OOTP 23 Bloopball (Cleveland Guardians est. 2022)

[U7Gohan]

State of the Team

The team sits at 88-50 after going 18-11 in August, extending their AL Central lead to 15.0 games. The team ranks 4th in Runs Scored, 4th in SP ERA, 1st in RP ERA, and 1st in Team ERA in the AL. Of the deadline acqusitions, Nick Martinez has been the clear standout, with a 1.57 ERA since the trade, while Sean Hjelle has struggled to find his footing and Michael Brantley has struggled with the injury bug.

News Dump

SS Carlos Correa returned from the injury list, and with Bo Naylor's August struggles, Brandon Crawford took over full-time DH duties. SS Jermaine Palacios (2.5, 2.5) was optioned to AAA Columbus in a corresponding move. Michael Brantley is currently on the IL with a mild abdominal sprain, but should return in a week. OF Matt Vierling (2.5, 2.5) was recalled from AAA Columbus in a corresponding move. With active rosters expanding to 28 players, SS Jermaine Palacios (2.5, 2.5) and SP Cody Morris (2.5, 3.0) were recalled from AAA Columbus.

Notable Performances

Hitters:

C Austin Hedges: .214/.276/.425, 91 OPS+, 3.7 WAR in 362 PA
C Bo Naylor: .191/.263/.335, 65 OPS+
1B Vinnie Pasquantino: .256/.323/.472, 117 OPS+
2B Andres Gimenez: .291/.344/.437, 116 OPS+, 27 SB, 4.4 WAR
SS Carlos Correa: .278/.368/.453, 127 OPS+, 4.4 WAR in 366 PA
SS Brandon Crawford: .189/.245/.295, 50 OPS+, 0.2 WAR since the trade
3B Jose Ramirez: .278/.354/.542, 144 OPS+, 12 SB, 4.6 WAR in 477 PA
LF Michael Brantley: .254/.296/.403, 92 OPS+ since the trade
CF Michael A. Taylor: .221/.279/.352, 74 OPS+, 1.7 WAR
RF George Valera: .273/.349/.503, 133 OPS+, 2.5 WAR in 436 PA

Pitchers:

SP Shane Bieber: 3.81 ERA, 3.42 FIP, 11.5 K/9, 3.8 WAR
SP Sandy Alcantara: 3.38 ERA, 3.50 FIP, 8.9 K/9, 3.8 WAR
SP Sean Hjelle: 5.74 ERA, 4.24 FIP, 8.3 K/9, 0.4 WAR since the trade
SP Zach Plesac: 3.79 ERA, 3.83 FIP, 7.0 K/9, 2.5 WAR
SP Nick Martinez: 1.57 ERA, 3.57 FIP, 6.8 K/9, 0.7 WAR

CL Emmanuel Clase: 0.70 ERA, 2.13 FIP, 9.7 K/9, 45/47 SV/OPP,
2.8 WAR
RP James Karinchak: 2.21 ERA, 2.79 FIP, 14.1 K/9, 1.8 WAR
RP Jakob Hernandez: 3.17 ERA, 3.28 FIP, 12.0 K/9, 1.2 WAR
RP Brad Boxberger: 2.42 ERA, 2.68 FIP, 11.1 K/9, 1.6 WAR
RP Nick Sandlin: 3.02 ERA, 3.80 FIP, 12.5 K/9, 0.5 WAR
RP Denny Bentley: 1.77 ERA, 2.96 FIP, 9.9 K/9, 1.0 WAR
RP Seranthony Dominguez: 3.74 ERA, 3.48 FIP, 9.3 K/9, 0.6 WAR
RP Joey Cantillo: 3.81 ERA, 3.36 FIP, 10.1 K/9, 1.6 WAR


Minor League Report

With both George Valera and Bo Naylor having graduated from prospect status, the Guardians now sit at 23rd in the farm system rankings, with four Top 100 prospects.

SS Angel Martinez (2.5, 3.0) - #32
SP Ryan Murphy (2.5, 3.0) - #66
SP Nazier Mule (0.5, 3.0) - #77
SP Tanner Burns (2.5, 3.0) - #89

Other emerging prospects to watch are:

C Cooper Kinney (0.5, 2.5) - A Lynchburg

Player Development

MLB SP Zach Plesac (2.5, 2.5) - > (3.0, 3.0)
MLB C Bo Naylor (2.5, 4.0) - > (3.0, 4.5)
MLB 2B Andres Gimenez (3.5, 5.0) - > (5.0, 5.0)
MiLB SS Angel Martinez (2.0, 3.0) -> (2.5, 3.0)

Around the League

Standings

The Angels, with their big trade to acquire Michael Conforto and Cooper Hjerpe, sit at 74-64, good enough to be 4.5 games up on the A's in the AL West. The Mets have run away with the NL East, now sitting at an impressive 80-57 and a whopping 13 games up on the Phillies. The Dodgers, at 92-44, have already clinched playoffs, an impressive feat. The Yankees, at 72-66, are up 2.5 games on the A's for the 3rd AL Wild Card spot, while the Phillies at 67-70 lead the Cubs by a game for the 3rd NL Wild Card spot, with the Pirates in the mix as well. The NL has a dreadful total of 4 teams over .500, making for a hilarious playoff race.

League Leaders

AL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) - 6.4
2. Josh Jung (TEX) - 6.1
3. Adley Rutschman (BAL) - 5.5

AVG:

1. Adam Frazier (LAA) - .329
2. Vidal Brujan (TBR) - .319
3. Bo Bichette (TOR) - .308

OPS:

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) - 1.016
2. Adley Rutschman (BAL) - .954
3. Josh Jung (TEX) - .922

HR:

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) - 48
2. Yordan Alvarez (HOU) - 34
3. Nick Pratto (KCR) - 33

SB:

1. Vidal Brujan (TBR) - 37
2. Julio Rodriguez (SEA) - 36
3. Cedric Mullins (BAL) - 32

Pitcher WAR:

1. Lucas Giolito (CWS) - 4.1
2. Shane McClanahan (TBR) - 3.9
3. Eduardo Rodriguez (DET) - 3.8

ERA:

1. Shane Baz (TBR) - 2.57
2. Joe Ryan (MIN) - 2.68
3. Eduardo Rodriguez (DET) - 2.83

SV:

1. Emmanuel Clase (CLE) - 45
2. Jeffrey Springs (TBR) - 38
3. Matt Barnes (SEA) - 35

NL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - 7.1
2. Joey Gallo (LAD) - 6.2
3. Francisco Lindor (NYM) - 6.1

AVG:

