Jones vs. Noel: Roster Rumble in Cleveland!
Jones vs. Noel: Roster Rumble in Cleveland!
— by Mario Crescibene
Ladiiiiies and gentlemeeeennn! Welcommme to tonight’s main event of... Rosterrrrr Rrrrruummmmblllllle!
In the blue corner: the man simply known as Big Christmas. Weighing in at 250 pounds and swinging a heavy bat… I give youuuuu… Jhonkensy Noooooeeeeelll!
And in the red corner: the one that got away and is now fighting to stay. Weighing in at 195, the homegrown boy… Nolan Jooooonneessss!
Both are battling for a spot on the Guardians’ major league roster. Jones may be out of options, but I don’t think anyone is going to claim him off waivers.
Aaaand tonight’s bout against the Brewers pits Jones and Noel directly against each other!
We have: Jones batting 6th and playing center….and Noel batting 7th, playing right. Who will win their right to stay on the major league roster? Stay tuned to find out, on Rosterrrrrr Rrrrrumblllllle!
Round 1:
Ding, ding, ding!
And we are off in tonight’s heavyweight fight! Jones takes the first shot on the chin—crashing into the left field wall on a would-be highlight grab. The ball hits the wall first, then glances off his glove—so close, but no out.
And now just moments later, Noel responds making a similar play in right field! Crashing into the outfield wall, but hanging on for the third out of the inning.
Judges’ Scorecard after Round 1: Noel 1 – Jones 0
Round 2:
Now with the Guards coming to bat, it’s a chance for both players to go on the offensive. Jones steps up to the plate first, eager to make contact after the blow he received trying to make the play against the wall. He swings and connects firmly drilling a ball 105 mph up the middle for a single. Wow! That had the force of an uppercut from Frazier!
Noel now steps to the plate directly after Jones, looking to keep pace… but it’s only glancing blows for Noel. Swinging away, but with no direct hits. He takes another hack and this time, only makes contact with air, striking out.
Judges’ Scorecard after Round 2: Tied 1 – 1
Round 3:
Jones comes to the plate looking for the knockout. Ramírez stands on third. Jones doesn’t wait, striking at the second pitch and sending the ball into left field, scoring Ramírez.
Noel comes up to bat but it’s more air and another strikeout. Noel looks overmatched…he may be finished!...
And down goes Noel! Down goes Noel!
And frankly… down should go Noel.
With one hit in his last seven games, a batting average hovering near .150, and one remaining option, the case is clear. With Johnathan Rodriguez hitting .340 in Columbus, and with little else to prove at the AAA level, it’s time to send Noel down so he can find his swing with Rocchio, and bring up Rodriguez to give him a legitimate shot to see what he can offer.
Now it's the front office’s turn to ring the final bell.