0)
RP Brad Boxberger* (3.0, 3.0)
RP Joey Cantillo* (3.0, 3.0)
RP R.J. Dabovich* (3.0, 3.5)
RP Seranthony Dominguez* (2.5, 2.5)
RP Jakob Hernandez* (3.5, 3.5)
RP James Karinchak* (3.5, 3.5)
CL Emmanuel Clase* (4.5, 4.5)


Minor League Report

The latest Top 100 Prospects report has the Guardians at 23rd overall with four Top 100 prospects:

SS Angel Martinez (2.5, 3.0) - #49
SP Nazier Mule (0.5, 3.0) - #63
SP Lenny Torres (2.5, 3.0) - #80
SP Tanner Burns (2.5, 3.0) - #94

Other emerging prospects are:

LF Juan Cervantes (0.5, 2.5) - INT
CF Christopher Diaz (0.5, 2.5) - R ACL
RF Edgar Periera (0.5, 2.5) - INT
3B Luis Huerta (0.5, 3.5) - INT


Player Development

MLB RP Jakob Hernandez (4.0, 4.0) -> (3.5, 3.5)
MLB CL Emmanuel Clase (5.0, 5.0) -> (4.5, 4.5)
MiLB SP Kris Bubic (2.0, 2.5) -> (2.5, 2.5)
MLB SP Sandy Alcantara (3.0, 3.5) - > (3.5, 3.5)
MLB C Bo Naylor (3.5, 4.5) -> (4.0, 5.0)
MLB 3B Jose Ramirez (4.0, 4.0) - > (4.5, 4.5)
MLB LF George Valera (3.0, 4.5) - > (4.0, 5.0)


Around the League

Preseason Predictions

Preseason Predictions has the playoffs shaking out as such:

AL:

1. Guardians (100-62)
2. Rays (92-70)
3. Mariners (92-70)
4. Yankees (90-72)
5. Angels (89-73)
6. Orioles (84-78)

NL:

1. Mets (101-61)
2. Dodgers (96-66)
3. Cardinals (92-70)
4. DBacks (85-77)
5. Marlins (83-79)
6. Cubs (82-80)


Standings

The Spring Training division winners were: Blue Jays (16-9), Guardians (19-8), Angels (14-8), Mets (16-11), Pirates (17-9), Dodgers (17-10)


Spring Training Leaders

AVG:

1. Austin Nola (SDP) - .448
2. Andres Gimenez (CLE) - .444
3. Tim Anderson (CHW) - .431

OPS:

1. Andres Gimenez (CLE) - 1.363
2. Austin Nola (SDP) - 1.242
3. Jahmai Jones (BAL) - 1.238

HR:

1. Kristian Robinson (ARI) - 7
2. Adley Rutschman (BAL) - 7
3. Ronald Acuna Jr. (ATL) - 6

SB:

1. Vidal Brujan (TBR) - 9
2. Jose Devers (MIA) - 7
3. Esteury Ruiz (STL) - 7

ERA:

1. Tanner Burns (CLE) - 0.53
2. Antonio Santos (NYM) - 0.54
3. Tyler Wells (BAL) - 1.20

SV:

1. Scott Barlow (TOR) - 5
2. Reid VanScoter (NYY) - 5
3. Edwin Diaz (CHW) - 4


Major Free-Agent Signings

1B Jesus Aguilar (3.0, 3.0) to Pirates, $2.6M/1yr
SS Brandon Crawford (3.0, 3.0) to Nationals, $5.8M/1yr
C Jason Castro (3.0, 3.0) to Mariners, $5M/1yr
LF Mark Canha (3.0, 3.0) to Brewers, $6.6M/1yr
LF Michael Brantley (3.0, 3.0) to Tigers, $3.9M/1yr
LF Jesse Winker (3.5, 3.5) to Tigers, $6M/1yr


Major Trades

SP Elieser Hernandez (3.0, 3.0) to Nationals
3B Andy Ibanez (3.0, 3.0) to Tigers


Major Extensions

SP Mike Soroka (3.0, 3.0) signs with Padres for $23.2M/2yr
LF Tyler O'Neill (4.0, 4.0) signs with Cardinals for $94.8M/4yr
CL A.J. Minter (3.5, 3.5) signs with Rays for $27M/3yr
SP Andrew Heaney (3.0, 3.0) signs with Dodgers for $67.2M/4yr


The next post will recap April.

[U7Gohan]

State of the Team

The team went 16-12 in April, good for a tie for 1st place with the Royals.

The team's AL Ranks:

Runs Scored: 11th
OPS: 4th
Runs Allowed: 1st
ERA: 2nd
SP ERA: 2nd
RP ERA: 4th
Defensive Efficiency: 2nd
Zone Rating: 1st


News Dump

Not much to report.

Notable Performances

Hitters:

C Austin Hedges: .145/.171/.316, 32 OPS+, -0.1 WAR
C Bo Naylor: .141/.232/.333, 55 OPS+
1B Vinnie Pasquantino: .255/.325/.392, 99 OPS+
2B Andres Gimenez: .302/.347/.560, 148 OPS+, 2 SB, 1.6 WAR
SS Carlos Correa: .264/.396/.440, 134 OPS+, 1.4 WAR
3B Jose Ramirez: .262/.310/.495, 120 OPS+, 0.9 WAR
LF George Valera: .269/.347/.490, 131 OPS+, 0.8 WAR
CF Michael A. Taylor: .258/.327/.423, 108 OPS+, 3 SB, 0.7 WAR
RF Kyle Tucker: .315/.378/.565, 159 OPS+, 1.2 WAR

Pitchers:

SP Shane Bieber: 3.48 ERA, 2.49 FIP, 11.1 K/9, 1.5 fWAR
SP Sandy Alcantara: 3.86 ERA, 5.36 FIP, 7.1 K/9, -0.0 fWAR
SP Sean Hjelle: 3.16 ERA, 3.31 FIP, 7.5 K/9, 0.8 fWAR
SP Zach Plesac: 3.41 ERA, 4.24 FIP, 7.1 K/9, 0.5 fWAR
SP Tanner Burns: 4.97 ERA, 3.77 FIP, 8.1 K/9, 0.7 fWAR

CL Emmanuel Clase: 2.08 ERA, 4.06 FIP, 9/10 SV/OPP, 5.1 K/9, 0.1 fWAR
RP James Karinchak: 0.87 ERA, 0.56 FIP, 14.8 K/9, 0.6 fWAR
RP Jakob Hernandez: 5.40 ERA, 5.71 FIP, 14.4 K/9, -0.2 fWAR
RP Brad Boxberger: 4.00 ERA, 4.88 FIP, 7.0 K/9, -0.1 fWAR
RP R.J. Dabovich: 3.18 ERA, 2.33 FIP, 11.1 K/9, 0.1 fWAR
RP Joey Cantillo: 2.89 ERA, 3.21 FIP, 13.5 K/9, 0.1 fWAR


Minor League Report

The latest Top 100 Prospects list has the Guardians at 23rd in MLB, with four Top 100 prospects:

SS Angel Martinez (2.5, 3.0) - #49
SP Nazier Mule (0.5, 3.0) - #63
SP Lenny Torres (2.0, 3.0) - #80
SP Tanner Burns (2.5, 3.0) - #94


Player Development

MLB C Bo Naylor (4.0, 5.0) - > (3.5, 4.5)


Around the League

Standings

AL Seeding:

1. Rays (20-9)
2. Guardians (16-12)
3. Angels (16-15)
4. Orioles (17-13)
5. Royals (17-13)
6. Twins (17-14)

NL Seeding:

1. Dodgers (19-12)
2. Pirates (18-12)
3. Nationals (18-13)
4. Cubs (18-13)
5. Cardinals (17-13)
6. Mets (17-14)

League Leaders

AL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Spencer Torkelson (DET) - 2.2
2. Josh Lowe (TBR) - 1.9
3. Mike Trout (LAA) - 1.9

AVG:

1. George Springer (TOR) - .364
2. Jake Meyers (HOU) - .361
3. Corey Seager (TEX) - .351

OPS:

1. Spencer Torkelson (DET) - 1.145
2. Josh Lowe (TBR) - 1.129
3. George Springer (TOR) - 1.124

HR:

1. Eloy Jimenez (CHW) - 11
2. Nick Pratto (KCR) - 11
3. Spencer Torkelson (DET) - 11

SB:

1. Vidal Brujan (TBR) - 12
2. Enrique Bradfield Jr. (BOS) - 11
3. Adalberto Mondesi (BAL) - 10

Pitcher fWAR:

1. Mike Clevinger (HOU) - 1.8
2. Jacob deGrom (DET) - 1.7
3. Luis Severino (NYY) - 1.6

ERA:

1. Mike Clevinger (HOU) - 1.77
2. Matthew Boyd (CHW) - 1.99
3. Grayson Rodriguez (BAL) - 2.00

SV:

1. Emmanuel Clase (CLE) - 9
2. Tommy Kahnle (OAK) - 9
3. Tim Herrin (KCR) - 8

NL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Luis Garcia (WSH) - 2.4
2. Ian Happ (CHC) - 2.0
3. Juan Soto (WSH) - 1.7

AVG:

1. Jeff McNeil (NYM) - .351
2. Paul Goldschmidt (STL) - .349
3. Luis Garcia (WSH) - .346

OPS:

1. Juan Soto (WSH) - 1.124
2. Luis Garcia (WSH) - 1.076
3. Ian Happ (CHC) - 1.021

HR:

1. Mookie Betts (LAD) - 13
2. Ian Happ (CHC) - 12
3. Luis Garcia (WSH) - 11

SB.

