The Guardians dropped the series finale in pathetic fashion to the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-1. I would estimate they made at least six obvious baserunning errors.
Stephen Vogt took responsibilty for this, placing the blame on the coaching staff:
Gabriel Arias was asked about his TOOTBLAN. He mumbled and so, apparently, his translator decided to do the same, because I can’t quite make out what either said. Maybe you can?
Things are especially dire for Kyle Manzardo right now. Overall, he has an 86 wRC+… which is bad enough. He has had one good month if we look deeper into things; from Opening Day to May 1st, he put up a 46 wRC+, from May 2nd to June 14th, he put up a 162 wRC+, and from June 16th to today, he has put up a 43 wRC+. Is that 162 wRC+ still in there? Or, is he more of this unplayable hitter? Are back issues having a big effect on his swing and his power disappearing? These are all questions to which we will never hear an answer, but the team desparately needs better production.
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When Jose Ramirez returns… perhaps today… I will be very curious to see whom he replaces on the roster. I am ready for a Gabriel Arias DFA, but I think a Daniel Schneemann demotion is more likely. When Angel Martinez (who hit two doubles in Columbus yesterday) returns, I’d like to see him replace Petey Halpin and continue to allow Kahlil Watson try to work things out. But, either way on that is fine. I’d also like to see the team consider how best to promote Angel Genao. Is that to get him some outfield reps in Columbus? Is that to move Travis Bazzana to a more DH-only role while having him start to work on left field (Kwan to center) or even first base and getting Genao up to play second? I cannot tell you. But, I think Genao is starting to knock the door down.
Joe Ryan comes to town tonight for the Twins as the two teams begin a crucial four-game series! So, that’s fun. I’m sure the team that couldn’t hit Khristian Curtis will be able to hit Ryan.
AROUND MLB:
White Sox won, Twins and Tigers lost, and Red Sox won their 13th in a row.
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