1. Alek Thomas (ARI) - .318
2. Eric Hosmer (SDP) - .299
3. Bryan Reynolds (PIT) - .299

OPS:

1. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - 1.040
2. Bryce Harper (PHI) - 1.036
3. Ronald Acuna Jr. (ATL) - .940

HR:

1. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - 43
2. Bryce Harper (PHI) - 41
3. Kyle Schwarber (PHI) - 37

SB:

1. Manuel Margot (MIL) - 31
2. Dylan Carlson (STL) - 30
3. Jazz Chisholm Jr. (MIA) - 30

Pitcher WAR:

1. Max Fried (ATL) - 4.5
2. Zack Wheeler (PHI) - 4.3
3. Max Scherzer (NYM) - 4.1

ERA:

1. Jacob deGrom (NYM) - 2.73
2. Logan Webb (SFG) - 3.00
3. Pablo Lopez (MIA) - 3.33

SV:

1. Yerry De Los Santos (PIT) - 41
2. Ryan Pressly (LAD) - 41
3. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) - 37

Major Extensions

None

1 more month to see how everything shakes out. There are some exciting (and simultaneously comedic) races. For the Guardians, let's just hope no one gets seriously injured before the playoffs...

[U7Gohan]

State of the Team

The team had an excellent September, going 17-7 and finishing at a whopping 105-57, good for a whopping 40-win improvement from 2022 and 2nd in MLB to only the 109-53 Dodgers. The team is also fully healthy and intact entering the playoffs, and appears poised for a deep playoff run. They finished 4th in Runs Scored, 3rd in SP ERA, 1st in RP ERA, 1st in Team ERA, 5th in Defensive Efficiency, 2nd in Zone Rating, and 2nd in BsR in the AL. A superteam, through and through.

News Dump

The Guardians have re-opened extension talks with CF Michael A. Taylor. Both sides are highly motivated to keep him in Cleveland beyond 2023, but the Guardians, with their large expenditures this past offseason, are operating on a very limited budget.

The Playoff Roster

Hitters:

C Austin Hedges*: .229/.292/.463, 105 OPS+, 4.8 WAR in 416 PA
C Bryan Lavastida: .184/.241/.342, 59 OPS+, -0.1 WAR
C/DH Bo Naylor*: .205/.281/.373, 80 OPS+
1B Vinnie Pasquantino*: .252/.319/.445, 109 OPS+
2B Andres Gimenez*: .302/.358/.449, 122 OPS+, 33 SB, 5.8 WAR
2B Bryson Stott: .333/.389/.512, 148 OPS+, 2.6 WAR in 222 PA
SS Carlos Correa*: .276/.361/.466, 127 OPS+, 5.3 WAR in 476 PA
SS Jermaine Palacios: .295/.319/.455, 109 OPS+, 0.8 WAR in 116 PA
3B Jose Ramirez*: .264/.336/.515, 131 OPS+, 15 SB, 4.5 WAR
LF Michael Brantley*: .299/.354/.403, 110 OPS+, 0.1 WAR since the trade
CF Michael A. Taylor*: .218/.275/.337, 69 OPS+, 1.8 WAR
CF Oscar Mercado: .235/.293/.403, 90 OPS+, 0.8 WAR in 167 PA
RF George Valera*: .296/.380/.550, 154 OPS+, 4.5 WAR

* = Starting Lineup

Pitchers:

SP Shane Bieber: 3.64 ERA, 3.63 FIP, 11.3 K/9, 4.1 WAR
SP Sandy Alcantara: 3.39 ERA, 3.55 FIP, 8.7 K/9, 4.4 WAR
SP Sean Hjelle: 4.57 ERA, 4.25 FIP, 7.7 K/9, 0.8 WAR since the trade
SP Zach Plesac: 3.87 ERA, 3.86 FIP, 7.3 K/9, 3.0 WAR
SP Nick Martinez: 3.07 ERA, 4.31 FIP, 5.5 K/9, 0.7 WAR since the trade

CL Emmanuel Clase: 0.84 ERA, 1.96 ERA, 10.2 K/9, 50/52 SV/OPP, 3.5 WAR
RP James Karinchak: 2.20 ERA, 2.79 FIP, 14.0 K/9, 2.0 WAR
RP Jakob Hernandez: 3.27 ERA, 3.09 FIP, 12.2 K/9, 1.2 WAR
RP Brad Boxberger: 2.50 ERA, 2.84 ERA, 10.8 K/9, 1.6 WAR
RP Nick Sandlin: 3.47 ERA, 3.78 FIP, 12.4 K/9, 0.6 WAR
RP Denny Bentley: 1.62 ERA, 2.88 FIP, 10.1 K/9, 1.2 WAR
RP Seranthony Dominguez: 4.01 ERA, 3.74 FIP, 9.1 K/9, 0.5 WAR
RP Joey Cantillo: 2.43 ERA, 2.24 ERA, 11.7 K/9, 1.1 WAR as RP

SS Brandon Crawford's dismal performance cost him a spot on the roster.

Minor League Report

The Guardians sit at 20th in MLB in the farm system rankings, with four Top 100 prospects:

SS Angel Martinez (2.5, 3.0) - #32
SP Ryan Murphy (2.5, 3.0) - #66
SP Nazier Mule (0.5, 3.0) - #75
SP Tanner Burns (2.5, 3.0) - #87


Around the League

Standings and Playoffs Preview

The playoff seeding is as follows:

AL:

1. Guardians (105-57)
2. Rays (98-64)
3. Angels (92-70)
4. Orioles (85-77)
5. Mariners (85-77)
6. White Sox (84-77)

The Yankees missed the 3rd Wild Card by 1 game.

NL:

1. Dodgers (109-53)
2. Cardinals (100-62)
3. Mets (89-73)
4. Padres (86-76)
5. Phillies (84-78)
6. DBacks (81-81)

The Cubs missed the 3rd Wild Card by 2 games.

For the AL Wild Card Series, the winner of the Mariners and Orioles will face the Guardians, while the winner of the White Sox and Angels will face the Rays.

For the NL Wild Card Series, the winner of the Phillies and Padres will face the Dodgers, while the winner of the DBacks and Mets will face the Cardinals.