1. Esteury Ruiz (STL) - 10
2. Trent Grisham (SDP) - 9
3. Myles Straw (MIA) - 9

Pitcher fWAR:

1. Kyle Wright (ATL) - 1.6
2. Nick Lodolo (CIN) - 1.2
3. Julio Urias (LAD) - 1.2

ERA:

1. Nick Lodolo (CIN) - 1.43
2. Ranger Suarez (PHI) - 1.49
3. Luis Castillo (CHC) - 1.73

SV:

1. Junior Fernandez (STL) - 10
2. Josh Hader (MIL) - 10
3. Camilo Doval (SFG) - 9

Major Trades

None

Major Extensions

RP Giovanny Gallegos (3.5, 3.5) signs with Cardinals for $28.5M/3yr
CL Scott Barlow (4.0, 4.0) signs with Blue Jays for $14.8M/2yr


We'll check back in a month.

Author's Note: I expect these check-in posts to be at the rate of 1-2 per week over this summer, with playoff posts coming in bunches.

[U7Gohan]

State of the Team

The team sits at 37-21 after going 21-9 in May, now 6 games up on the Royals in the AL Central. Ranking at the top in every notable category, we are once again a superteam. That does not mean, however, that we will stand pat at the deadline.

The team's AL Ranks:

Runs Scored: 2nd
OPS: 1st
Runs Allowed: 1st
ERA: 2nd
SP ERA: 3rd
RP ERA: 4th
Defensive Efficiency: 1st
Zone Rating: 1st

News Dump

2B Andres Gimenez was placed on the 10-Day IL with an intercostal strain. He is expected to return in the minimum time. In a corresponding move, SS Angel Martinez (2.5, 3.0, #49 Overall) was promoted to MLB Cleveland from AAA Columbus.

Notable Performances

Hitters:

C Austin Hedges: .182/.199/.308, 37 OPS+, 0.1 WAR
C Bryan Lavastida: .292/.346/.375, 100 OPS+, 0.1 WAR
C Bo Naylor: .184/.270/.403, 83 OPS+
1B Vinnie Pasquantino: .291/.365/.568, 152 OPS+, 1.7 WAR
2B Andres Gimenez: .313/.367/.540, 146 OPS+, 6 SB, 3.2 WAR
2B Bryson Stott: .189/.232/.302, 46 OPS+, -0.2 WAR
SS Carlos Correa: .286/.397/.531, 153 OPS+, 3.5 WAR
SS Jermaine Palacios: .290/.343/.323, 86 OPS+, 0.1 WAR
3B Jose Ramirez: .241/.310/.528, 125 OPS+, 4 SB, 2.2 WAR
LF George Valera: .271/.360/.537, 143 OPS+, 2.0 WAR
LF Oscar Mercado: .275/.373/.333, 86 OPS+, 0.4 WAR
CF Michael A. Taylor: .222/.273/.330, 66 OPS+, 3 SB, 0.1 WAR
RF Kyle Tucker: .314/.372/.541, 148 OPS+, 2.1 WAR

Pitchers:

SP Shane Bieber: 4.35 ERA, 3.89 FIP, 11.0 K/9, 1.5 fWAR
SP Sandy Alcantara: 4.19 ERA, 4.89 FIP, 6.8 K/9, 0.5 fWAR
SP Sean Hjelle: 2.42 ERA, 4.25 FIP, 6.2 K/9, 1.0 fWAR
SP Zach Plesac: 3.97 ERA, 5.09 FIP, 5.9 K/9, 0.3 fWAR
SP Tanner Burns: 4.60 ERA, 4.11 FIP, 8.1 K/9, 1.1 fWAR

CL Emmanuel Clase: 1.48 ERA, 3.39 FIP, 6.3 K/9, 15/16 SV/OPP, 0.5 fWAR
RP James Karinchak: 3.32 ERA, 2.90 FIP, 14.1 K/9, 0.4 fWAR
RP Jakob Hernandez: 2.92 ERA, 4.57 FIP, 11.3 K/9, -0.0 fWAR
RP Brad Boxberger: 5.00 ERA, 4.83 FIP, 7.5 K/9, -0.1 fWAR
RP R.J. Dabovich: 2.84 ERA, 2.96 FIP, 9.9 K/9, 0.2 fWAR
RP Denny Bentley: 2.25 ERA, 5.02 FIP, 7.9 K/9, -0.0 fWAR
RP Seranthony Dominguez: 3.75 ERA, 3.02 FIP, 6.8 K/9, 0.2 fWAR
RP Joey Cantillo: 4.18 ERA, 4.34 FIP, 12.9 K/9, 0.1 fWAR


Minor League Report

Nothing new to report.

Player Development

MiLB SP Ryan Murphy (2.5, 3.0) - > (2.5, 2.5)
MiLB 1B Nolan Jones (2.0, 2.5) - > (2.0, 2.0)
MiLB LF Steven Kwan (2.5, 2.5) - > (2.0, 2.5)
MiLB SP Brock Porter (0.5, 2.0) - > (2.0, 2.0)
MiLB RP Paul Wilson (0.5, 3.0) - > (0.5, 2.0)
MiLB SP Ethan Robinson (0.5, 4.0) - > (0.5, 3.0)
MiLB SP Cal Randall (0.5, 3.0) - > (0.5, 2.5)
MiLB C Zion Rose (0.5, 3.5) - > (0.5, 2.5)



Around the League

Standings

AL Seeding:

1. Guardians (37-21)
2. Orioles (33-27)
3. Angels (32-26)
4. Yankees (31-27)
5. Royals (32-28)
6. Blue Jays (32-29)

The A's and Rangers are both 31-29.

NL Seeding:

1. Pirates (35-23)
2. Dodgers (33-27)
3. Braves (33-28)
4. Cubs (35-23)
5. Rockies (31-27)
6. Giants (31-27)

The Brewers are 31-28.

League Leaders

AL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Carlos Correa (CLE) - 3.5
2. Andres Gimenez (CLE) - 3.2
3. Mike Trout (LAA) - 2.8

AVG:

1. Tim Anderson (CHW) - .335
2. Tyler Freeman (HOU) - .331
3. Adam Frazier (LAA) - .327

OPS:

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) - .987
2. Spencer Torkelson (DET) - .981
3. Mike Trout (LAA) - .948

HR:

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) - 21
2. Brandon Belt (NYY) - 16
3. Vinnie Pasquantino (CLE) - 16

RBI:

1. Vinnie Pasquantino (CLE) - 49
2. Mike Trout (LAA) - 46
3. Spencer Torkelson (DET) - 45

SB:

1. Enrique Bradfield Jr. (BOS) - 19
2. Julio Rodriguez (SEA) - 18
3. Greg Allen (OAK) - 17

Pitcher fWAR:

1. Jacob deGrom (DET) - 2.9
2. Gerrit Cole (NYY) - 2.7
3. Austin Warren (LAA) - 2.6

ERA:

1. Jayden Murray (BOS) - 2.08
2. Grayson Rodriguez (BAL) - 2.12
3. Chris Bassitt (OAK) - 2.20

Wins:

1. Sean Hjelle (CLE) - 8
2. Michael Mercado (TBR) - 8
3. Noah Syndergaard (LAA) - 8

SV:

1. Tim Herrin (KCR) - 17
2. Tommy Kahnle (OAK) - 16
3. Emmanuel Clase (CLE) - 15

NL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Patrick Bailey (SFG) - 3.6
2. Victor Robles (WSH) - 3.0
3. Ian Happ (CHC) - 3.0

AVG:

1. Patrick Bailey (SFG) - .360
2. Victor Robles (WSH) - .332
3. Bryce Harper (PHI) - .317

OPS:

1. Bryce Harper (PHI) - 1.049
2. Patrick Bailey (SFG) - 1.043
3. Ian Happ (CHC) - .985

HR:

1. Mookie Betts (LAD) - 23
2. Ian Happ (CHC) - 18
3. Kristian Robinson (ARI) - 18

RBI:

1. J.D. Martinez (MIL) - 49
2. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - 47
3. Ian Happ (CHC) - 44

SB.

1. Esteury Ruiz (STL) - 22
2. Myles Straw (MIA) - 15
3. Trent Grisham (SDP) - 14

Pitcher fWAR:

1. Zack Wheeler (PHI) - 2.3
2. Ranger Suarez (PHI) - 2.1
3. Julio Urias (LAD) - 1.9

ERA:

1. Ranger Suarez (PHI) - 1.93
2. Nick Lodolo (CIN) - 2.45
3. Sonny Gray (NYM) - 2.68

Wins:

1. Sonny Gray (NYM) - 8
2. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - 8
3. Ranger Suarez (PHI) - 8

SV:

1. Josh Hader (MIL) - 19
2. Yerry De Los Santos (PIT) - 18
3. Camilo Doval (SFG) - 16

Major Trades

Mariners 1B Ty France (3.0, 3.0) to Brewers

Major Extensions

CF Trent Grisham (3.0, 3.0) signs with Padres for $46.8M/3yr


We will check back in a month, the last roundup before the always-busy July.

[U7Gohan]

State of the Team

The team sits at 55-30, 10.5 games up in the AL Central. This is looking like another dominant season, but one with more warning signs for the playoffs, at least for now, than last year's iteration.

The team's AL Ranks:

Runs Scored: 2nd
OPS: 2nd
Runs Allowed: 1st
ERA: 1st
SP ERA: 1st
RP ERA: 3rd
Defensive Efficiency: 1st
Zone Rating: 1st

News Dump

We fired hitting coach Chris Valaika. While his work with our most talented hitters has been impressive and produced high-percentile outcomes, we were unconfident in his ability to develop prospects going forward and we needed to see what we had in Bo Naylor under a different voice.

In other unfortunate news, top prospect SP Nazier Mule (0.5, 3.0, #72 Overall) tore his elbow flexor tendon and will be out for 9 months.

