Franconas - plural
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2023 Cleveland Guardians Season Thread
- Thread starter Juice is Loose
- Start date
CDAV45
Small ball is for pussies!
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I'm not sure where they rank in offensive categories, but you have to admit that they are bit of an anomaly by not making the playoffs. A team with that kind of talent typically does and then goes deep into the playoffs. They clearly need to look into other reasons for not winning because it wasn't due to a lack of overall performance like it was with us.
I will say this though, they are a perfect example of why I prefer the younger, homegrown, less expensive talent to handing out contracts to FA that would cripple this organization if they underperform......and they will underperform at some point.
CDAV45
Small ball is for pussies!
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Could it also be indicating that it is better(especially for a smaller market team like Cleveland) to have a more inexpensive, flexible roster instead of putting all their eggs into the expensive FA basket?
CDAV45
Small ball is for pussies!
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OK, I'll be the first to do it. This is my initial 2023 season thread post:
"If the Twins and White Sox stay healthy then it's going to be a dogfight as things stand currently. I have to ask of the 3 teams we're discussing, which one has the ammunition to acquire a major talent upgrade? Do the White Sox or Twins have a Tanner Bibee or Gavin Williams that could make their debut this season? Hell, I don't think they have a Cody Morris. I will say that the Twins' pitching staff should be improved this season and if the White Sox keep their rotation healthy then it is formidable, but Cleveland has the advantage at this point. I don't know what to expect offensively though. Could we see some regression from guys like Gimenez, Kwan and OGon or should we expect them to continue to mature and get better? If Straw continues to struggle and/or we don't get any offensive output from our C then our lineup is short again and that's not good. In the end it doesn't make a damn bit of difference what FG predictions say. Play ball and let the chips fall where they may."
Clearly, the trade for a major talent upgrade did not happen, but the offense struggled as I feared. Ironically, the Twins traded their "elite" hitter for a good SP and they got better. It didn't hurt that Polanco posted a 114 OPS+ and provided good power as always and Lewis has looked like a man amongst boys with his 149 OPS+ and .548 SLG.
Myles Straw had a horrible 2022 season with a 65 OPS+ over 535 AB. His OPS+ this season was 69 in 462 AB. His bat is so weak that he is not playable. I don't care if he catches every ball hit to all 3 OF positions. He's garbage and needs to go. I told you folks that the Twins had a better CF than we do and I caught shit for it from a few.
Gimenez struggled for most of the season, but really turned things around in September. If there is a better defensive 2B in baseball I don't know who it would be. He's more than fine IMO.
Kwan regressed significantly(124 OPS+ to 101), but at least he remained league average and played excellent defense again. His bat does not belong in a corner OF spot with the likes of Straw/Brennan or even Laureano in the other 2 spots.
OGon fell all the way off the cliff. He's in danger of losing his roster spot and rightfully so.
Brennan didn't add the power that I thought he would and having him, Kwan and Straw in the OF was like trying to swim with a cinder block. He's still a good hitter in my view, but either he or Kwan need to be dealt to help improve the roster IMO.
Since joining the Guardians, Laureano has been our most productive OFer with and OPS+ of 109 in 132 AB. I think he's a good 4th OF option.
The BP had it's issues, but in good part I hold the lack of offense accountable for their transgressions. It is obvious that guys like Stephan and Clase did not perform at the elite level of their 22 seasons. I hope they can resign Lopez to pitch the 8th inning. Hentges was a stud this year and DLS put together another solid season. Curry was really good once put in the BP. Morgan regressed and might be in danger of losing his spot. Sandlin regressed from his stellar 22 campaign, but wasn't horrible. Be interesting to see what they do with the BP.
Again, they have the ammo to pull off a significant trade, but that doesn't portend it will occur.
"If the Twins and White Sox stay healthy then it's going to be a dogfight as things stand currently. I have to ask of the 3 teams we're discussing, which one has the ammunition to acquire a major talent upgrade? Do the White Sox or Twins have a Tanner Bibee or Gavin Williams that could make their debut this season? Hell, I don't think they have a Cody Morris. I will say that the Twins' pitching staff should be improved this season and if the White Sox keep their rotation healthy then it is formidable, but Cleveland has the advantage at this point. I don't know what to expect offensively though. Could we see some regression from guys like Gimenez, Kwan and OGon or should we expect them to continue to mature and get better? If Straw continues to struggle and/or we don't get any offensive output from our C then our lineup is short again and that's not good. In the end it doesn't make a damn bit of difference what FG predictions say. Play ball and let the chips fall where they may."
Clearly, the trade for a major talent upgrade did not happen, but the offense struggled as I feared. Ironically, the Twins traded their "elite" hitter for a good SP and they got better. It didn't hurt that Polanco posted a 114 OPS+ and provided good power as always and Lewis has looked like a man amongst boys with his 149 OPS+ and .548 SLG.
Myles Straw had a horrible 2022 season with a 65 OPS+ over 535 AB. His OPS+ this season was 69 in 462 AB. His bat is so weak that he is not playable. I don't care if he catches every ball hit to all 3 OF positions. He's garbage and needs to go. I told you folks that the Twins had a better CF than we do and I caught shit for it from a few.
Gimenez struggled for most of the season, but really turned things around in September. If there is a better defensive 2B in baseball I don't know who it would be. He's more than fine IMO.
Kwan regressed significantly(124 OPS+ to 101), but at least he remained league average and played excellent defense again. His bat does not belong in a corner OF spot with the likes of Straw/Brennan or even Laureano in the other 2 spots.
OGon fell all the way off the cliff. He's in danger of losing his roster spot and rightfully so.
Brennan didn't add the power that I thought he would and having him, Kwan and Straw in the OF was like trying to swim with a cinder block. He's still a good hitter in my view, but either he or Kwan need to be dealt to help improve the roster IMO.
Since joining the Guardians, Laureano has been our most productive OFer with and OPS+ of 109 in 132 AB. I think he's a good 4th OF option.
The BP had it's issues, but in good part I hold the lack of offense accountable for their transgressions. It is obvious that guys like Stephan and Clase did not perform at the elite level of their 22 seasons. I hope they can resign Lopez to pitch the 8th inning. Hentges was a stud this year and DLS put together another solid season. Curry was really good once put in the BP. Morgan regressed and might be in danger of losing his spot. Sandlin regressed from his stellar 22 campaign, but wasn't horrible. Be interesting to see what they do with the BP.
Again, they have the ammo to pull off a significant trade, but that doesn't portend it will occur.