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CLEVELAND — Just moments prior to the first pitch, David Fry and Austin Hedges settle into their positions on the Guardians’ bench. Fry glances over at his fellow catcher and playfully mimics their manager.
Hey, when do you want to bring in Cade Smith? Second inning? Let’s go for it.
This routine has turned into a familiar act among the duo, whose role is to keep their teammates at ease, relaxed, and often laughing by mimicking their boss to alleviate any pregame anxiety.
There’s a significant element of truth within the jest. For Stephen Vogt, a first-time manager in the midst of a playoff season, the Guardians’ bullpen has proven to be his greatest ally.
Initially, it was expected that Emmanuel Clase would bounce back from a challenging year, supported by James Karinchak, Trevor Stephan, and Sam Hentges to secure the ninth inning. Clase indeed produced one of the most outstanding relief seasons ever recorded in the sport, yet the other three players spent most, if not all, of the season on the injured list. In their stead, several newcomers confidently took over the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings, forming the best bullpen in baseball.
As anticipated, the major threat to the franchise’s 76-year championship drought has emerged from a group of inexperienced yet fearless relievers: Cade Smith, Tim Herrin, and Hunter Gaddis.
Cleveland’s bullpen has achieved a remarkable 2.57 ERA, outpacing every other team by more than half a run and surpassing 25 other clubs by a full run. This marks the fourth-lowest bullpen ERA in the wild-card era, which spans the last 30 years, with this unit covering 150 more innings than the teams listed ahead of them.
Lowest bullpen ERA, last 30 years
| Team | Bullpen ERA |
|---|---|
With plenty of off days and a sense of urgency in October, the Guardians will rely heavily on their bullpen in various situations. They haven’t claimed the World Series title since 1948, an era when bullpens were seen as a last resort rather than the primary defense.</“`html
The previous night, their lead in the AL Central had nearly disappeared. Clase was precariously close to crisis. However, he wasn’t showing any signs of worry, so why should Vogt?
“That guy didn’t even take a deep breath,” Vogt noted. “He didn’t steady himself. He didn’t flinch at all. He just reared back and fired a 102 mph pitch.”
Initially, Clase came out on top in an eight-pitch battle with Willi Castro, who ultimately struck out on a cutter clocked at 102.2 mph. He then forced a game-ending double play. Yet another scoreless inning. Another save achieved.
Post the All-Star break, Clase allowed only one earned run. This season, opponents managed a measly .392 OPS against him. He effectively drained the tension from ninth innings.
The last instance a Cleveland team showcased such a late-game pitching advantage was when Andrew Miller took the mound with virtual flames flickering on the Progressive Field scoreboard. Miller’s near-superhuman performance in October 2016 brought the Indians within a victory — just a run, really — of ending that World Series drought. He has acknowledged the potential that Clase and the current Cleveland team have.
“Incredible,” Miller remarked. “His pitches are out of this world.”
Clase is capable of using that blazing cutter and his devastating slider more frequently. With the stakes higher at season’s end, there will be fewer limitations, especially with rest days falling between Games 1 and 2, 2 and 3, and possibly 4 and 5 of the ALDS.
This season, Clase had just one multi-inning outing: a two-inning stint at Yankee Stadium during a late-August game that felt like playoff baseball. After completing the ninth, he returned to the dugout and assured Vogt that he was ready for another inning. He pitched the tenth but found a different response from Vogt.
“He asked, ‘I can’t go three?’” Vogt recalled. “I told him, ‘No, absolutely not.’”
However, in October, exceptions can be made.
Clase won’t be facing challenges alone. Fry jokingly mentioned the option of bringing Smith in during the second inning of a game, but Vogt will call on his primary stopper whenever trouble threatens. Smith has become the first Cleveland reliever in 25 years to surpass the 100-strikeout milestone. His fastball, according to Statcast, was the most effective pitch in the league this season. He frequently entered games in the fourth or fifth innings to mitigate threats from opponents. He handled the sixth, seventh, or eighth in close games and gained substantial experience pitching multiple innings without breaking a sweat.
“He’s a machine,” said fellow reliever Erik Sabrowski, “in a good way.”
Due to the eye-catching statistics compiled by Clase and Smith, Gaddis has somewhat flown under the radar, hidden behind his voluminous, chestnut beard. Gaddis surrendered an earned run in only 10 of his 78 appearances. (Only Oakland’s T.J. McFarland had more games pitched.) He maintained his ERA below 2.00 from late May through the season’s conclusion.
