Quasi-Unofficial 2023 Cleveland Guardians Official Thread

lambeauleap87 · 03-28-2023, 07:05 PM

Feels like with the Gimenez extension and maybe a couple more in the works, it's time for a thread for the season. I really have to applaud the Dolans (gasp!) for doing what it takes to keep the cornerstones of JRam and Gimenez in Cleveland long term - I can't tell you the last time something like that happened in Cleveland (ever?).

Some question marks with the rotation depth early on given McKenzie's injury, but I'm excited for the season.

LVDan · 03-28-2023, 07:30 PM

Feels like an good uptick in offense w the addition of Bell and some development from Gonzalez and Naylor and a step back with the starting pitching given the uncertainty with McKenzie and the unspectacular guys behind him. They’ve seemed to be able to find competent starters on the fly but that likely will be tested again this year, especially early on. God forbid anything happens to Biebs, it instantly becomes a well below average rotation.
Offense looks very strong though and as usual not power reliant.

Raleigh504 · 03-29-2023, 08:00 AM

I feel they always shut down pitchers for a long period of time compared to other teams. When guys could come back, they ease them over a long period of time trying to get them into "game" shape. The kicker is they always take them out 5 innings in anyways so not sure how the starters need any more work to pitch maybe half the game.

I am sure they could plug in a few guys here and there until McKenzie get's back, but it may cost us a few wins. I doubt they will make a big splash or sign someone.

ClevelandIC · 03-29-2023, 08:21 AM

Bold prediction for this team: Josh Naylor isn't wearing a Cleveland jersey by the end of the season. I feel like something has to give - Our best line up includes Will Brennan in my opinion. We have to find a way for him to get in the line up and I don't see them moving on from Myles Straw (if he has a repeat season they might) so the logical answer is Naylor is gone.

Important year for Oscar Gonzalez development. His at bats last season where a tale of two hitters. He swung at just about anything until he got two strikes and then he became more selective. I'm not sure I want anything to change but it will be really interesting if he trends one way or the other. Does he start to strike out more or take more walks.

Andres Gimenez extension is more than I would've expected! I hope this means they see a little more power developing still! His power was a little streaky last year but if he takes lessons from Jose about maximizing his swing and output he could be a really exciting piece!

Adding Bell is awesome. If he performs well I'm assuming he will opt out and be gone but that means the Guards at least get one good year out of him.

Bieber. We hardly knew you. If the Guards struggle I bet he doesn't finish the year with Cleveland. Angels are calling I'm sure.

CKYC · 03-29-2023, 09:57 AM

Super excited for this season. Can't imagine all of our young guys continue to improve though — something's got to give. I think Oscar will struggle and Will Brennan takes his spot.

Seeing that Cleveland is talking to Rosario about an extension, I'd expect to see a trade mid-season if we're in the hunt. Get rid of some of our middle infield depth for another arm or impact bat. Still think this team needs more offense.

Raleigh504 · 03-29-2023, 01:11 PM

Crazy to me how they were looking to trade Rosario since he didn't really have a position to now talking about extending him.

I can see if we are struggling by early June that they will deal Biebs and even trade Bell too if he is doing well and they assume he will opt out. Also Naylor may be on the way out unless he gets it together. That injury really hurt him from being a consistent starter to being expendable.

Eckstein197 · 03-29-2023, 05:10 PM

Should be an interesting central race, looking forward to this season. Twins/guardians/white Sox should be fun.

Also had no idea McKenzie was hurt until I saw this thread, that’s a real bad blow with him out 8 weeks

lambeauleap87 · 03-30-2023, 01:01 PM

I hate that the Guardians are playing at 10:10pm EST on Opening Day; that feels almost criminal.

Also, I actually really like the Trevor Stephan extension. I know relievers are one of the most volatile positions in sports, but locking him in for $10 million to take him through free agency is a shrewd move.

lambeauleap87 · 04-02-2023, 06:16 PM

Going to Seattle and winning three out of four to start the season is a great way to start the season. I'll just be glad to eventually get them off the West Coast so I don't have to stay up so late, though.