League Leaders

AL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) - 8.2
2. Josh Jung (TEX) - 7.5
3. Adley Rutschman (BAL) - 6.5

AVG:

1. Vidal Brujan (TBR) - .324
2. Adam Frazier (LAA) - .316
3. Bo Bichette (TOR) - .312

OPS:

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) - 1.040
2. Josh Jung (TEX) - .936
3. Adley Rutschman (BAL) - .930

HR:

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) - 56
2. Yordan Alvarez (HOU) - 39
3. Josh Jung (TEX) - 37

SB:

1. Vidal Brujan (TBR) - 53
2. Cedric Mullins (BAL) - 41
3. Julio Rodriguez (SEA) - 37

Pitcher WAR:

1. Shane McClanahan (TBR) - 5.0
2. Shane Baz (TBR) - 4.7
3. Lucas Giolito (CWS) - 4.7

ERA:

1. Shane Baz (TBR) - 2.56
2. Lucas Giolito (CWS) - 3.00
3. Joe Ryan (MIN) - 3.06

SV:

1. Emmanuel Clase (CLE) - 50
2. Matt Barnes (SEA) - 44
3. Liam Hendriks (CHW) - 41

NL:

Hitter WAR:

1. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - 8.0
2. Joey Gallo (LAD) - 7.4
3. Bryce Harper (PHI) - 7.4

AVG:

1. Alek Thomas (ARI) - .315
2. Ketel Marte (ARI) - .303
3. Bryce Harper (PHI) - .303

OPS:

1. Bryce Harper (PHI) - 1.040
2. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - 1.026
3. Joey Gallo (LAD) - .914

HR:

1. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) - 54
2. Bryce Harper (PHI) - 49
3. Ian Happ (CHC) - 45

SB.

1. Trea Turner (LAD) - 37
2. Jazz Chisholm Jr. (MIA) - 36
3. Manuel Margot (MIL) - 36

Pitcher WAR:

1. Zack Wheeler (PHI) - 5.3
2. Max Fried (ATL) - 4.7
3. Max Scherzer (NYM) - 4.5

ERA:

1. Jacob deGrom (NYM) - 2.90
2. Jack Flaherty (STL) - 3.06
3. Max Scherzer (NYM) - 3.20

SV:

1. Yerry De Los Santos (PIT) - 49
2. Ryan Pressly (LAD) - 46
3. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) - 44


Major Extensions

None


The next post will be the ALDS preview. This is a superteam, but anything can happen in the playoffs, and the team's soft spots will really be tested there. Let's do it.

[U7Gohan]

Series Preview

In the ALDS, we will take on the Baltimore Orioles, who were dominant in August but slumped in September, narrowly holding onto their 1st Wild Card spot. They swept the Mariners in the Wild Card series with 6-4 and 4-2 victories, hitting 5 HRs in total. SS Ramon Urias (2.5, 2.5) won series MVP.

The Orioles ranked 3rd in Runs Scored in the AL but 12th in SP ERA, 11th in RP ERA, and 11th in Team ERA in the AL, showing a weakness in their pitching staff.

Top Players

1. C Adley Rutschman (5.0, 5.0) - .275/.362/.567, 148 OPS+, 6.5 WAR
2. CF Cedric Mullins (3.5, 3.5) - .265/.334/.474, 117 OPS+, 41 SB, 6.0 WAR
3. SP Grayson Rodriguez (3.5, 4.5) - 3.82 ERA, 4.12 FIP, 11.0 K/9, 2.5 WAR
4. 3B Gunnar Henderson (3.0, 3.5) - .244/.332/.456, 112 OPS+, 15 SB, 3.9 WAR
5. LF Ryan McKenna (3.0, 3.0) - .249/.316/.448, 105 OPS+, 34 SB, 3.6 WAR

Probable Pitchers

Game 1

Shane Bieber (3.5, 3.5) - 3.64 ERA, 3.63 FIP, 11.3 K/9, 4.1 WAR
vs.
Dillon Tate (2.0, 2.0) - 4.76 ERA, 4.69 FIP, 5.7 K/9, -0.1 WAR

Game 2

Sandy Alcantara (3.5, 3.5) - 3.39 ERA, 3.55 FIP, 8.7 K/9, 4.4 WAR
vs.
Mike Minor (2.0, 2.0) - 6.51 ERA, 5.15 FIP, 8.1 K/9, 0.2 WAR

Game 3

Grayson Rodriguez (3.5, 4.5) - 3.82 ERA, 4.12 FIP, 11.0 K/9, 2.5 WAR
vs.
Sean Hjelle (3.0, 3.5) - 3.89 ERA, 4.11 FIP, 7.6 K/9, 1.3 WAR

Game 4

Tyler Wells (2.5, 2.5) - 5.20 ERA, 5.28 FIP, 8.4 K/9, 0.3 WAR
vs.
Zach Plesac (3.0, 3.0) - 3.87 ERA, 3.86 FIP, 7.3 K/9, 3.0 WAR

Game 5

Shane Bieber (3.5, 3.5) - 3.64 ERA, 3.63 FIP, 11.3 K/9, 4.1 WAR
vs.
Dillon Tate (2.0, 2.0) - 4.76 ERA, 4.69 FIP, 5.7 K/9, -0.1 WAR


Around the League

In the other Wild Card series':

The Angels defeated the White Sox in a thrilling 3-game set that saw the White Sox winning a wild 11-10 Game 2. RF Brandon Marsh (3.0, 3.0) won series MVP. The Angels will face the Rays in the ALDS.

The Phillies defeated the Padres in a pitching duel of a 3-game series, with the first 2 games each finishing 2-1 and Nick Castellanos' go-ahead 2-run double in Game 3 propelling the Phillies to a 4-2 victory. Castellanos (3.0, 3.0) also won series MVP. The Phillies will face the Dodgers in the NLDS.

The Mets defeated the DBacks in 3 games after losing Game 1 7-4, coming right back with 7-1 and 6-4 victories. The DBacks rallied in the 9th in Game 3, but came up short. 1B Pete Alonso (3.5, 3.5) won series MVP. The Mets will face the Cardinals in the NLDS.


There will be a post for each game of our series. Here. We. Go.

[U7Gohan]

Final Score: Orioles 5, Guardians 2

Game Summary

Despite the Orioles' RISP chances, first blood was drawn by rookie RF George Valera on a solo HR in the 4th. 1B Vinnie Pasquantino hit a solo shot of his own two batters later, giving SP Shane Bieber some cushion to work with. Dillon Tate's heroic effort after DL Hall's 2-innings of opener duty kept it close, though, and the Orioles cut the lead in half with a 2-out solo shot by Andrew Benintendi in the 7th. Guardians manager Aaron Sele did not want to mess around in a 1-run game, going to CL Emmanuel Clase in the 8th. SS Carlos Correa's throwing error led to 2 runs scoring, however, setting up Adley Rutschman to supply the dagger with a 2-run HR. RP Matt Strahm showed control issues in the 8th, but got a double play and a strikeout to escape a two-on no-outs jam. Strahm closed out the 9th and the Orioles took Game 1 in upset fashion.