Notable Performances

Hitters:

C Austin Hedges: .180/.220/.325, 48 OPS+, 0.6 WAR
C Bryan Lavastida: .316/.395/.474, 139 OPS+, 0.5 WAR
C Bo Naylor: .185/.271/.397, 81 OPS+
1B Vinnie Pasquantino: .274/.349/.545, 142 OPS+
2B Andres Gimenez: .315/.363/.530, 142 OPS+, 8 SB, 3.9 WAR
2B Bryson Stott: .216/.289/.353, 76 OPS+, -0.0 WAR
SS Carlos Correa: .286/.386/.523, 148 OPS+, 4.8 WAR
SS Jermaine Palacios: .273/.305/.343, 79 OPS+, 0.2 WAR
3B Jose Ramirez: .237/.308/.497, 117 OPS+, 5 SB, 2.4 WAR
LF George Valera: .256/.347/.489, 127 OPS+, 2.3 WAR
LF Oscar Mercado: .284/.376/.358, 105 OPS+, 0.6 WAR
CF Michael A. Taylor: .225/.275/.335, 67 OPS+, 3 SB, 0.2 WAR
RF Kyle Tucker: .294/.356/.473, 126 OPS+, 5 SB, 2.2 WAR

Pitchers:

SP Shane Bieber: 3.56 ERA, 3.64 FIP, 11.2 K/9, 2.6 fWAR
SP Sandy Alcantara: 3.45 ERA, 4.11 FIP, 7.6 K/9, 1.8 fWAR
SP Sean Hjelle: 1.93 ERA, 3.77 FIP, 6.1 K/9, 2.2 fWAR
SP Zach Plesac: 4.08 ERA, 5.11 FIP, 5.8 K/9, 0.4 fWAR
SP Tanner Burns: 4.41 ERA, 3.91 FIP, 8.2 K/9, 2.0 fWAR

CL Emmanuel Clase: 1.88 ERA, 2.77 FIP, 7.3 K/9, 22/24 SV/OPP, 1.3 fWAR
RP James Karinchak: 2.81 ERA, 3.20 FIP, 14.1 K/9, 0.5 fWAR
RP Jakob Hernandez: 3.41 ERA, 4.49 FIP, 11.0 K/9, 0.0 fWAR
RP Brad Boxberger: 4.70 ERA, 4.92 FIP, 8.2 K/9, -0.1 fWAR
RP R.J. Dabovich: 2.65 ERA, 2.44 FIP, 10.1 K/9, 0.4 fWAR
RP Denny Bentley: 1.64 ERA, 4.27 FIP, 8.2 K/9, 0.0 fWAR
RP Seranthony Dominguez: 3.60 ERA, 3.00 FIP, 6.6 K/9, 0.3 fWAR
RP Joey Cantillo: 3.31 ERA, 3.69 FIP, 13.2 K/9, 0.4 fWAR


Minor League Report

The latest Top 100 Prospects update keeps us at four Top 100 prospects despite Tanner Burns graduating.

SS Angel Martinez (2.5, 3.0) - #58
SP Nazier Mule (0.5, 3.0) - #72
SP Lenny Torres (2.5, 3.0) - #85
SP Ethan Robinson (0.5, 3.0) - #97

Other emerging prospects to watch are:

CF Isaiah Greene (2.0, 2.5) - AA Akron


Player Development

MiLB SP Cody Morris (3.0, 3.5) -> (3.0, 3.0)
MiLB 2B Aaron Bracho (2.0, 3.0) -> (1.5, 2.5)
MiLB CF Isaiah Greene (2.0, 2.0) -> (2.0, 2.5)



Around the League

Standings

AL Seeding:

1. Guardians (55-30)
2. Orioles (52-36)
3. Rangers (45-42)
4. Rays (46-40)
5. Yankees (45-40)
6. Royals (46-42)

NL Seeding:

1. Cubs (52-34)
2. Dodgers (52-34)
3. Braves (51-36)
4. Pirates (47-40)
5. Giants (47-40)
6. Cardinals (46-42)

The Rockies sit 1 game back from the Cardinals at 44-42.

League Leaders

AL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Carlos Correa (CLE) - 4.8
2. Mike Trout (LAA) - 4.7
3. Adley Rutschman (BAL) - 4.1

AVG:

1. Adam Frazier (LAA) - .324
2. Ryan McKenna (BAL) - .320
3. Luis Robert (CHW) - .318

OPS:

1. Mike Trout (LAA) - .980
2. Adley Rutschman (BAL) - .962
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) - .960

HR:

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) - 25
2. Spencer Torkelson (DET) - 23
3. Mike Trout (LAA) - 23

RBI:

1. Vinnie Pasquantino (CLE) - 68
2. Spencer Torkelson (DET) - 64
3. Mike Trout (LAA) - 64

SB:

1. Vidal Brujan (TBR) - 30
2. Enrique Bradfield Jr. (BOS) - 29
3. Julio Rodriguez (SEA) - 26

Pitcher fWAR:

1. Jacob deGrom (DET) - 5.3
2. Austin Warren (LAA) - 3.5
3. Gerrit Cole (NYY) - 3.2

ERA:

1. Sean Hjelle (CLE) - 1.93
2. Chris Bassitt (OAK) - 2.39
3. Framber Valdez (HOU) - 2.56

Strikeouts:

1. Jacob deGrom (DET) - 154
2. Gerrit Cole (NYY) - 152
3. Shane Bieber (CLE) - 151

Wins:

1. Sean Hjelle (CLE) - 13
2. Shane Bieber (CLE) - 11
3. Noah Syndergaard (LAA) - 10

SV:

1. Tim Herrin (KCR) - 23
2. Emmanuel Clase (CLE) - 22
3. Tommy Kahnle (OAK) - 22

NL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Patrick Bailey (SFG) - 4.3
2. Mookie Betts (LAD) - 3.8
3. Fernando Tatis Jr. (SDP) - 3.7

AVG:

1. Patrick Bailey (SFG) - .336
2. Jeff McNeil (NYM) - .328
3. Elehuris Montero (COL) - .322

OPS:

1. Bryce Harper (PHI) - .982
2. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - .976
3. Mookie Betts (LAD) - .971

HR:

1. Mookie Betts (LAD) - 28
2. Ian Happ (CHC) - 26
3. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - 25

RBI:

1. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - 66
2. J.D. Martinez (MIL) - 65
3. Ian Happ (CHC) - 64

SB.

1. Esteury Ruiz (STL) - 29
2. Myles Straw (MIA) - 25
3. Trent Grisham (SDP) - 16

Pitcher fWAR:

1. Julio Urias (LAD) - 3.1
2. Kyle Wright (ATL) - 2.9
3. Andrew Heaney (LAD) - 2.8

ERA:

1. Luis Castillo (CHC) - 2.52
2. Gregory Santos (SFG) - 2.61
3. Julio Urias (LAD) - 2.89

Strikeouts:

1. Aaron Nola (PHI) - 136
2. Lyon Richardson (CIN) - 134
3. Freddy Peralta (MIL) - 133

Wins:

1. Sonny Gray (NYM) - 10
2. Nick Lodolo (CIN) - 10
3. Joe Musgrove (SDP) - 10

SV:

1. Yerry De Los Santos (PIT) - 26
2. Josh Hader (MIL) - 25
3. Jasseel De La Cruz (ATL) - 24

Major Trades

White Sox RP Edwin Diaz (4.5, 4.5) to Brewers

Major Extensions

SP Spencer Howard (3.0, 3.0) signs with Rangers for $33M/4yr
2B Adam Frazier (3.0, 3.0) signs with Angels for $90M/5yr
RP Ken Giles (3.5, 3.5) signs with Padres for $8.9M/2yr
SP Kyle Wright (3.5, 3.5) signs with Braves for $77.4M/5yr
2B Thairo Estrada (2.5, 2.5) signs with Giants for $37.4M/4yr


The next update will round up the All-Star Break, including the 2024 Draft.

[U7Gohan]

State of the Team

The team enters the All-Star Break at 58-33, .500 so far in July.

News Dump

We have agreed to terms with Hitting Coach Jing-bo Hsiao. His standout trait is how extraordinarily well he handles aging and he is also excellent at teaching hitting, influencing mechanics, and handling development.

Additionally, from the international amateurs pool, we signed SS Luis Carrizales (0.5, 4.5). Elite contact+power potential with no clear weaknesses offensively at max potential. Likely ends up as a solid 2B defensively rather than a SS.

All-Stars

We had 5 MLB All-Stars this season:

SP Sean Hjelle
RP Emmanuel Clase
2B Andres Gimenez*
SS Carlos Correa*
3B Jose Ramirez

* = voted starter

We also had 3 Prospect All-Stars:

SP Lenny Torres (2.5, 3.0, #85 Overall) - AAA Columbus
2B Nolan McLean (1.0, 2.0) - High-A Lake County
SS Angel Martinez (2.5, 3.0, #58 Overall) - AAA Columbus

First-Year Player Draft

The Guardians picked 32nd overall.

32nd: College 2B Tommy Troy (1.5, 3.5). High contact, gap power utility player. Decent 2B.

63rd: HS C Josh Atomanczyk (0.5, 3.5). Well-rounded, solid hitter. Good plate discipline. Decent defender. Dominant offensive player through high school.

86th: HS SP James Nesta (0.5, 3.0). Plus fastball, plus-plus curveball and changeup. Control is questionable but could be serviceable.

115th: HS C Brooks Wright (0.5, 3.0). Good power, good defense. Mediocre but not clearly-flawed offensive profile. Ice in his veins.

144th: College SP Chris Cortez (0.5, 2.5). Big fastball-curveball combo. Control issues. Reliever profile.

173rd: HS 1B Elbert Craig (0.5, 2.5). Good power, good eye, lots of swing-and-miss. Dominant offensive player through high school.

202nd: HS SP Ishaan Khambal (0.5, 2.5). Four-pitch mix including a splitter. Solid stuff, movement and control questions.

231st: College 1B James McCracken (0.5, 1.5). Two-way player. Poor offensive, defensive profile. Three pitches. Long-shot.

260th: College SP Sean Hard (0.5, 2.5). Four solid pitches. Solid stuff, control. Low movement ceiling and control is far from developed.

289th: College SP Wyatt Morrill (0.5, 2.5). Elite fastball+curveball with passable changeup. Reliever profile. Movement and control are lacking.