Chris Lyle · 04-03-2023, 07:12 PM

This team is lots of fun. I think Bell is going to be that nice guy in the middle of the lineup.

SP kind of worries me.

Glad to see the extension for Gimenez and Stephan.

As much as I hate it I think we have to trade Rosario and maybe get a pitcher and switch up the 2b/SS

But not sure what to think.

Raleigh504 · 04-04-2023, 06:37 AM

I think either Rosario will be traded (if we are out of the playoff hunt) or if we are winning the division then they will trade some of the younger guys in the minors for some help (SP/bullpen depending on how the year goes or maybe a big bat in the OF to allow Kwan some time in CF with Straw being a defensive/PR type guy or even matchups).

I think we are set as of now at C, 1B, 2B, 3B and top 3 SP and could be 4 SP if Civale is playing back to his potential. OF is set with Kwan and will wait and see about the RF situation and if Straw can get back to how he played when we first got him. Our 7-9 inning guys are set but could trade for a dominate lefty to give Tito options and not over use our bullpen (4 guys for the last 3 innings and rotate as needed).

Chris Lyle · 04-04-2023, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raleigh504

I think either Rosario will be traded (if we are out of the playoff hunt) or if we are winning the division then they will trade some of the younger guys in the minors for some help (SP/bullpen depending on how the year goes or maybe a big bat in the OF to allow Kwan some time in CF with Straw being a defensive/PR type guy or even matchups).

I think we are set as of now at C, 1B, 2B, 3B and top 3 SP and could be 4 SP if Civale is playing back to his potential. OF is set with Kwan and will wait and see about the RF situation and if Straw can get back to how he played when we first got him. Our 7-9 inning guys are set but could trade for a dominate lefty to give Tito options and not over use our bullpen (4 guys for the last 3 innings and rotate as needed).

An Andrew Miller of 2016 type guy would be nice. If outfield works itself out, although I don't like the platoon in RF I think we are ok there. SP is where I would focus for a trade if in the race. If not trade a guy like Amed, Bell, etc to replenish again.

Raleigh504 · 04-04-2023, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Lyle

An Andrew Miller of 2016 type guy would be nice. If outfield works itself out, although I don't like the platoon in RF I think we are ok there. SP is where I would focus for a trade if in the race. If not trade a guy like Amed, Bell, etc to replenish again.

Yea if we are out of the race: Amed, Bell and Bieber will be gone

If we are in the race: They will trade some prospects for help depending on who is doing well. If Bell is struggling this year then would get a 1B guy and use Bell as a pinch hitter type or situations where it would make sense. I would think Arias, Freeman, Tena, Velera and/or Palacios would be on the block.

Raleigh504 · 04-04-2023, 10:52 AM

So before the season started, there was a rumor going on that if the Angels were out of the playoffs that they would trade Ohtani. They haul would need to be a ton of prospects and Cleveland is only a few teams that have a deep farm system.

If somehow Cleveland is winning the division, fighting for the best record in AL/MLB, would you be willing to trade for Ohtani knowing it will take a lot of the best prospects in the minors for only a 1/2 season rental (lets be honest, they wouldn't resign him)? They could tie some guys into Tiers depending on how far they get in the playoffs. Tier A: win world series, Tier B get to world series, Tier C anything else below that.

lambeauleap87 · 04-04-2023, 12:42 PM

One of my favorite things about this Guardians team is that we're five games into the season and the range of outcomes goes from "blow it up and trade everyone" to "what if we trade for Ohtani?"

ClevelandIC · 04-04-2023, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambeauleap87

One of my favorite things about this Guardians team is that we're five games into the season and the range of outcomes goes from "blow it up and trade everyone" to "what if we trade for Ohtani?"