Box Score

https://imgur.com/a/yjohANr

[U7Gohan]

Final Score: Guardians 2, Orioles 0

Game Summary

The Orioles again threatened early, with 1st and 3rd no outs in the 2nd, but a Caught Stealing by Austin Hedges and 2 strikeouts by Sandy Alcantara erased the threat. The Guardians once again struck first in the 4th, this time on a Jose Ramirez triple. Ramirez was stranded on 3rd with no outs, however. Wild Card series MVP Ramon Urias looked to have tied the game up on a RBI single, but a strong throw from CF Michael A. Taylor hosed Andrew Benintendi at home. Orioles CF Cedric Mullins flashed the leather himself with a diving catch to save 2 runs from scoring off the bat of Carlos Correa, then LF Ryan McKenna made a catch in foul ground before gunning down Austin Hedges tagging up to score, keeping the score 1-0 Guardians. Jose Ramirez once again took it upon himself to win this game, hitting a solo HR to lead off the 6th and make it 2-0. The Orioles brought the go-ahead run to the plate with 1 out in the 7th, but Alcantara escaped trouble with a strikeout and a forceout. CL Emmanuel Clase picked up a 2-inning save to even the series at 1-1.

Box Score

https://imgur.com/a/x63b17k

[U7Gohan]

Final Score: Orioles 5, Guardians 3

Game Summary

The Orioles started the bottom of the 1st with 3 straight hits against SP Sean Hjelle, and Ryan Mountcastle's 2-run HR made it 4-0 Orioles. Jose Ramirez continued his hot streak with a solo shot to start the 2nd, however. Ramirez came up again in the 3rd representing the tying run with 2 outs, but struck out in a crucial at-bat. The Guardians continued to fight, however, and finally got some production from the bottom of the order as Michael A. Taylor hit a 2-run HR to cut the lead to 1, until Orioles RF Austin Hays hit a HR of his own to make it 5-3. The Guardians threatened in the 5th with two on and nobody out, but failed to score as Ramirez came up short again and LHP Drew Smyly came out of the pen to retire Vinnie Pasquantino. The Guardians got another chance in the 6th with bases loaded and nobody out, but again failed to score as Andres Gimenez, playing through a sore back, and Carlos Correa both struck out against Smyly. Matt Strahm entered once again for the 8th, proving to be a workhorse for the Orioles' thin pitching staff, and stranded Michael Brantley's leadoff single. Strahm recorded the first 2 outs of the 9th before leaving with a leg injury, and RHP Jorge Lopez came in to strike out George Valera for the final out. The Guardians must now win the next 2 to stay alive.

Box Score

https://imgur.com/a/tdMsHg8

[U7Gohan]

Despite the Guardians' frustrating Game 3 loss, there was good news on this day. CF Michael A. Taylor (3.0, 3.0) signed a $7.6M/1yr extension with a 2nd-year team option with the Guardians. Taylor and the Guardians had been seeking common ground on an extension all season, but the two sides were far apart until recent days, when Taylor lowered his demands to suit the Guardians' payroll situation.

[U7Gohan]

Final Score: Guardians 10, Orioles 3

Game Summary

The Guardians struck first once again on a 2-run single by Michael Brantley in the 2nd, but failed to add more with 2nd and 3rd 1 out as Carlos Correa grounded out with the bases loaded. The Orioles loaded the bases with 2 outs against Zach Plesac in response, but Plesac rung up Ryan McKenna to escape the threat. Michael A. Taylor celebrated his extension with another clutch RBI single to make it 3-0, forcing the Orioles to their bullpen to bring in a LHP for Michael Brantley. Brantley made them pay, however, with a 2-run double that extended the lead to 5-0, although Brantley was thrown out at 3rd trying to stretch it to a triple. The Orioles made it clear they wouldn't let Game 5 come quietly, however, immediately answering with back-to-back doubles by Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, and Ryan Mountcastle driving in another run on a single. Austin Hays then ripped a double, but similarly to Michael Brantley, was thrown out going to 3rd, ending the inning at 5-3 Guardians. Jose Ramirez hit his 3rd HR of the series to make it 7-3, however, putting a crucial halt on the Orioles' momentum. Ramirez came up again the next inning with 2 on and 1 out, and homered AGAIN to make it 10-3, putting the game on ice, and forcing a winner-take-all Game 5 in Cleveland.

Box Score

https://imgur.com/a/MGrzVIL

[U7Gohan]

2B Andres Gimenez (5.0, 5.0) was sidelined for the postseason with plantar fascitis ahead of ALDS Game 5. SS Brandon Crawford (3.0, 3.0) will be added to the playoff roster in a corresponding move. This is a crushing blow to a Guardians team that has already struggled to hit with RISP so far this postseason.

[U7Gohan]

Final Score: Guardians 2, Orioles 1

Game Summary

The Cleveland crowd got roaring early as Carlos Correa came up big with a 2-out, RBI single in the 2nd against Grayson Rodriguez. The 2nd runner was gunned down at the plate by LF Ryan McKenna, however, erasing the threat. Ryan Mountcastle hit a solo HR in the 5th to tie it against Shane Bieber, and Rodriguez shut down a 1-out RISP threat to keep it tied through 5. Michael A. Taylor came up with his 3rd huge hit of the series an inning later, however, this time with a go-ahead solo HR to make it 2-1 Guardians. Shane Bieber was asked to escape a two-on, two-out situation in the 7th, and did so with an excellent running catch by Michael A. Taylor, who is showing why he earned that extension. Emmanuel Clase was then asked for the 3rd time this series to record a 6-out save, and he got it done again to send the Guardians to the ALCS in a nailbiter of a series. The Guardians' best pitchers came through when they needed it most, and Jose Ramirez and Michael A. Taylor willed the offense to victory.

3B Jose Ramirez, predictably, won series MVP.

Box Score

https://imgur.com/a/5bk1Tj6

[U7Gohan]

Series Preview

In the ALCS, the Guardians will take on the Angels, who swept the Rays in the ALDS in shocking fashion. In Game 1, Mike Trout's 8th-inning go-ahead RBI single gave the Angels a 3-2 win, and the Angels' 4 HRs in Game 2 put them up 2-0. Game 3 was another nailbiter, tied 3-3 headed into the bottom of the 9th, but Anthony Rendon homered to send everybody home happy and the Angels to the ALCS. Rendon (3.0, 3.0) also won series MVP.