The rest was auto-drafted.


Around the League

Surprising All-Stars

AL:

SP A.J. Puk (OAK) - 67.0 IP, 1.75 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 1.5 fWAR
SP Jose Urquidy (HOU) - 123.0 IP, 3.59 ERA, 6.7 K/9, 1.7 fWAR
3B Isaac Paredes (TBR) - .273/.378/.467, 136 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
SS Gabriel Arias (MIN) - .262/.297/.477, 105 wRC+, 2.1 WAR

NL:

RF Esteury Ruiz (STL) - 305/.343/.604, 153 wRC+, 31 SB, 3.9 WAR

MLB All-Star Game

The AL All-Stars defeated the NL All-Stars 9-5. 3B Rafael Devers (NYY) won MVP.

Guardians performances:

Andres Gimenez: 1-3, R, K
Jose Ramirez: 0-2
Carlos Correa: 1-3, K
Emmanuel Clase: 0.1 IP, 2 BB

Homerun Derby

Matt Olson (ATL) defeated Jose Ramirez (CLE) 21-20 to win it.

Prospects All-Star Game

The NL Prospects defeated the AL Prospects 12-4. C Pablo Aliendo (1.5, 2.5) (CHC) won MVP.

Guardians performances:

Angel Martinez: 0-2
Nolan McLean: 0-1

Major Trades

None

Major Extensions

SP Nabil Crismatt (3.0, 3.0) signs with Padres for $15.7M/4yr


The next roundup will be for the Trade Deadline. Stay tuned for what will likely be a big one.

[U7Gohan]

State of the Team

The team is now 65-47, now just 5 games up in the AL Central, after a terrible 10-17 July, including losing 5 of the last 6 games. With this, my fears about the team were confirmed, setting up a big trade deadline.

The team's AL Ranks:

Runs Scored: 4th
OPS: 3rd
Runs Allowed: 1st
ERA: 1st
SP ERA: 1st
RP ERA: 4th
Defensive Efficiency: 1st
Zone Rating: 1st

News Dump

GM U7Gohan worked tirelessly in the final days of the deadline to upgrade the team substantially, despite high asking prices by selling teams, with MLB pieces highly coveted by said teams. He was hamstrung by no financial flexibility whatsoever due to the contracts he signed, but he knew what he was getting into. With that said, he made four trades to address the team's biggest weaknesses.

Trade 1: Milwaukee Brewers

Outbound: SP Zach Plesac (2.5, 2.5)

Inbound: RP Jake Cousins (3.0, 3.0) (100% Retained), 2B Gavin Dugas (0.5, 1.5)

The first move we made was an aggressive one, sending Zach Plesac, who had been a quality #3 SP for the last 2 seasons, out to get a reliever. Plesac, however, had shown signs of declining this season and was getting more and more expensive in arbitration, while also blocking a spot that could go to promising pitching prospects. Cousins is a groundballer with good stuff and movement that can really benefit from our elite defense, and has team control with a cheap arbitration cost. Dugas is a lottery ticket to sweeten the deal.

In a corresponding move, RP Brad Boxberger was released.

Trade 2: San Francisco Giants

Outbound: 2B Nolan McLean (1.5, 2.5), C Bryan Lavastida (2.5, 2.5), RP Nick Mikolajchak (2.5, 2.5), LF Steven Kwan (2.0, 2.5)

Inbound: 1B J.C. Correa (2.5, 4.0)

Correa was offered by the Giants in some bigger deals I tried to make, and it seemed my scout valued him more highly than the Giants did as well as relative to the market available for hitters, so I worked hard to get this deal done with Bo Naylor's continual struggles. Each piece was highly valued by the Giants in this trade, with McLean coming off a Prospects All-Star Game appearance and having promising ratings as a reliever in addition to being a mediocre 2B. Lavastida was worth the price being the backup catcher, and I wasn't too concerned giving up the other pieces. Correa will take full-time 1B duties, pushing Vinnie Pasquantino to DH, and he has only 1 year of service time.

Trade 3: San Diego Padres

Outbound: RP Joey Cantillo (2.5, 2.5), SP Robert Cruz (2.0, 2.5), SP Wardquelin Vasquez (2.0, 2.0), 2B Milan Tolentino (1.0, 2.0), RP Seranthony Dominguez (2.5, 2.5)

Inbound: C Luis Campusano (3.0, 3.5), RP Marlon Perez (3.0, 4.5) (10% Retained)

With my financial situation, I realized I would not be able to extend Austin Hedges, and his bat is basically unplayable at this point anyway despite his stellar handling of the catcher position. Campusano became available and stood out above the overall market value for what I was shopping around, so I worked to get this deal done at the same time as the deal with the Giants, as the structure of the two deals would depend upon each other. Campusano is in his first year of arbitration and brings a well-rounded offensive and defensive profile that can hold down the catcher position for the next 3 years. Perez gives me another high-ceiling reliever, which the farm system lacks, as well.

Trade 4: Oakland Athletics

Outbound: SP Ryan Murphy (2.5, 2.5), SS Owen Miller (2.5, 2.5)

Inbound: SP A.J. Puk (3.0, 3.0), SP Jake Pfennings (2.0, 2.5)

Puk made a surprise All-Star appearance this year, and while he profiles more as a reliever, he gives me the sort of swingman I can use to either bolster the pen or rotation, a valuable asset with the amount of high-minors SP depth I have. Pfennings gives me another addition to that depth. Murphy was a former Top 100 prospect but has struggled in the minors the last 2 seasons and doesn't have a standout profile. Miller is 27 and his most promising days are long behind him.

Additionally, SP Cody Morris (2.5, 3.0) was recalled from AAA Columbus. In a corresponding move, C Bo Naylor was optioned to AAA Columbus.

That completes our trade deadline, a very busy one indeed. My biggest concern for now is making sure the rotation is strong enough in the coming seasons and making sure our farm system does not lose too much talent.

In other news, SS Carlos Correa was diagnosed with a concussion and will miss 5 weeks on the IL. In a corresponding move, SS Angel Martinez has been recalled from AAA Columbus.


Notable Performances

Hitters:

C Luis Campusano: .252/.311/.390, 97 OPS+, 1.7 WAR
C Austin Hedges: .173/.220/.306, 43 OPS+, 0.6 WAR
1B J.C. Correa: .281/.333/.392, 106 OPS+
1B Vinnie Pasquantino: .269/.343/.541, 139 OPS+
2B Andres Gimenez: .301/.345/.507, 131 OPS+, 14 SB, 4.8 WAR
2B Bryson Stott: .182/.285/.292, 60 OPS+, -0.3 WAR
SS Carlos Correa: .265/.367/.478, 131 OPS+, 5.3 WAR
SS Jermaine Palacios: .262/.292/.369, 81 OPS+, 0.1 WAR
3B Jose Ramirez: .258/.332/.538, 135 OPS+, 7 SB, 3.8 WAR
LF George Valera: .255/.345/.463, 120 OPS+, 2.6 WAR
LF Oscar Mercado: .228/.333/.281, 72 OPS+, -0.1 WAR
CF Michael A. Taylor: .226/.275/.337, 68 OPS+, 0.4 WAR
RF Kyle Tucker: .312/.368/.494, 135 OPS+, 5 SB, 3.2 WAR

Pitchers:

SP Shane Bieber: 3.09 ERA, 3.51 FIP, 1.06 WHIP, 10.9 K/9, 3.9 fWAR
SP Sandy Alcantara: 3.47 ERA, 4.25 FIP, 1.18 WHIP, 7.6 K/9, 2.1 fWAR
SP Sean Hjelle: 2.59 ERA, 4.10 FIP, 1.21 WHIP, 6.0 K/9, 2.3 fWAR
SP A.J. Puk: 3.20 ERA, 4.04 FIP, 1.05 WHIP, 6.9 K/9, 0.8 fWAR (as SP)
SP Cody Morris: -

CL Emmanuel Clase: 3.48 ERA, 3.13 FIP, 1.18 WHIP, 7.6 K/9, 1.2 fWAR
RP James Karinchak: 2.80 ERA, 3.41 FIP, 0.99 WHIP, 14.3 K/9, 0.5 fWAR
RP Jakob Hernandez: 3.02 ERA, 4.13 FIP, 1.03 WHIP, 12.1 K/9, 0.3 fWAR
RP Marlon Perez: 2.01 ERA, 4.29 FIP, 0.77 WHIP, 8.0 K/9, 0.1 fWAR
RP R.J. Dabovich: 1.59 ERA, 2.35 FIP, 0.92 WHIP, 9.8 K/9, 0.8 fWAR
RP Denny Bentley: 2.79 ERA, 3.94 FIP, 1.50 WHIP, 8.4 K/9, 0.2 fWAR
RP Jake Cousins: 2.88 ERA, 3.56 FIP, 0.99 WHIP, 9.7 K/9, 0.4 fWAR
RP Tanner Burns: 4.99 ERA, 4.21 FIP, 1.23 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, 1.9 fWAR (as SP)


Minor League Report

Post-Trade Deadline, our farm system now ranks 19th in MLB with the same four Top 100 prospects.