Hahaha yes! In 2018 Cleveland was working on a trade for Harper. I never heard their names in the Soto Sweepstakes last year. I could see them at least calling the Angels if everything is going right but, chances at under 5%.

tjforce · 04-04-2023, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambeauleap87

One of my favorite things about this Guardians team is that we're five games into the season and the range of outcomes goes from "blow it up and trade everyone" to "what if we trade for Ohtani?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClevelandIC

Hahaha yes! In 2018 Cleveland was working on a trade for Harper. I never heard their names in the Soto Sweepstakes last year. I could see them at least calling the Angels if everything is going right but, chances at under 5%.

I'd be shocked if Ohtani had any idea where Cleveland actually was.

lambeauleap87 · 04-12-2023, 08:14 PM

I hope whatever extension they were offering Amed Rosario is off the table now.

Raleigh504 · 04-19-2023, 01:41 PM

Close games (1-run games) so far:
5-6

Not a good way to start the season

lambeauleap87 · 04-24-2023, 04:46 PM

This team has been significantly less fun through the first four weeks of the season than I'd hoped, although a lot of that ties into the injuries to Civale/McKenzie and most of the bats being quiet.

lambeauleap87 · 05-10-2023, 01:32 PM

If the powers that be in Cleveland wanted to jettison Zunino and Rosario into the sun at this point, I'd have no issues with that.

tkraft24 · 05-10-2023, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambeauleap87

If the powers that be in Cleveland wanted to jettison Zunino and Rosario into the sun at this point, I'd have no issues with that.

Agreed, can’t continue down this path with the hope of salvaging any sort of value out of either player. They’ve both been detrimental to a young team struggling to find its footing.

Raleigh504 · 05-11-2023, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkraft24

Agreed, can’t continue down this path with the hope of salvaging any sort of value out of either player. They’ve both been detrimental to a young team struggling to find its footing.

They still need to add Gavin Williams to the 40-man roster so hopefully they trade Rosario and some prospects to get a bat to add in the line-up.

lambeauleap87 · 05-11-2023, 01:13 PM

From Zack Meisel's article on The Athletic last night:

Quote:

The Guardians, through 37 games, have mustered a team slash line of .221/.297/.325.

Randy Johnson, during his 22-year career, held hitters to a slash line of .221/.297/.353.

In other words, to this point, the Guardians have made every pitcher they’ve faced resemble a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

ScooterD · 05-11-2023, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambeauleap87

From Zack Meisel's article on The Athletic last night:

That’s a jarring stat, but the silver lining is that they would have a MUCH higher K rate against the Unit

03-28-2023, 07:05 PM	#1
lambeauleap87 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 24,744 LL87	Quasi-Unofficial 2023 Cleveland Guardians Official Thread Feels like with the Gimenez extension and maybe a couple more in the works, it's time for a thread for the season. I really have to applaud the Dolans (gasp!) for doing what it takes to keep the cornerstones of JRam and Gimenez in Cleveland long term - I can't tell you the last time something like that happened in Cleveland (ever?). Some question marks with the rotation depth early on given McKenzie's injury, but I'm excited for the season. __________________ I collect Packers, former Ohio State Buckeyes, Blue Jackets, and Cleveland Indians/Guardians.

03-28-2023, 07:30 PM	#2
LVDan Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 17,572	Feels like an good uptick in offense w the addition of Bell and some development from Gonzalez and Naylor and a step back with the starting pitching given the uncertainty with McKenzie and the unspectacular guys behind him. They’ve seemed to be able to find competent starters on the fly but that likely will be tested again this year, especially early on. God forbid anything happens to Biebs, it instantly becomes a well below average rotation. Offense looks very strong though and as usual not power reliant. __________________ So we cheated and we lied and we tested. And we never failed to fail; it was the easiest thing to do.