The Angels won the NL West by going 92-70, finishing 7th in Runs Scored, 2nd in SP ERA, 4th in RP ERA, and 3rd in Team ERA in the AL, and now look dangerous so far in the postseason.

Top Players

1. CF Mike Trout (5.0, 5.0) - .257/.396/.510, 152 OPS+, 5.5 WAR
2. CL Raisel Iglesias (5.0, 5.0) - 2.47 ERA, 2.82 FIP, 13.1 K/9, 37/40 SV/OPP, 2.8 WAR
3. RP Luke Murphy (3.5, 4.0) - 1.53 ERA, 2.90 FIP, 9.7 K/9, 2.3 WAR
4. 1B Taylor Ward (3.5, 3.5) - .277/.371/.501, 141 OPS+, 4.9 WAR
5. RP Oliver Ortega (3.5, 4.0) - 3.14 ERA, 2.96 FIP, 11.7 K/9, 1.4 WAR

Probable Pitchers

Game 1

Sandy Alcantara (3.5, 3.5) - 3.39 ERA, 3.55 FIP, 8.7 K/9, 4.4 WAR
vs.
Austin Warren (3.0, 3.0) - 2.39 ERA, 2.91 FIP, 12.9 K/9, 1.9 WAR

Game 2

Sean Hjelle (3.0, 3.5) - 3.89 ERA, 4.11 FIP, 7.6 K/9, 1.3 WAR
vs.
Noah Syndergaard (3.5, 3.5) - 3.41 ERA, 4.10 FIP, 7.6 K/9, 2.8 WAR

Game 3

Michael Lorenzen (2.5, 2.5) - 4.72 ERA, 4.84 FIP, 6.9 K/9, 0.9 WAR
vs.
Zach Plesac (3.0, 3.0) - 3.87 ERA, 3.86 FIP, 7.3 K/9, 3.0 WAR

Game 4

Reid Detmers (3.0, 3.5) - 3.24 ERA, 3.95 FIP, 9.3 K/9, 3.2 WAR
vs.
Shane Bieber (3.5, 3.5) - 3.64 ERA, 3.63 FIP, 11.3 K/9, 4.1 WAR

Game 5

Austin Warren (3.0, 3.0) - 2.39 ERA, 2.91 FIP, 12.9 K/9, 1.9 WAR
vs.
Sandy Alcantara (3.5, 3.5) - 3.39 ERA, 3.55 FIP, 8.7 K/9, 4.4 WAR

Game 6

Sean Hjelle (3.0, 3.5) - 3.89 ERA, 4.11 FIP, 7.6 K/9, 1.3 WAR
vs.
Noah Syndergaard (3.5, 3.5) - 3.41 ERA, 4.10 FIP, 7.6 K/9, 2.8 WAR

Game 7

Zach Plesac (3.0, 3.0) - 3.87 ERA, 3.86 FIP, 7.3 K/9, 3.0 WAR
vs.
Michael Lorenzen (2.5, 2.5) - 4.72 ERA, 4.84 FIP, 6.9 K/9, 0.9 WAR



Around the League

In the NLDS:

The Dodgers showed their might after going 109-53 in the regular season, sweeping the Phillies in the NLDS. All 3 games were won in dominating fashion, with the Dodgers outscoring the Phillies 23-6 in total. 1B Freddie Freeman (2.5, 2.5) won series MVP after a struggle in the regular season.

Mets vs. Cardinals, on the other hand, went the distance, but the mighty 100-win Cardinals also prevailed. Games 3 and 4 were both 1-run games, but Game 5 featured a gem from the Cardinals' pitching staff and enough big hits to win 4-1 and advance to face the Dodgers in the NLCS. SS Adalberto Mondesi (3.0, 3.0) won series MVP.


The Guardians will need to be better than they were against the Orioles to beat this Angels team. Let's see what they're made of.

[U7Gohan]

Final Score: Guardians 4, Angels 1

Game Summary

Both teams threatened in the 2nd, but the first scoring of the night came once again on a Jose Ramirez solo HR in the 4th (getting some serious deja vu now). Vinnie Pasquantino followed with a no-outs double, but was stranded (really big deja vu here indeed). Alcantara shut it down for 2 more innings before Pasquantino doubled again, this time with Bo Naylor driving him in with a single to make it 2-0. Alcantara finally ran into trouble in the 8th, as the Angels got the first 2 batters on base. Alcantara struck out the next 2, but a RBI single by Adam Frazier cut the lead to 1. Emmanuel Clase entered to face ALDS MVP Anthony Rendon, and with help from RF George Valera's diving catch, he retired him, lead intact.
The Guardians got a chance to add insurance in the bottom of the 8th, and Austin Hedges came up to face RP Oliver Ortega with the bases loaded and 2 outs. He came through with a 2-run single to make it 4-1. Brandon Marsh came to the plate representing the tying run with 2 outs in the 9th, but Clase struck him out to end it.

Box Score

https://imgur.com/a/9zYJDce

[U7Gohan]

Final Score: Angels 7, Guardians 0

Game Summary

The Angels threatened in the 2nd once again, but drew first blood in the 4th on a RBI double by Taylor Ward. Chris Taylor followed up with a 2-run double of his own, giving the Angels a 3-0 lead. Syndergaard shut down the Guardians, allowing just 1 hit through 5, and Brandon Marsh added another on a RBI double against RP Jakob Hernandez to make it 4-0. Max Stassi then broke it wide open with a 2-run shot right after, making it 6-0 Angels. Anthony Rendon picked up where he left off in the ALCS with a solo shot, capping off a dominating performance overall.

Box Score

https://imgur.com/a/YFmNOXe

[U7Gohan]

Final Score: Angels 4, Guardians 2

Game Summary

Once again, Jose Ramirez got the scoring started with a solo HR, this time in the 2nd. The Guardians threatened again in the 4th, but came up empty with 2nd and 3rd no outs. Michael A. Taylor continued his heroics with a solo shot to make it 2-0 in the 5th, while Shane Bieber cruised until Anthony Rendon emerged with some more heroics of his own, a 2-run HR to tie it in the 6th. The Angels kept the pressure up and Kole Calhoun ripped a RBI single for the lead. Brandon Marsh hit an infield single for another RBI to make it 4-2, and Bieber continued his disaster inning with a walk to Max Stassi. Jakob Hernandez was brought in to escape the jam, and he did by getting Elvis Andrus to ground into a forceout with the bases loaded. The damage was done, however, and Raisel Iglesias picked up a 6-out save to close it out, giving the Angels a 2-1 series lead.