Player Development

MLB SP Sean Hjelle (3.0, 3.5) -> (3.5, 3.5)
MLB CL Emmanuel Clase (4.5, 4.5) -> (5.0, 5.0)
MLB SP Shane Bieber (3.5, 4.0) -> (4.0, 4.0)
MLB 1B J.C. Correa (2.5, 4.0) -> (3.0, 5.0)
MiLB 1B Jhonkensy Noel (2.5, 3.0) -> (2.0, 2.5)
MiLB C Alfredo Vera (0.5, 3.0) -> (0.5, 2.5)

Around the League

Standings

AL Seeding:

1. Guardians (65-47)
2. Yankees (62-48)
3. Rangers (59-53)
4. Orioles (62-50)
5. Rays (61-51)
6. Royals (59-51)

NL Seeding:

1. Dodgers (68-42)
2. Cubs (66-45)
3. Braves (61-52)
4. Giants (64-50)
5. Pirates (61-50)
6. Cardinals (60-51)

League Leaders

AL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Mike Trout (LAA) - 5.7
2. Adley Rutschman (BAL) - 5.4
3. Carlos Correa (CLE) - 5.3

AVG:

1. Ryan McKenna (BAL) - .317
2. Luis Robert (CHW) - .316
3. Adam Frazier (LAA) - .315

OPS:

1. Adley Rutschman (BAL) - .971
2. Mike Trout (LAA) - .954
3. Josh Jung (TEX) - .949

HR:

1. Aaron Judge (NYY) - 34
2. Vinnie Pasquantino (CLE) - 28
3. Jose Ramirez (CLE) - 28

RBI:

1. Vinnie Pasquantino (CLE) - 88
2. Jose Ramirez (CLE) - 78
3. Aaron Judge (NYY) - 77

SB:

1. Vidal Brujan (TBR) - 39
2. Enrique Bradfield Jr. (BOS) - 36
3. Julio Rodriguez (SEA) - 35

Pitcher fWAR:

1. Jacob deGrom (DET) - 7.4
2. Gerrit Cole (NYY) - 4.7
3. Austin Warren (LAA) - 4.2

ERA:

1. Grayson Rodriguez (BAL) - 2.47
2. Framber Valdez (HOU) - 2.50
3. Sean Hjelle (CLE) - 2.59

Strikeouts:

1. Jacob deGrom (DET) - 209
2. Gerrit Cole (NYY) - 202
3. Shane Bieber (CLE) - 201

Wins:

1. Sean Hjelle (CLE) - 14
2. Shane Bieber (CLE) - 13
3. Gerrit Cole (NYY) - 13

SV:

1. Tim Herrin (KCR) - 31
2. Andres Munoz (SEA) - 29
3. Tommy Kahnle (OAK) - 28

NL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Patrick Bailey (SFG) - 6.2
2. Ezequiel Tovar (COL) - 4.9
3. Fernando Tatis Jr. (SDP) - 4.3

AVG:

1. Patrick Bailey (SFG) - .337
2. Elehuris Montero (COL) - .333
3. Ezequiel Tovar (COL) - .321

OPS:

1. Juan Soto (WSH) - .987
2. Patrick Bailey (SFG) - .982
3. Bryce Harper (PHI) - .981

HR:

1. Kristian Robinson (ARI) - 33
2. Mookie Betts (LAD) - 31
3. Oneil Cruz (PIT) - 30

RBI:

1. Oneil Cruz (PIT) - 86
2. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - 80
3. Kristian Robinson (ARI) - 79

SB.

1. Esteury Ruiz (STL) - 33
2. Myles Straw (MIA) - 31
3. Garrett Mitchell (MIL) - 28

Pitcher fWAR:

1. Julio Urias (LAD) - 4.0
2. Kyle Wright (ATL) - 3.9
3. Andrew Heaney (LAD) - 3.8

ERA:

1. Luis Castillo (CHC) - 2.66
2. Julio Urias (LAD) - 2.85
3. Gregory Santos (SFG) - 2.90

Strikeouts:

1. Freddy Peralta (MIL) - 172
2. Lyon Richardson (CIN) - 168
3. Aaron Nola (PHI) - 163

Wins:

1. Nick Lodolo (CIN) - 13
2. Julio Urias (LAD) - 13
3. Luis Castillo (CHC) - 12

SV:

1. Yerry De Los Santos (PIT) - 34
2. Josh Hader (MIL) - 30
3. Tony Santillan (CIN) - 29

Major Trades

Orioles C Gary Sanchez (3.0, 3.0) to Tigers
White Sox CL Taylor Rogers (4.5, 4.5) to Rangers for C Sam Huff (3.0, 3.0)
Angels CL Raisel Iglesias (4.5, 4.5) to Dodgers
Padres RF Teoscar Hernandez (3.0, 3.0) to White Sox

Major Extensions

SP Tarik Skubal (3.0, 3.0) signs with Tigers for $54.4M/5yr
CF Kyle Lewis (3.0, 3.0) signs with Mariners for $41.4M/3yr


Pretty snoozer trade deadline around the league, aside from us, to be honest. We will see how the new moves impact the team, as there is a lot of upside but also a fairly low floor for how the new additions could perform. We'll need to break this skid to stay ahead of the Royals, and do so without Carlos Correa, so we'll check back in a month to see if we do just that.

[U7Gohan]

State of the Team

The team sits at 82-58 after a 17-11 August fueled by an 11-game winning streak, but the Royals have caught fire and now sit just 4 games back of 1st place.

The team's AL Ranks:

Runs Scored: 4th
OPS: 4th
Runs Allowed: 1st
ERA: 1st
SP ERA: 1st
RP ERA: 2nd
Defensive Efficiency: 1st
Zone Rating: 1st

News Dump

The injury bug took hold of the Guardians in August, as in addition to Carlos Correa, Sean Hjelle, Michael A. Taylor, and Cody Morris all hit the IL. Morris' season is likely over, unfortunately, and Correa also suffered a setback that will keep him out until late-September. Taylor will return as rosters expand and take over for Matt Vierling, who will stay on the active roster. Kris Bubic will also join the active roster for long relief.

Notable Performances

* = as a Guardian

Hitters:

C Luis Campusano*: .237/.306/.289, 66 OPS+, -0.2 WAR
C Austin Hedges: .180/.220/.300, 44 OPS+, 0.6 WAR
1B J.C. Correa*: .285/.328/.415, 103 OPS+
1B Vinnie Pasquantino: .269/.336/.501, 127 OPS+
2B Andres Gimenez: .295/.343/.491, 127 OPS+, 18 SB, 5.9 WAR
2B Bryson Stott: .176/.273/.283, 54 OPS+, -0.4 WAR
SS Angel Martinez: .336/.392/.500, 144 OPS+, 2 SB, 1.3 WAR
SS Jermaine Palacios: .252/.283/.402, 86 OPS+, 0.2 WAR
3B Jose Ramirez: .255/.328/.509, 126 OPS+, 9 SB, 4.2 WAR
LF George Valera: .256/.351/.458, 121 OPS+, 3.0 WAR
LF Oscar Mercado: .221/.317/.290, 70 OPS+, -0.5 WAR
CF Michael A. Taylor: .226/.279/.306, 69 OPS+, 4 SB, 0.6 WAR
RF Kyle Tucker: .304/.364/.485, 132 OPS+, 6 SB, 3.9 WAR
RF Matt Vierling: .225/.276/.388, 80 OPS+, -0.1 WAR

Pitchers:

SP Shane Bieber: 2.62 ERA, 3.18 FIP, 1.00 WHIP, 10.9 K/9, 5.8 fWAR
SP Sandy Alcantara: 3.43 ERA, 3.97 FIP, 1.21 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, 3.2 fWAR
SP Sean Hjelle: 2.68 ERA, 4.12 FIP, 1.20 WHIP, 6.5 K/9, 2.5 fWAR
SP A.J. Puk*: 4.85 ERA, 3.44 FIP, 1.35 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, 0.6 fWAR
SP Gavin Williams: 2.57 ERA, 3.82 FIP, 1.07 WHIP, 6.4 K/9, 0.3 fWAR
SP Tanner Burns: 5.06 ERA, 4.11 FIP, 1.21 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, 2.1 fWAR

CL Emmanuel Clase: 3.05 ERA, 2.81 FIP, 1.16 WHIP, 32/39 SV/OPP, 8.2 K/9, 1.9 fWAR
RP James Karinchak: 2.77 ERA, 3.27 FIP, 1.05 WHIP, 13.9 K/9, 0.8 fWAR
RP Jakob Hernandez: 2.83 ERA, 3.65 FIP, 1.08 WHIP, 11.9 K/9, 0.7 fWAR
RP Marlon Perez*: 2.35 ERA, 3.12 FIP, 0.78 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, 0.3 fWAR
RP R.J. Dabovich: 2.65 ERA, 2.69 FIP, 1.02 WHIP, 10.6 K/9, 0.9 fWAR
RP Denny Bentley: 2.54 ERA, 3.25 FIP, 1.31 WHIP, 9.8 K/9, 0.6 fWAR
RP Jake Cousins*: 6.28 ERA, 6.18 FIP, 1.40 WHIP, 8.8 K/9, -0.3 fWAR
RP Lenny Torres: 4.08 ERA, 3.59 FIP, 1.42 WHIP, 8.7 K/9, 0.3 fWAR


Minor League Report

The latest Top 100 Prospects update has us now at 16th in MLB, our highest mark in a long time. We now have five Top 100 prospects with a new addition:

SS Angel Martinez (2.5, 3.0) - #48
SP Nazier Mule (0.5, 3.0) - #60
SP Lenny Torres (3.0, 3.5) - #71
SP Ethan Robinson (0.5, 3.0) - #81
SP Trenton Denholm (2.5, 2.5) - #98

There may be graduations from this list soon, however.

Player Development

MLB 1B J.C. Correa (3.0, 5.0) -> (2.5, 4.5)
MLB 2B Angel Martinez (2.0, 3.0) -> (2.5, 3.5)
MiLB SP Troy Taylor (2.0, 2.0) -> (2.0, 2.5)
MiLB SS Luis Carrizales (0.5, 4.0) -> (0.5, 5.0)


Around the League

Standings

AL Seeding:

1. Guardians (82-58)
2. Orioles (77-62)
3. Rangers (76-63)
4. Royals (77-61)
5. Yankees (75-62)
6. Rays (74-66)

NL Seeding:

1. Dodgers (84-54)
2. Cubs (83-55)
3. Braves (77-63)
4. Pirates (76-63)
5. Cardinals (77-64)
6. Giants (75-65)

It would take a miracle for the playoffs to not consist of these 12 teams.

