News and Notes - Guardians Face Elimination
The Cleveland Guardians gear up for a do or die Game 4.
The Cleveland Guardians will face the Detroit Tigers in Game 4 of what has been a battle of a ALDS. Quincy has the full recap already up and, like him, I’m electing optimism as we head into a win or go home game in enemy territory.
That’s not to say that I don’t understand where more cynical fans choose to “doom” in these situations. The pitching did its job. A playoff caliber team should be able to overcome their pitching staff allowing three runs. However, the team was plagued with the inability to bring home runners in scoring position.
Hindsight arm chair managing makes it really easy to question Vogt’s reaction with the early pinch hitting choice. I don’t necessarily disagree with PH Noel for Brennan, but that soon into the game seemed to play into AJ Hinch’s strategy. With the way Brennan had been hitting in the month of September, seeing him only get one AB in the playoffs so far is alarming. Is he going to be cold today if he gets the start again? Those concerns doubly apply to Kyle Manzardo. With how early the pulled Manzardo, he was not really challenged in his plate appearances yesterday. Manzardo needs a chance to ride it out against a challenging matchup if he is going to be able to carry his end of season success into any form of meaningful post season contribution. He has more than earned the opportunity.
Last month of regular season:
— Guardians of The Land (@OurCLEGuardians) October 10, 2024
Manzardo - 147 wRC+ in 63 AB
Brennan - 141 wRC+ in 46 AB
Noel - 0 wRC+ in 51 AB
Postseason ABs:
Noel: 8
Manzardo: 3
Brennan: 1
At the end of the day, this team has dug in and found success from deeper pits. At the end of the day, this is still the best bullpen in the entire league. At the end of the day, Vogt is still the leading nomination for AL Manager of the Year. Now, they just need to remember that and force their way back into the conversation.
First pitch is at 6:08 PM today.
Zack Meisel weighs in with his write up of yesterday’s game. Mandy Bell’s recap can be read here.
Here are some fun stats from Game 3:
the Guardians are the 3rd team in postseason history with multiple PH PA thru the first 3 innings of a game, joining:
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 9, 2024
2021 NLCS G5 LAD
1920 WS G4 CLE
Per baseball historian David Matchett:
— Kevin Glew (@coopincanada) October 9, 2024
With Josh and Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.), Erik Sabrowski (St. Albert, Alta.) and Cade Smith (Abbotsford, B.C.) appearing for the Guardians today, it's the 1st time in MLB history that 4 s have played for a team in a postseason game.
Update from the fall league:
In other news, Chase DeLauter went 2-4 with 2 RBI and a walk as the DH in his 2024 Arizona Fall League today.
— Justin L. (@JL_Baseball) October 10, 2024
Alaska Abney and Andrew Misiaszek each struck out 2 in 1 IP in their first appearances.
Milan Tolentino went 1-5 in his second game.
Around the League:
Francisco Lindor clinched the Mets a spot in the NLCS with a go-ahead grand slam.
The Yankees and the Royals continue to be neck and neck. The Yankees 3-2 victory put them up 2-1 in the series.