03-29-2023, 08:00 AM	#3
Raleigh504 Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: NC Posts: 2,672 ig_bljhsports	I feel they always shut down pitchers for a long period of time compared to other teams. When guys could come back, they ease them over a long period of time trying to get them into "game" shape. The kicker is they always take them out 5 innings in anyways so not sure how the starters need any more work to pitch maybe half the game. I am sure they could plug in a few guys here and there until McKenzie get's back, but it may cost us a few wins. I doubt they will make a big splash or sign someone. __________________ https://myslabs.to/brasm_sports5 https://www.ebay.com/str/jrbuddysportsandmore

03-29-2023, 08:21 AM	#4
ClevelandIC Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Westlake, Ohio Posts: 5,465 Jakpi20 Jakpi20	Bold prediction for this team: Josh Naylor isn't wearing a Cleveland jersey by the end of the season. I feel like something has to give - Our best line up includes Will Brennan in my opinion. We have to find a way for him to get in the line up and I don't see them moving on from Myles Straw (if he has a repeat season they might) so the logical answer is Naylor is gone. Important year for Oscar Gonzalez development. His at bats last season where a tale of two hitters. He swung at just about anything until he got two strikes and then he became more selective. I'm not sure I want anything to change but it will be really interesting if he trends one way or the other. Does he start to strike out more or take more walks. Andres Gimenez extension is more than I would've expected! I hope this means they see a little more power developing still! His power was a little streaky last year but if he takes lessons from Jose about maximizing his swing and output he could be a really exciting piece! Adding Bell is awesome. If he performs well I'm assuming he will opt out and be gone but that means the Guards at least get one good year out of him. Bieber. We hardly knew you. If the Guards struggle I bet he doesn't finish the year with Cleveland. Angels are calling I'm sure. __________________ Always buying GU/Autos to resell to Blowout. Would love to add them to any deal we do so please let me know what you have!

03-29-2023, 09:57 AM	#5
CKYC Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Posts: 24 cky-cards	Super excited for this season. Can't imagine all of our young guys continue to improve though — something's got to give. I think Oscar will struggle and Will Brennan takes his spot. Seeing that Cleveland is talking to Rosario about an extension, I'd expect to see a trade mid-season if we're in the hunt. Get rid of some of our middle infield depth for another arm or impact bat. Still think this team needs more offense. __________________ Slowly building the 1953 Topps set. Vikings fan by birth, Guardians fan through marriage. Follow cky_cards on Instagram!

03-29-2023, 01:11 PM	#6
Raleigh504 Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: NC Posts: 2,672 ig_bljhsports	Crazy to me how they were looking to trade Rosario since he didn't really have a position to now talking about extending him. I can see if we are struggling by early June that they will deal Biebs and even trade Bell too if he is doing well and they assume he will opt out. Also Naylor may be on the way out unless he gets it together. That injury really hurt him from being a consistent starter to being expendable. __________________ https://myslabs.to/brasm_sports5 https://www.ebay.com/str/jrbuddysportsandmore

03-29-2023, 05:10 PM	#7
Eckstein197 Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 14,792 pmwrestler220 Eckstein184	Should be an interesting central race, looking forward to this season. Twins/guardians/white Sox should be fun. Also had no idea McKenzie was hurt until I saw this thread, that’s a real bad blow with him out 8 weeks __________________ Favorite teams: TB Bucs, MIN Twins, DET Red Wings PC's: Kyle Snyder, Alstott, Tristan Wirfs, Hasek, Moritz Seider, OL/K/P/FB Contenders Autos, Red Wings Young Guns, Vintage Pokémon, NCAA Bowl Patches

03-30-2023, 01:01 PM	#8
lambeauleap87 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 24,744 LL87	I hate that the Guardians are playing at 10:10pm EST on Opening Day; that feels almost criminal. Also, I actually really like the Trevor Stephan extension. I know relievers are one of the most volatile positions in sports, but locking him in for $10 million to take him through free agency is a shrewd move. __________________ I collect Packers, former Ohio State Buckeyes, Blue Jackets, and Cleveland Indians/Guardians.

04-02-2023, 06:16 PM	#9
lambeauleap87 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 24,744 LL87	Going to Seattle and winning three out of four to start the season is a great way to start the season. I'll just be glad to eventually get them off the West Coast so I don't have to stay up so late, though. __________________ I collect Packers, former Ohio State Buckeyes, Blue Jackets, and Cleveland Indians/Guardians.