League Leaders

AL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Mike Trout (LAA) - 6.8
2. Adley Rutschman (BAL) - 6.0
3. Andres Gimenez (CLE) - 5.9

AVG:

1. Luis Robert (CHW) - .317
2. Adam Frazier (LAA) - .308
3. Kyle Tucker (CLE) - .304

OPS:

1. Mike Trout (LAA) - .960
2. Adley Rutschman (BAL) - .953
3. Josh Jung (TEX) - .935

HR:

1. Aaron Judge (NYY) - 40
2. Mike Trout (LAA) - 38
3. Spencer Torkelson (DET) - 33

RBI:

1. Vinnie Pasquantino (CLE) - 102
2. Mike Trout (LAA) - 101
3. Triston Casas (BOS) - 97

SB:

1. Enrique Bradfield Jr. (BOS) - 51
2. Vidal Brujan (TBR) - 50
3. Julio Rodriguez (SEA) - 40

Pitcher fWAR:

1. Jacob deGrom (DET) - 8.9
2. Shane Bieber (CLE) - 5.8
3. Shane Baz (TBR) - 5.7

ERA:

1. Shane Bieber (CLE) - 2.62
2. Jacob deGrom (DET) - 2.63
3. Chris Bassitt (OAK) - 2.63

Strikeouts:

1. Jacob deGrom (DET) - 264
2. Shane Bieber (CLE) - 255
3. Gerrit Cole (NYY) - 247

Wins:

1. Shane Bieber (CLE) - 17
2. Gerrit Cole (NYY) - 16
3. Sean Hjelle (CLE) - 16

SV:

1. Tim Herrin (KCR) - 39
2. Andres Munoz (SEA) - 37
3. Tommy Kahnle (OAK) - 36

NL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Patrick Bailey (SFG) - 6.7
2. Ezequiel Tovar (COL) - 5.6
3. Oneil Cruz (PIT) - 5.6

AVG:

1. Patrick Bailey (SFG) - .325
2. Elehuris Montero (COL) - .322
3. Ezequiel Tovar (COL) - .318

OPS:

1. Oneil Cruz (PIT) - .966
2. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - .965
3. Patrick Bailey (SFG) - .937

HR:

1. Oneil Cruz (PIT) - 40
2. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - 39
3. Kristian Robinson (ARI) - 37

RBI:

1. Oneil Cruz (PIT) - 112
2. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - 106
3. Kristian Robinson (ARI) - 100

SB.

1. Esteury Ruiz (STL) - 44
2. Myles Straw (MIA) - 36
3. Garrett Mitchell (MIL) - 28

Pitcher fWAR:

1. Julio Urias (LAD) - 4.8
2. Kyle Wright (ATL) - 4.4
3. Andrew Heaney (LAD) - 4.4

ERA:

1. Luis Castillo (CHC) - 2.74
2. Gregory Santos (SFG) - 2.96
3. Julio Urias (LAD) - 3.05

Strikeouts:

1. Freddy Peralta (MIL) - 218
2. Lyon Richardson (CIN) - 210
3. Max Scherzer (NYM) - 202

Wins:

1. Julio Urias (LAD) - 17
2. Nabil Crismatt (SDP) - 14
3. Andrew Heaney (LAD) - 14

SV:

1. Yerry De Los Santos (PIT) - 43
2. Jasseel De La Cruz (ATL) - 39
3. Camilo Doval (SFG) - 35


Major Extensions

None


It will be a tighter division race than expected in this final month. Let's hope more of our new additions pipe up with some of our stars injured.

[U7Gohan]

State of the Team

We finished 93-39, good for 1st place in the AL Central and a bye in the playoffs.

The team's AL Ranks:

Runs Scored: 4th
OPS: 4th
Runs Allowed: 1st
ERA: 1st
SP ERA: 1st
RP ERA: 2nd
Defensive Efficiency: 1st
Zone Rating: 1st

News Dump

While most of the team is healthy and intact, with Carlos Correa returning in the final week of the season, SP A.J. Puk at the same time suffered biceps tendinitis that will keep him out for 4-5 weeks, likely ending his season. In corresponding moves, 2B Bryson Stott was optioned to AAA Columbus and SP Tanner Burns was recalled from AAA Columbus.

Playoff Roster

* = as a Guardian

Hitters:

C Luis Campusano*: .240/.306/.314, 72 OPS+, -0.2 WAR
C Austin Hedges: .178/.228/.295, 43 OPS+, 0.7 WAR
1B J.C. Correa*: .293/.333/.459, 115 OPS+
1B Vinnie Pasquantino: .271/.338/.503, 128 OPS+
2B Andres Gimenez: .286/.334/.467, 118 OPS+, 22 SB, 6.0 WAR
SS Carlos Correa: .267/.365/.474, 129 OPS+, 5.3 WAR in 448 PA
SS Angel Martinez: .323/.365/.489, 133 OPS+, 6 SB, 1.6 WAR in 200 PA
SS Jermaine Palacios: .250/.281/.398, 84 OPS+, 0.2 WAR
3B Jose Ramirez: .253/.332/.509, 127 OPS+, 11 SB, 4.9 WAR
LF George Valera: .259/.342/.472, 124 OPS+, 3.8 WAR
CF Michael A. Taylor: .218/.275/.324, 64 OPS+, 5 SB, 0.7 WAR
RF Kyle Tucker: .297/.358/.477, 127 OPS+, 8 SB, 4.3 WAR
RF Matt Vierling: .253/.294/.432, 97 OPS+, -0.1 WAR

Pitchers:

SP Shane Bieber: 2.65 ERA, 3.08 FIP, 0.99 WHIP, 10.7 K/9, 7.1 fWAR
SP Sandy Alcantara: 3.77 ERA, 4.16 FIP, 1.23 WHIP, 8.1 K/9, 3.3 fWAR
SP Sean Hjelle: 2.70 ERA, 4.13 FIP, 1.18 WHIP, 6.4 K/9, 2.8 fWAR
SP Lenny Torres: 2.92 ERA, 2.35 FIP, 1.22 WHIP, 11.3 K/9, 0.8 fWAR
SP Tanner Burns: 5.03 ERA, 4.12 FIP, 1.18 WHIP, 8.6 K/9, 2.5 fWAR

CL Emmanuel Clase: 3.57 ERA, 3.40 FIP, 1.16 WHIP, 8.4 K/9, 37/45 SV/OPP, 1.4 fWAR
RP James Karinchak: 3.00 ERA, 3.34 FIP, 1.10 WHIP, 13.4 K/9, 0.8 fWAR
RP Jakob Hernandez: 2.69 ERA, 3.65 FIP, 1.09 WHIP, 12.9 K/9, 0.8 fWAR
RP Marlon Perez*: 2.89 ERA, 3.29 FIP, 0.96 WHIP, 8.4 K/9, 0.3 fWAR
RP R.J. Dabovich: 2.40 ERA, 2.64 FIP, 0.89 WHIP, 11.0 K/9, 1.1 fWAR
RP Denny Bentley: 2.70 ERA, 3.27 FIP, 1.40 WHIP, 10.5 K/9, 0.6 fWAR
RP Jake Cousins*: 7.41 ERA, 6.48 FIP, 1.59 WHIP, 9.0 K/9, -0.4 fWAR
RP Gavin Williams: 4.46 ERA, 4.06 FIP, 1.57 WHIP, 7.6 K/9, 0.5 fWAR

Around the League

Standings

AL Seeding:

1. Guardians (93-69)
2. Rangers (90-72)
3. Yankees (88-74)
4. Royals (89-73)
5. Orioles (87-75)
6. Rays (84-73)

The Mariners and White Sox each finished 83-79.

NL Seeding:

1. Dodgers (98-64)
2. Cubs (96-66)
3. Braves (90-72)
4. Cardinals (88-74)
5. Pirates (86-76)
6. Giants (86-76)

League Leaders

AL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Mike Trout (LAA) - 7.6
2. Josh Lowe (TBR) - 7.1
3. Josh Jung (TEX) - 6.5

AVG:

1. Luis Robert (CHW) - .310
2. Josh Jung (TEX) - .306
3. Tim Anderson (CHW) - .306

OPS:

1. Josh Jung (TEX) - .960
2. Mike Trout (LAA) - .948
3. Adley Rutschman (BAL) - .928

HR:

1. Aaron Judge (NYY) - 49
2. Rafael Devers (NYY) - 45
3. Mike Trout (LAA) - 42

RBI:

1. Rafael Devers (NYY) - 128
2. Vinnie Pasquantino (CLE) - 117
3. Mike Trout (LAA) - 115

SB:

1. Vidal Brujan (TBR) - 59
2. Julio Rodriguez (SEA) - 57
3. Enrique Bradfield Jr. (BOS) - 56

Pitcher fWAR:

1. Jacob deGrom (DET) - 9.7
2. Shane Bieber (CLE) - 7.1
3. Shane Baz (TBR) - 6.4

ERA:

1. Jacob deGrom (DET) - 2.53
2. Shane Bieber (CLE) - 2.65
3. Sean Hjelle (CLE) - 2.70

Strikeouts:

1. Jacob deGrom (DET) - 292
2. Shane Bieber (CLE) - 291
3. Gerrit Cole (NYY) - 284

Wins:

1. Shane Bieber (CLE) - 19
2. Gerrit Cole (NYY) - 18
3. Sean Hjelle (CLE) - 18

SV:

1. Tim Herrin (KCR) - 45
2. Andres Munoz (SEA) - 45
3. Tommy Kahnle (OAK) - 40

NL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Ezequiel Tovar (COL) - 6.9
2. Patrick Bailey (SFG) - 6.3
3. Mookie Betts (LAD) - 6.2

AVG:

1. Elehuris Montero (COL) - .319
2. Ezequiel Tovar (COL) - .316
3. Jeff McNeil (NYM) - .305

OPS:

1. Oneil Cruz (PIT) - .951
2. Mookie Betts (LAD) - .942
3. Juan Soto (WSH) - .931

HR:

1. Kristian Robinson (ARI) - 46
2. Oneil Cruz (PIT) - 45
3. Mookie Betts (LAD) - 42

RBI:

1. Oneil Cruz (PIT) - 129
2. Kristian Robinson (ARI) - 123
3. Ian Happ (CHC) - 113

SB.