Box Score

https://imgur.com/a/4Xv3sQ9

[U7Gohan]

Final Score: Angels 4, Guardians 3

Game Summary

The Guardians set the tone, with Michael Brantley hitting a leadoff double and Jose Ramirez driving him in with a 2-out RBI single. Taylor Ward tied it with a solo shot in the 3rd, however, and Max Stassi followed with a double, scoring two batters later on a groundout by Adam Frazier. At the next sign of trouble in the 5th, Guardians manager Aaron Sele went to Brad Boxberger to escape a 1st-and-3rd 2-out jam, doing so successfully. The Guardians failed to muster anything more against Lorenzen, however, leaving them to try to stop Raisel Iglesias from getting a 6-out save on consecutive nights. Didi Gregorius added an insurance run in the 8th with a RBI single off of James Karinchak, who was brought in specifically to face Gregorius with 2 outs. Jose Ramirez got the 9th started with an infield single, and Vinnie Pasquantino followed with a single of his own, bringing the struggling Bo Naylor to the plate representing the go-ahead run. Naylor singled to load the bases with nobody out, prompting the Angels to go to Oliver Ortega to try and close it out. Oscar Mercado struck out for the 1st out, but Jermaine Palacios singled to cut the lead to 3-2. Austin Hedges struck out for out number 2, leaving it all up to Michael Brantley, who walked to tie the game, setting the stage for the struggling Carlos Correa, who grounded into a force out to send it to the bottom of the 9th. Emmanuel Clase struck out the side to force extras. Jose Ramirez hit an infield single, but was stranded as Oscar Mercado grounded into a forceout after Bo Naylor was intentionally walked following a Ramirez steal. Clase was also given the 10th, and pitched another 1-2-3 inning. Jeurys Familia, who struggled in the regular season, handled the bottom of the Guardians order to keep it tied heading to the bottom of the 11th, which Seranthony Dominguez would be tasked with. Dominguez walked Trout on 4 pitches to start it, but a diving catch by Carlos Correa recorded the first out before a double play off the bat of Kole Calhoun sent it to the 12th. Jeurys Familia recorded the first out, and Jose Suarez recorded the next two, keeping it tied for the bottom of the 12th. Dominguez pitched a 1-2-3 inning this time, with help from a diving stop by Jose Ramirez, sending it to the 13th. The Guardians put 2 on with singles by Vinnie Pasquantino and Oscar Mercado, but came up empty again. Dominguez nearly escaped trouble thanks to a diving catch by George Valera, but Didi Gregorius walked it off with a RBI single as Dominguez gutted through his 3rd inning of work. The Angels are 1 win away from heading to the World Series. Another heartbreaking loss for the Guardians who fail to capitalize on a subpar starting pitcher...

Box Score

https://imgur.com/a/hYqvNjb

[U7Gohan]

Final Score: Guardians 5, Angels 3

Game Summary

Michael A. Taylor got things started in the 4th with a 2-out, 2-run double, which ended up being enough to let Sandy Alcantara cruise through 8 scoreless innings with little threat. Emmanuel Clase entered with 1 out in the 8th, but surrendered a game-tying 2-run double to Michael Conforto. Anthony Rendon, the ALDS MVP, then hit a go-ahead RBI single to make it 3-2 Angels in the 8th, setting the Guardians up for a heartbreaking way to end their run. Brandon Crawford led off the 9th with what looked to be a HR, but it died at the CF track as Mike Trout came down with it. Bryson Stott flew out to CF, leaving the game in the hands of Austin Hedges, who fell behind 0-2 to Oliver Ortega before tying it on a HR off a hanging curveball. Michael Brantley walked before Brandon Marsh robbed Carlos Correa of a hit with a diving catch for the 3rd out. James Karinchak was brought in for the bottom of the 9th, and with a 3-2 count, bases loaded, and 2 outs, struck out Didi Gregorius. Oscar Mercado led off the 10th with an infield single, but was stranded. Karinchak pitched a scoreless 10th, and then a Bryson Stott double and Austin Hedges walk saw Carlos Correa with the bat with 2 outs in the 11th against Jeurys Familia. He struck out, continuing one of the worst postseason runs for a good player I've ever seen. Brad Boxberger pitched an IMMACULATE INNING in the 11th! Jermaine Palacios finally broke through with a RBI double that brought home Jose Ramirez, giving the Guardians a 4-3 lead in the 12th. Brandon Crawford drove in Palacios with a single to make it 5-3 before Denny Bentley closed it out in the 12th, including inducing a groundout from Michael Lorenzen. The Guardians are still alive, against all odds.

Box Score

https://imgur.com/a/pEgpLdI

[U7Gohan]

Final Score: Angels 6, Guardians 3

Game Summary

Sean Hjelle got the crowd in it early by escaping trouble in the 1st, and the Guardians loaded the bases with nobody out for Jose Ramirez against the previously-dominant Syndergaard. Ramirez was hit by pitch, and the Guardians took a 1-0 lead. Vinnie Pasquantino followed with a sac fly to make it 2-0, then a two-out throwing error by Anthony Rendon made it 3-0. Hjelle again escaped trouble in the 2nd, keeping momentum going the Guardians' way. The Angels wouldn't stay down for long, however, as a 2-run HR by Mike Trout made it 3-2, and a solo shot by Kole Calhoun two batters later tied it at 3. Max Stassi got in on the action with a solo shot of his own an inning later, giving the Angels a 4-3 lead in another poor outing by Sean Hjelle. The Guardians threatened with 2nd and 3rd 1 out in the 5th, but a diving catch by LF Chris Taylor robbed Jose Ramirez of a hit and kept the Angels in front. Shane Bieber made a surprise relief appearance in the 7th to escape a jam, a curious decision by Guardians manager Aaron Sele, but gave up 2 runs in the 8th on a 2-out, 2-run single by Elvis Andrus. The Guardians would now have to score 3 off of Raisel Iglesias in the 9th. Michael A. Taylor started things off with a single, but Bryson Stott grounded into a double play, and pinch-hitter Brandon Crawford struck out to end it. The Guardians were undone by a lack of any production whatsoever by Carlos Correa, George Valera, and the weakest parts of the roster. The Angels will head to the World Series as the Guardians' 105-win regular season did not lead to a World Series run.

Box Score

https://imgur.com/a/UgsKnz1

The next update will round up the rest of the playoffs and set the stage for the offseason.

