The Detroit Tigers were supposed to be the better team on paper, and the Chicago White Sox were a compelling story all yearlong, but the Cleveland Guardians are still the kings of the American League Central. Despite ranking last in MLB with a sub-$80 million payroll, Stephen Vogt’s ballclub once again rallied late and have now claimed the division for the third consecutive year.
The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Rays are justly getting showered with praise for their small-market mastery, but the Guards consistently develop savvy, winning ballplayers in their own right. Clinging to a one-game lead over the White Sox, Cleveland overcame a 3-0 deficit in the first inning versus the Kansas City Royals on Saturday and earned an 11-5 victory inside Kauffman Stadium. That was only half of the equation, however.
Since Chicago owns the head-to-head tiebreaker (won series 7-6), the Guards needed the last-place Colorado Rockies to give them a hand in Rate Field. All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman blasted two home runs and the visitors grabbed a 9-6 W, vaulting the Guardians past the Wild Card round and into an AL Division Series showdown with either the White Sox or AL West winner. This club just finds a way.
How do the Guardians do it?
Jose Ramirez had long been the primary and one of the only sources of offensive production for the lineup, so it is quite remarkable that Cleveland (85-76) was able to overcome a lackluster and injury-riddled campaign from its franchise cornerstone. Tanner Bibee’s continued struggles on the mound should have only made the climb steeper. Somehow, though, this team always manages to produce a sufficient number of heroes.
Four-time Gold Glove-winning left fielder Steven Kwan notched three hits versus the Royals and is in position to end the season with a .280-ish batting average. Impactful rookie Chase DeLauter now has 16 home runs after smashing a 400-foot bomb in KC, Parker Messick and Gavin Williams form a dangerous duo at the top of the starting rotation, Cade Smith is arguably the AL’s best closer, Angel Martinez took a sizable leap and All-Star second baseman Travis Bazzana is having a splendid September.
Important pieces are already clicking into place, and If Ramirez can erupt in October, then the Guardians could be competing for a pennant. Cleveland has yet to run the gauntlet during the Stephen Vogt era, but the fact that this frugal franchise has become a playoff mainstay is truly remarkable. While there are no consolation prizes, fans should not just brush off the last few years.
Enjoy it, Forest City.
The post Guardians secure 3rd-straight AL Central title thanks to Rockies win appeared first on ClutchPoints.