1. Esteury Ruiz (STL) - 48
2. Myles Straw (MIA) - 42
3. Trea Turner (LAD) - 30

Pitcher fWAR:

1. Julio Urias (LAD) - 5.6
2. Max Fried (ATL) - 5.0
3. Kyle Wright (ATL) - 4.7

ERA:

1. Luis Castillo (CHC) - 2.77
2. Corbin Burnes (MIL) - 2.80
3. Sonny Gray (NYM) - 3.16

Strikeouts:

1. Freddy Peralta (MIL) - 252
2. Lyon Richardson (CIN) - 237
3. Brandon Woodruff (MIL) - 230

Wins:

1. Julio Urias (LAD) - 18
2. Kyle Wright (ATL) - 17
3. Nabil Crismatt (SDP) - 16

SV:

1. Yerry De Los Santos (PIT) - 48
2. Jasseel De La Cruz (ATL) - 46
3. Tony Santillan (CIN) - 42

Major Extensions

CF Alek Thomas (3.0, 3.0) signs with DBacks for $138.2M/8yr


The Guardians will play whoever wins between the Royals and Orioles, and there will be a post previewing the ALDS. I have my worries about the back end of the starting rotation and bullpen but there is no time left to worry, we can only see what happens. Let's do it.

[U7Gohan]

Wild Card Series Roundup

The Royals swept the Orioles in the Wild Card Series, setting the stage for an interdivisional matchup between the Guardians and the Royals. The Royals looked dead in the water in June, but caught fire in the 2nd half to test the Guardians' chances at winning the AL Central. This will be a battle.

As for the other matchups, the Yankees swept the Rays in the Wild Card Series and will face the Rangers, the Cardinals swept the Pirates and will face the Dodgers, and the Braves defeated the Giants 2-1 and will face the Cubs.

ALDS Preview

The Royals' top players, according to our Scouting Director, are:

CL Tim Herrin (4.5, 4.5)
RP Nathan Webb (4.0, 4.0)
1B Nick Pratto (4.0, 4.0)
3B Bobby Witt Jr. (3.5, 3.5)
C Salvador Perez (3.5, 3.5)

The pitching matchups are as follows:

Game 1

Shane Bieber (19-4, 2.65 ERA)
vs.
Brady Singer (13-10, 4.04 ERA)

Game 2

Sean Hjelle (18-6, 2.70 ERA)
vs.
Eli Morgan (13-8, 5.11 ERA)

Game 3

Will Klein (15-11, 3.86 ERA)
vs.
Sandy Alcantara (12-13, 3.77 ERA)

Game 4

Jon Heasley (15-10, 3.91 ERA)
vs.
Tanner Burns (11-11, 5.03 ERA)

Game 5

Shane Bieber (19-4, 2.65 ERA)
vs.
Brady Singer (13-10, 4.04 ERA)


Let's do this.

[U7Gohan]

Game Summary

J.C. Correa got his big moment with his new team quickly with a solo shot in the 2nd to make it a 1-0 Guardians lead early, but Shane Bieber surrendered his first big hit of the game on a solo shot by the 9-hole hitter Dylan Moore to tie it at 1 in the 3rd. The Royals rallied to score once more on a RBI single by Salvador Perez, and Michael A. Taylor left the game with a shoulder injury after a throw in. The Royals threatened again with 2 outs in the 5th, and Shane Bieber also left with an injury, leaving Jakob Hernandez to escape trouble, which he did by striking out Nick Pratto. This seemed to spark something in the Guardians, as Kyle Tucker hit a go-ahead 2-run HR as the 2nd batter of the 6th inning, then Vinnie Pasquantino drove in another with a RBI double to make it 4-2. Sadly, the Guardians stranded 2 runners in scoring position with no outs, a big missed opportunity. Jakob Hernandez then put the first 2 runners on in the 7th as the Cleveland crowd got restless, but James Karinchak cleaned up his mess with a double play and a strikeout. The Guardians then added another insurance run on a bases-loaded walk by Vinnie Pasquantino, and Emmanuel Clase had an easy 6-out save to finish Game 1.

Box Score: https://imgur.com/a/UQ16jgU

[U7Gohan]

News Dump

Shane Bieber was diagnosed with a mild shoulder sprain and is expected to stay on schedule for his next start, fortunately. Michael A. Taylor, however, will go to the IL, and OF Oscar Mercado will join the playoff roster in a corresponding move.

Game Summary

The Royals struck immediately as Tony Kemp scored on a wild pitch after hitting a leadoff double and advancing to 3rd on a groundout. Andres Gimenez, however, responded with a leadoff HR and the next three batters all reached to load the bases with nobody out for RBI-leader Vinnie Pasquantino. Pasquantino delivered with a double down the line that plated two, but the Guardians again stranded runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. 3-1 Guardians after 1. Salvador Perez kept the scoring going with a solo shot of his own to start the 2nd, but both offenses remained quiet until the 4th when Andres Gimenez hit his 2nd solo HR of the game to make it 4-2. Hjelle found himself back in trouble in the 6th, and nearly escaped it until a 2-out error by Carlos Correa allowed a run to score to make it 4-3. The Guardians erupted once again in the 7th, however, as George Valera, Jose Ramirez, and Vinnie Pasquantino went back-to-back-to-back to make it 8-3 Guardians. The bullpen got the job done from there as the Guardians improved their series lead to 2-0.

Box Score: https://imgur.com/a/D1cQQVH

[U7Gohan]

Game Summary

The Guardians got it started at Kauffman Stadium with a sac fly by J.C. Correa to take a 1-0 lead in the 2nd, then loaded the bases for Jose Ramirez in the 3rd. Ramirez came through with a 2-run single on an 0-2 count to make it 3-0 Guardians, a good sign for the Guardians' chances to sweep the series. Ramirez got another chance with RISP in the 5th and came through with a 2-out RBI double to extend the lead to 4-0. Sandy Alcantara was cruising with just 1 hit allowed through 5 as Matt Vierling got in on the action with a RBI double to make it 5-0, and Andres Gimenez followed with a RBI single to make it 6-0 in the 6th. The Royals then figured out Alcantara, though, scoring 3 runs on 3 straight hits before Alcantara retired the feared Nick Pratto and Salvador Perez to stop the bleeding. The Royals brought Nick Pratto up as the tying run in the 8th against Emmanuel Clase, and he got a lot of one that flew deep to right center field, but was caught at the track to end the inning. James Karinchak pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning to complete the sweep with a 6-3 Guardians victory.

Box Score: https://imgur.com/a/i8SwAdf

[U7Gohan]

News Dump

2B Andres Gimenez was awarded ALDS MVP as he hit .750 with 2 HR, 5 R, and 3 RBI.


Around the League

In the other Division Series':

The Rangers defeated the Rays in a thrilling, back-and-forth 5-game set, with SP Evan Elliott (4.0, 5.0) pitching a gem in Game 5 to seal a 4-1 victory. 2B Marcus Semien (4.0, 4.0) won series MVP.

The Dodgers continued their impressive title defense run with a 3-1 series victory over the Cardinals, winning all three games by shutout with a dominant by Julio Urias (4.0, 4.0), a shutdown bullpen effort after SP Andrew Heaney (3.0, 3.0) was injured retiring the first batter of the game, and another dominant start by Walker Buehler (3.5, 3.5). LF Joey Gallo (4.5, 4.5) won series MVP.

The Cubs stunned the Braves by coming back from down 2-0 in the series to move on, winning Games 3 and 4 in 1-run affairs in Atlanta with late heroics, and also winning Game 5 with late heroics by scoring 4 runs in the 8th to take an 8-4 lead. Braves C William Contreras (3.0, 3.0) won series MVP despite the loss.


ALCS Preview

The Guardians will be taking on the Royals in the ALCS. According to Scouting Director Will Ohman, the Royals' top players are:

1. 3B Josh Jung (5.0, 5.0)
2. CL Taylor Rogers (4.5, 4.5)
3. 2B Marcus Semien (4.0, 4.0)
4. SP Evan Elliott (4.0, 5.0)
5. SS Corey Seager (4.0, 4.0)

They are a star-studded team indeed, and this will surely be a tougher team than the Royals.

Probable Pitchers

Game 1

Shane Bieber (19-4, 2.64 ERA)
vs.
Alexander Beltre (4-1, 1.01 ERA)

Game 2

Sean Hjelle (18-6, 2.70 ERA)
vs.
Jack Leiter (13-12, 4.39 ERA)

Game 3

Spencer Howard (10-6, 4.24 ERA)
vs.
Tanner Burns (11-11, 5.03 ERA)

Game 4

Evan Elliott (12-7, 4.50 ERA)
vs.
Sandy Alcantara (12-13, 3.77 ERA)

Game 5

Alexander Beltre (4-1, 1.01 ERA)
vs.
Shane Bieber (19-4, 2.64 ERA)

Game 6

Sean Hjelle (18-6, 2.70 ERA)
vs.
Jack Leiter (13-12, 4.39 ERA)

Game 7

Tanner Burns (11-11, 5.03 ERA)
vs.
Spencer Howard (10-6, 4.24 ERA)


The Guardians will need to keep up their offensive roll to take down this high-scoring team. Let's see if they can do it.

[U7Gohan]

Game Summary

The Rangers showed their might quickly as Mitch Haniger drove in the first run of the game on a RBI double in the 1st, giving the Rangers a quick 1-0 lead. Mitch Haniger doubled again to begin the 4th, but it seems only he had Shane Bieber figured out as he was stranded. The Guardians seemed stumped by Alexander Beltre until Vinnie Pasquantino hit a 2-run HR after a J.C. Correa single to put the Guardians in front with nobody out in the 5th. Luis Campusano finally woke up as well, going back-to-back with Pasquantino to make it 3-1, and ALDS MVP Andres Gimenez continued his torrid run with a 1-out double. George Valera worked a 2-out walk, setting the stage for Jose Ramirez, who broke the game wide open with a 3-run blast to cap off a 6-run 5th inning for the Guardians. Matt Vierling kept it rolling next inning, driving in Vinnie Pasquantino with a RBI single before scoring on a Carlos Correa RBI single, making it 8-1 Guardians. Andres Gimenez made it a laugher in the 8th with a 3-run HR, a shocking outcome given how badly the Guardians were scuffling for the first four innings. The Rangers wilted once the 5th was over, and the final score held 11-1.