04-03-2023, 07:12 PM	#10
Chris Lyle Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: OHIO Posts: 10,305 teddys1son cmlyle07	This team is lots of fun. I think Bell is going to be that nice guy in the middle of the lineup. SP kind of worries me. Glad to see the extension for Gimenez and Stephan. As much as I hate it I think we have to trade Rosario and maybe get a pitcher and switch up the 2b/SS But not sure what to think. __________________ Always looking for Guardians/Indians for the PC. Buckeyes and Buccaneers are PC also

04-04-2023, 06:37 AM	#11
Raleigh504 Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: NC Posts: 2,672 ig_bljhsports	I think either Rosario will be traded (if we are out of the playoff hunt) or if we are winning the division then they will trade some of the younger guys in the minors for some help (SP/bullpen depending on how the year goes or maybe a big bat in the OF to allow Kwan some time in CF with Straw being a defensive/PR type guy or even matchups). I think we are set as of now at C, 1B, 2B, 3B and top 3 SP and could be 4 SP if Civale is playing back to his potential. OF is set with Kwan and will wait and see about the RF situation and if Straw can get back to how he played when we first got him. Our 7-9 inning guys are set but could trade for a dominate lefty to give Tito options and not over use our bullpen (4 guys for the last 3 innings and rotate as needed). __________________ https://myslabs.to/brasm_sports5 https://www.ebay.com/str/jrbuddysportsandmore

04-04-2023, 10:52 AM	#14
Raleigh504 Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: NC Posts: 2,672 ig_bljhsports	So before the season started, there was a rumor going on that if the Angels were out of the playoffs that they would trade Ohtani. They haul would need to be a ton of prospects and Cleveland is only a few teams that have a deep farm system. If somehow Cleveland is winning the division, fighting for the best record in AL/MLB, would you be willing to trade for Ohtani knowing it will take a lot of the best prospects in the minors for only a 1/2 season rental (lets be honest, they wouldn't resign him)? They could tie some guys into Tiers depending on how far they get in the playoffs. Tier A: win world series, Tier B get to world series, Tier C anything else below that. __________________ https://myslabs.to/brasm_sports5 https://www.ebay.com/str/jrbuddysportsandmore

04-04-2023, 12:42 PM	#15
lambeauleap87 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 24,744 LL87	One of my favorite things about this Guardians team is that we're five games into the season and the range of outcomes goes from "blow it up and trade everyone" to "what if we trade for Ohtani?" __________________ I collect Packers, former Ohio State Buckeyes, Blue Jackets, and Cleveland Indians/Guardians.

04-12-2023, 08:14 PM	#18
lambeauleap87 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 24,744 LL87	I hope whatever extension they were offering Amed Rosario is off the table now. __________________ I collect Packers, former Ohio State Buckeyes, Blue Jackets, and Cleveland Indians/Guardians.

04-19-2023, 01:41 PM	#19
Raleigh504 Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: NC Posts: 2,672 ig_bljhsports	Close games (1-run games) so far: 5-6 Not a good way to start the season __________________ https://myslabs.to/brasm_sports5 https://www.ebay.com/str/jrbuddysportsandmore

04-24-2023, 04:46 PM	#20
lambeauleap87 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 24,744 LL87	This team has been significantly less fun through the first four weeks of the season than I'd hoped, although a lot of that ties into the injuries to Civale/McKenzie and most of the bats being quiet. __________________ I collect Packers, former Ohio State Buckeyes, Blue Jackets, and Cleveland Indians/Guardians.

05-10-2023, 01:32 PM	#21
lambeauleap87 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 24,744 LL87	If the powers that be in Cleveland wanted to jettison Zunino and Rosario into the sun at this point, I'd have no issues with that. __________________ I collect Packers, former Ohio State Buckeyes, Blue Jackets, and Cleveland Indians/Guardians.