[U7Gohan]

Playoff Roundup

The Dodgers won Game 1 of the NLCS in dominating fashion with a 7-1 victory over the Cardinals, but the Cardinals erased a 4-0 deficit in the 8th of Game 2 with a Harrison Bader grand slam off of Ryan Pressly and then a Nolan Gorman RBI single an inning later. The Dodgers didn't let that stop them, though, dominating the next 2 games and winning Game 5 by a score of 2-1 on a tiebreaking solo shot by Joey Gallo in the 9th.

The 109-win Dodgers kept it rolling in the World Series, winning Game 1 on a go-ahead HR by Cody Bellinger in the 8th and Game 2 in blowout fashion. The Angels struck back in Game 3 and nearly erased a 6-1 deficit in Game 4, but the Dodgers stopped the bleeding in the 5th and held the Angels scoreless for the rest of the game, winning 7-5. The Angels took Game 5 to stay alive but lost Game 6 by a score of 4-1, as the Dodgers completed their all-time dominant season to win the World Series without much trouble.

State of the Team

News Dump

SP Nick Martinez, C Austin Hedges (2), SS Carlos Correa (3), and CF Michael A. Taylor (2) all won AL Gold Glove Awards. 2B Andres Gimenez and LF George Valera won AL Silver Slugger awards. LF George Valera won AL Rookie of the Year and CL Emmanuel Clase won AL Reliever of the Year as well.

Pitching Coach Bryce Bence retired, so we agreed to terms with John Courtright to be our new pitching coach. He brings a similar style of coaching to that of Bryce Bence, who coached the AL's top pitching staff in 2023.

The Guardians also agreed to an extension with pending FA RP Brad Boxberger (3.5, 3.5). The deal is for $4M/1yr and includes a team option for 2025.

For the arbitration cases, RP Anthony Castro (2.5, 2.5) and RP Angel Perdomo (2.5, 2.5) were non-tendered. Every other arbitration-eligible player was tendered a contract.

C Austin Hedges had his $3.4M team option for 2024 exercised.

SP Nick Martinez (2.5, 2.5), SS Brandon Crawford (3.0, 3.0), and LF Michael Brantley (3.0, 3.0) filed for free agency.

Offseason Goals

My biggest motivation currently would be to add another big bat. The playoffs were a struggle offensively for the Guardians, largely because of the struggles of Carlos Correa and George Valera, but with Michael Brantley leaving and George Valera entering his sophomore season, I need to be sure the lineup will be strong enough when accounting for potential regression. I would look for Bo Naylor to potentially headline a blockbuster deal. I also would like to acquire a #5 starter.

Minor League Report

The latest Top 100 Prospects update puts the Guardians at 21st in MLB, with four Top 100 prospects:

SS Angel Martinez (2.5, 3.0) - #46
SP Nazier Mule (0.5, 3.0) - #48
SP Lenny Torres (2.0, 3.0) - #81
SP Ryan Murphy (2.5, 3.0) - #82

SP Tanner Burns (2.5, 3.0) fell out of the Top 100.

Other emerging prospects to watch are:

C Zion Rose (0.5, 3.5) - R ACL
RF Edgar Periera (0.5, 2.5) - INT

Around the League

Awards

AL:

MVP: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR)

Cy Young: Lucas Giolito (CHW)

Rookie of the Year: George Valera (CLE)

Reliever of the Year: Emmanuel Clase (CLE)

Manager of the Year: Aaron Sele (CLE)

NL:

MVP: Shohei Ohtani (LAD) (2)

Cy Young: Jacob deGrom (NYM) (3)

Rookie of the Year: JJ Bleday (MIA)

Reliever of the Year: Ryan Pressly (LAD)

Manager of the Year: Dave Roberts (LAD)

Top Free Agents

Hitters:

SS Javier Baez (3.5, 3.5)
3B Rafael Devers (3.0, 3.5)
CF Manuel Margot (3.0, 3.0)
LF Michael Brantley (3.0, 3.0)
3B Josh Donaldson (3.0, 3.0)

Pitchers:

CL Liam Hendriks (5.0, 5.0)
SP Jacob deGrom (4.0, 4.0)
SP Carlos Rodon (3.5, 3.5)
SP Mike Clevinger (3.0, 3.0)
SP Eduardo Rodriguez (3.0, 3.0)

Major Trades

SP Pablo Lopez (3.0, 3.5) to Mets

Major Extensions

RP Blake Treinen (3.5, 3.5) signs for $6.3M/2yr with Dodgers



The next post will round up December.

[U7Gohan]

State of the Team

The team had an eventful December, mostly fulfilling the goals GM U7Gohan set in the offseason preview.

News Dump

In the Rule 5 draft, we selected LF Yohendrick Pinango (2.0, 3.5, #99 Overall). He may be a bit underdeveloped, but he has a similar profile as is to that of Michael Brantley, so he could be worthwhile in getting DH reps this season.

We completed a trade as well.

Trade 1: Houston Astros

Outbound: SP Josh Wolf (2.0, 2.5), RP Nick Sandlin (2.5, 3.0), 2B Tyler Freeman (2.0, 2.5), SP Xzavion Curry (2.0, 2.0)

Inbound: RF Kyle Tucker (3.5, 3.5) (30% Retained), CL R.J. Dabovich (3.0, 4.0)

In the process of shopping top prospects looking for a big deal, I saw the Astros seemed eager to get rid of Kyle Tucker, and based on their stinginess with the retained amount, it seemed like there was financial motivation with Tucker's rising arbitration costs after coming off a down year in 2023. I quickly realized, though, that I could get this deal done without shipping off my top prospects, as the Astros were also interested in my upper minors SP depth. This led me to deal Josh Wolf, who has unimpressive cumulative ratings despite a good fastball and curveball, then Nick Sandlin who was due for regression and was replaceable, Tyler Freeman who was blocked from the MLB roster and not an elite prospect, and Xzavion Curry who lacked upside. I also got R.J. Dabovich back to fill the spot Nick Sandlin would leave. We got our corner OF bat.

There are also reports that the Guardians approached 2B Andres Gimenez with long-term extension interest, but that interest seems one-sided for now.

With this, I expect our offseason is mostly complete, but the possibility of adding another bat remains open. The 5th SP battle will likely be an internal one with the upper minors SP depth in the system and our wealth of top SP prospects.