Box Score: https://imgur.com/a/5GT5Ule

[U7Gohan]

Game Summary

Texas struck first again on a RBI single by Danny Jansen in the 2nd, and Marcus Semien did the same an inning later to make it 2-0. However, the Guardians' offense continued its tendency for big innings, as Matt Vierling, Andres Gimenez, and Kyle Tucker went back-to-back-to-back to make it 3-2 Guardians, the second instance of back-to-back-to-back HRs by the Guardians of the postseason. They came right back an inning later as Jose Ramirez led off the 4th with a solo shot as Sean Hjelle finally settled in. The Guardians gave themselves another chance in the 5th by loading the bases with nobody out for Kyle Tucker, who cleared the bases with a double into the right field corner. The Guardians scored for the fourth-consecutive inning in the 6th on a RBI single by Andres Gimenez before the Rangers finally got one back on a Bubba Thompson HR. The Rangers wouldn't quit from there, as Nick Solak homered three batters later to make it 8-5, forcing Sean Hjelle out of the game. The Royals then brought the tying run to the plate against Emmanuel Clase in the 8th, but Clase struck out Bubba Thompson and Danny Jansen to extinguish the threat. Andres Gimenez kept the Cleveland crowd loose with a RBI single to add a big insurance run before Kyle Tucker put the game on ice with a 2-run double down the left field line to make it 11-5. Defensive replacement Oscar Mercado even got in on the action with a double down the line to plate Tucker, and the inning finally ended when Jose Ramirez flew out to the warning track. Clase closed it out in his second inning of work, giving the Guardians a 2-0 ALCS lead after another rambunctious effort by the offense.

Box Score: https://imgur.com/a/jvfgVzZ

[U7Gohan]

Game Summary

Evan Elliott, after a heroic performance to send the Rangers to the ALCS, was ambushed by the Guardians, who plated four in the 1st, capped off by a 2-run single by J.C. Correa. The Rangers got on the board in the 2nd with a solo shot by Justin Foscue, but Andres Gimenez got that run back two innings later with a solo shot of his own, continuing his historic playoff run. Justin Foscue only got angrier, however, hitting a 2-run HR in the bottom of the inning to make it 5-3, single-handedly willing the Rangers back into this game. Foscue seemed to have shaken Alcantara, as Alcantara issued a balk against Corey Seager to plate one of the two runners on base, then couldn't escape the inning before ALDS MVP Marcus Semien put the Rangers on top with a 3-run blast to make it 7-5. Jake Cousins kept the game close with 1.1 IP of scoreless relief, and Vinnie Pasquantino came to the plate representing the go-ahead run in the 7th. Taylor Hearn came in and induced a double play, however, keeping the Rangers in front. Taylor Rogers then closed it out with a 6-out save, a big comeback win for the Rangers to prevent the series from slipping away.

Box Score: https://imgur.com/a/wJ4LLS5

[U7Gohan]

Game Summary

The Guardians showed their fight hasn't diminished despite the brutal loss, as Kyle Tucker jumped Spencer Howard with a solo shot in the 1st, and Carlos Correa hit a 2-out RBI double to make it 2-0. Tanner Burns pitched a clean 1st inning and the Guardians got right back to it as Luis Campusano hit a leadoff double and Matt Vierling drove him in with a single, making it 3-0 Guardians in the 2nd. The Rangers took advantage of their first baserunners in the 4th, with a 2-out double by Leody Taveras followed by a 2-run HR by Nick Solak to make it a one-run game. Corey Seager extended the rally with a double, but Mitch Haniger was retired to end the threat. The Rangers kept the Guardians off the board and then tied it in the 6th on a RBI single by Marcus Semien, getting the Rangers crowd fully back into the series. The Rangers put the first 2 runners on in the 8th against Emmanuel Clase, but Clase hunkered down and fought out of the jam, keeping the game tied heading into the 9th. Kyle Tucker laced a 1-out double down the line to put the go-ahead run in scoring position, and Jose Ramirez had another signature moment as he ripped a 2-out double off the center field wall to give the Guardians a 4-3 lead. The Rangers put the leadoff man aboard in the 9th, but Emmanuel Clase retired the next three batters to give the Guardians a crucial 3-1 series lead.

Box Score: https://imgur.com/a/a1WqKHv

[U7Gohan]

Game Summary

The Guardians struck first this time, as Vinnie Pasquantino drove in Kyle Tucker with a 2-out RBI single in the 2nd. Luis Campusano and Matt Vierling then both reached, giving Andres Gimenez a chance to come up big, and he did with a 2-run single to make it 3-0. Carlos Correa then reached on a HBP, extending the nightmare 2-out rally for Texas, but George Valera struck out to end the threat. Shane Bieber got into trouble in the 3rd as Corey Seager came up as the tying run with 2 outs, but he flew out to keep the score 3-0. Justin Foscue came up with 1 out also as the tying run next inning, but grounded into a double play to once again come up empty. The Rangers went to their bullpen in the 7th, and the Guardians ambushed Robert Suarez as Andres Gimenez blasted a 2-run HR to extend the lead to 5-0. Kyle Tucker supplied the dagger a few batters later with a 2-out, 2-run double to make it 7-0 Guardians. Vinnie Pasquantino made it a laugher with a solo shot an inning later. Danny Jansen finally got the Rangers on the board in the 8th with a solo shot off Shane Bieber, but the Guardians erased that run with a RBI groundout by George Valera in the 9th. Gavin Williams closed out the series with a scoreless 9th to send the Guardians to the World Series.

Box Score: https://imgur.com/a/vC6pK02

The Guardians will face either the Dodgers or the Cubs in the World Series, who are currently tied 2-2 in the NLCS.

[U7Gohan]

News Dump

2B Andres Gimenez won ALCS MVP, batting .435 with 4 HR, 8 R, and 11 RBI in the series.

SP Cody Morris and CF Michael A. Taylor both returned from the IL and were added to the playoff roster. In a corresponding move, SP Gavin Williams and LF Oscar Mercado were removed from the playoff roster.

Around the League

In the NLCS:

The Dodgers and Cubs battled in a thrilling 7-game set, but the Dodgers prevailed from down 3-2 with a walkoff single by Shohei Ohtani in Game 6 and a dominant performance by Andrew Heaney in Game 7. The home team won all seven games of the series as the defending champion Dodgers showed their mettle after being tested for the first time after a dominant World Series run in 2023.

RF Mookie Betts (4.0, 4.0) won series MVP.


Series Preview

The Guardians will get their crack at the Dodgers, the defending World Series champions. The Guardians and Dodgers both dominated the regular season in 2023, but the Dodgers kept that rolling through the playoffs while the Guardians struggled to a 4-1 ALCS loss after barely surviving the ALDS. Now, the Guardians are the ones rolling, but can they go the distance? We will find out.

According to Scouting Director Ohman, the Dodgers' top players are...

1. RF Shohei Ohtani (5.0, 5.0)
2. CL Raisel Iglesias (5.0, 5.0)
3. LF Joey Gallo (4.5, 4.5)
4. SS Trea Turner (4.5, 4.5)
5. 2B Gavin Lux (4.0, 4.0)

The Dodgers are as star-studded as it gets, and certainly a match for the Guardians. We will see if they can slow down the Guardians' white-hot offense, however, and take advantage of their defense-cushioned pitching staff.

Probable Pitchers

Game 1

Julio Urias (18-9, 3.16 ERA)
vs.
Shane Bieber (19-4, 2.65 ERA)

Game 2

Walker Buehler (5-6, 5.18 ERA)
vs.
Sean Hjelle (18-6, 2.70 ERA)

Game 3

Sandy Alcantara (12-13, 3.77 ERA)
vs.
Shohei Ohtani (15-6, 4.33 ERA)

Game 4

Cody Morris (1-0, 2.95 ERA)
vs.
Andrew Heaney (15-10, 3.77 ERA)

Game 5

Shane Bieber (19-4, 2.65 ERA)
vs.
Julio Urias (18-9, 3.16 ERA)

Game 6

Walker Buehler (5-6, 5.18 ERA)
vs.
Sean Hjelle (18-6, 2.70 ERA)

Game 7

Shohei Ohtani (15-6, 4.33 ERA)
vs.
Sandy Alcantara (12-13, 3.77 ERA)


This is what we came here for.

[U7Gohan]

Game Summary

The Guardians' inexperience starting a series on the road showed itself early, as Trea Turner hit a leadoff HR off of Shane Bieber, and Gavin Lux followed with a double. Bieber was showing clear command issues, but limited the damage to 2 runs as Lux scored on a groundout by Alex Bregman. J.C. Correa got one back with a solo HR of his own, however, and both pitchers settled in from there until Correa led off the 5th with a double this time. Manager Aaron Sele opted to start Matt Vierling in CF even with Michael A. Taylor healthy, and it paid dividends as Vierling homered with 2 outs to give the Guardians the lead. NLCS MVP Mookie Betts tied it up in the 6th with a RBI double, however, and Bieber's command issues returned as he walked Shohei Ohtani and allowed a 2-run double to Alex Bregman to put the Dodgers back in front. Matt Vierling got another 2-out chance as the tying run next inning, but flew out to end the threat. Alex Bregman came through again in the 8th with another double to make it 6-3, and Raisel Iglesias slammed the door with a 6-out save to hand the Guardians just their second loss of the postseason.

Box Score: https://imgur.com/a/Vt3JJQW