Minor League Report

After the addition of Yohendrick Pinango in the Rule 5 Draft, the Guardians' farm system ranks 21st in MLB. Pinango is bound to the MLB Roster, however, so his addition means little for the farm. The Guardians now have five Top 100 prospects:

SS Angel Martinez (2.5, 3.0) - #45
SP Nazier Mule (0.5, 3.0) - #48
SP Lenny Torres (2.0, 3.0) - #80
SP Ryan Murphy (2.5, 3.0) - #81
LF Yohendrick Pinango (2.0, 3.5) - #98


Around the League

Major Free-Agent Signings

SP Jacob deGrom (4.5, 4.5) to Tigers, $83.4M/3yr
SP Carlos Rodon (3.5, 3.5) to Rangers, $47M/4yr
CF Manuel Margot (3.0, 3.0) to Dodgers, $121.6M/7yr
SP Mike Clevinger (3.0, 3.0) to Astros, $78M/5yr
3B Rafael Devers (3.5, 4.0) to Yankees, $163.4M/7yr
C Mitch Garver (3.5, 3.5) to Brewers, $100M/5yr
RF Teoscar Hernandez (3.0, 3.0) to Padres, $29M/2yr
CF Kevin Kiermaier (3.0, 3.0) to Brewers, $28.8M/3yr
SS Javier Baez (3.5, 3.5) to Giants, $188.4M/7yr
SS Adalberto Mondesi (3.0, 3.0) to Orioles, $36.2M/3yr
1B Joey Votto (3.0, 3.0) to Reds, $51M/3yr
SP Eduardo Rodriguez (3.0, 3.0) to Twins, $80M/4yr
2B Kolten Wong (3.5, 3.5) to Angels, $78M/5yr
2B Tony Kemp (3.0, 3.0) to Royals, $39.6M/4yr
C Gary Sanchez (3.0, 3.0) to Orioles, $14M/2yr
RP Kenley Jansen (4.0, 4.0) to Dodgers, $13.4M/2yr
SP Justin Verlander (3.0, 3.0) to Phillies, $14.3M/1yr


Major Trades

RP A.J. Minter (4.0, 4.0) to Rays
C Danny Jansen (3.0, 3.0) to Rangers
RF Max Kepler (3.0, 3.0) to DBacks
SP Jon Gray (3.0, 3.0) to Angels
LF Austin Meadows (3.0, 3.0) to Mariners


Major Extensions

SP Pablo Lopez (3.0, 3.5) signs with Mets for $108.6M/5yr
SP Noah Syndergaard (3.5, 3.5) signs with Angels for $106.4M/4yr


The next post will preview Spring Training.

[U7Gohan]

State of the Team

Entering Spring Training, Preseason Predictions has us going 90-72, winning the AL Central, having the 2nd-best record in the AL, and tied for the 4th-best record in MLB. The biggest storyline for the Guardians this spring will be their 5th SP battle, with guys like Tanner Burns (2.5, 3.0), Kris Bubic (2.5, 2.5), Joey Cantillo (2.5, 2.5), Cody Morris (3.0, 3.0) and our top prospects in the mix.

Spring Training Roster

* = non-roster invitee

Hitters:

C Austin Hedges
C Bryan Lavastida
C Bo Naylor
1B Nolan Jones (2.0, 2.5)
1B Josh Naylor
1B Jhonkensy Noel (2.5, 3.0)
1B Vinnie Pasquantino
2B Aaron Bracho* (1.5, 2.5)
2B Ernie Clement (1.5, 1.5)
2B Andres Gimenez
2B Bryson Stott
3B Jose Ramirez
SS Carlos Correa
SS Angel Martinez (2.5, 3.0, #46 Overall)
SS Owen Miller (2.5, 2.5)
SS Jermaine Palacios
LF Steven Kwan
LF Oscar Mercado
LF Yohendrick Pinango
LF George Valera
CF Michael A. Taylor
RF Will Benson (2.0, 2.5)
RF Oscar Gonzalez
RF Kyle Tucker
RF Matt Vierling

Pitchers:

SP Shane Bieber
SP Sandy Alcantara
SP Sean Hjelle
SP Zach Plesac
SP Tanner Burns (2.5, 3.0)
SP Denny Bentley (2.5, 3.0)
SP Kris Bubic (2.5, 2.5)
SP Cody Morris (3.0, 3.0)
SP Trenton Denholm* (2.5, 2.5)
SP Hunter Gaddis* (2.5, 2.5)
SP Ethan Hankins* (2.0, 2.5)
SP Lenny Torres* (2.5, 3.0, #81 Overall)
SP Ryan Murphy* (2.5, 3.0, #82 Overall)
RP Brad Boxberger
RP Joey Cantillo
RP R.J. Dabovich
RP Seranthony Dominguez
RP Jakob Hernandez
RP James Karinchak
RP Aaron Pinto* (2.5, 2.5)
RP Trevor Stephan* (2.5, 2.5)
CL Emmanuel Clase


News Dump

The Guardians and Andres Gimenez have ended long-term extension talks for the time being. They could resume at a later date, but nothing for now.

Player Development

MLB RP R.J. Dabovich (3.0, 4.0) - > (3.0, 3.5)
MLB RP Brad Boxberger (3.5, 3.5) - > (3.0, 3.0)
MLB SP Shane Bieber (3.5, 3.5) - > (4.0, 4.0)
MiLB 3B Luis Huerta (0.5, 5.0) - > (0.5, 3.5)


Around the League

Major Free-Agent Signings

SP Nick Martinez (2.5, 2.5) to DBacks, $17.6M/2yr
SP Miles Mikolas (2.5, 2.5) to Mariners, $24.1M/3yr
SP James Paxton (3.0, 3.0) to Cubs, $6.5M/1yr
SP Dinelson Lamet (2.5, 2.5) to Mets, $66.7M/4yr
SP Yusei Kikuchi (3.0, 3.0) to Rays, $5.9M/1yr
SP Joe Ross (3.0, 3.0) to Brewers, $22.2M/3yr
RF Kole Calhoun (3.0, 3.0) to Angels, $7.5M/1yr
RP Craig Kimbrel (4.0, 4.0) to White Sox, $7.6M/2yr
SP German Marquez (3.0, 3.0) to Mets, $27M/3yr
3B Josh Donaldson (3.0, 3.0) to Phillies, $31.6M/2yr
3B Eduardo Escobar (3.0, 3.0) to A's, $9.3M/2yr


Major Trades

3B Alex Bregman (3.5, 3.5) to Dodgers
SP Domingo German (3.0, 3.0) to White Sox
RP Jordan Romano (3.5, 3.5) to Mets
CF Steven Duggar (3.0, 3.0) to Yankees
RP Lucas Sims (3.5, 3.5) to Rays
CF Brandon Marsh (3.0, 3.0) to Braves


Major Extensions

SS Tim Anderson (4.0, 4.0) signs with White Sox for $220.2M/7yr


The next post will preview Opening Day.