Two winters ago, Herrin hurried to the back of a Lululemon store to take a call from Cleveland’s director of player development, who announced that he was being added to the 40-man roster. This move earned him an invitation to big-league camp. Now, he has become the team’s primary left-handed reliever, boasting a 1.92 ERA over 75 appearances. He has transitioned from selling gear to runners and riders to throwing fastballs, curveballs, and sliders. (Apologies for the pun.)
“He’s such a quiet, respectful, and reserved young man,” Vogt stated. “As he put it in a very monotone voice, ‘We’ve got that dawg in us.’”
GO DEEPER
Trivia, robots, and football: Stories behind 3 Guardians relievers fueling MLB’s best bullpen
The bullpen has also worked its magic on new members in recent weeks. Sabrowski and Andrew Walters combined for 21 and 1/3 innings in September, allowing just seven hits, striking out 25, and failing to give up an earned run.
“’Sabrowski, go make your debut. Oh wait, you’re just not going to allow any runs,’” Fry joked. “‘Walters, you seem pretty rattled, man.’ He’s just like, (nonchalant pitch), 98 (mph), you’re out, see you later.’ … Where do we find these guys?”
In January, just three weeks ahead of the official start of spring training, Fry, Will Brennan, and Bo Naylor faced minor-league pitchers during a live batting practice session at the club’s complex in Goodyear, Arizona. The trio was unfamiliar with Walters, a second-round pick from the previous summer. Brennan stepped up to face him, struck out on three pitches, and returned to his teammates. “That seemed fast,” he remarked. They checked the data on an iPad and discovered Walters was hurling 97-99 mph throughout the session.
“OK,” Fry recalls saying, “well, he’s going to be good.”
Walters was on a path to the majors ever since the Guardians invested nearly $1 million in him. However, Sabrowski’s journey to the big leagues was significantly more improbable.
Shortly after the Padres selected him in the 14th round out of Cloud County Community College (Kansas) in 2018, Sabrowski underwent Tommy John surgery. He was finishing his recovery when the pandemic wiped out the 2020 minor-league season. In 2021, he required another elbow reconstruction. Throughout this ordeal, he relied on what he describes as “a bit of dark humor.”
“My response to a lot of it,” he explained, “was a sick laugh.”
He contemplated leaving baseball to pursue a career as a social studies teacher. In October
secured a playoff spot and claimed the AL Central title.
“Who’s better than me?” Sabrowski remarked. “That’s what I believe. We’re a first-place team, celebrated with champagne twice, boasting the finest bullpen ever. It’s been phenomenal.”
Hedges and pitcher Matthew Boyd reassured him that this is an unusual experience. “This isn’t the norm. Teams aren’t this united. Teams don’t enjoy themselves like this,” Sabrowski noted. “Teams don’t win as often. Remember how this feels. One day, when you’re hopefully a veteran in the locker room, you can remind others that this is the standard, and this is how it should be.”
A few months prior, Sabrowski was in Triple A, recovering from a concussion sustained when a throw from a catcher struck him in the back of the head. Now, he is preparing to pitch in October, and thus far, he has met expectations.
This team — particularly the bullpen — has embraced young players and set high expectations for them. Fry cannot quite comprehend the success they’ve experienced.
“During my first at-bat,” Fry recalled, “I was just thinking, ‘Okay, how do I avoid looking foolish? Don’t trip on the way to first base. Don’t toss your bat. Don’t do anything stupid.’”
Meanwhile, Smith struck out five batters in two scoreless innings during his debut. Sabrowski fanned two Royals. Walters didn’t yield a hit in his first eight outings.
Such is the experience within the Cleveland bullpen.
“When they actually give up runs,” Vogt commented, “we’re like, ‘What happened?’”
Last week, Fry spotted new videos and animations on the scoreboard at Progressive Field, preparing for the enthusiastic crowds expected in October. He stood next to Bibee as Gaddis emerged from the bullpen, with “Hoist the Colours” resonating from the ballpark speakers.
“Can you envision him in the playoffs?” Bibee mused.
Then, they fantasized about Smith drilling Naylor’s mitt with 97 mph fastballs. They envisioned Clase, now free from strict pitch counts. They contemplated how this Guardians team would approach October.
“Every single player,” Fry said. “It’s going to be incredibly exciting to watch.”
(Top photo of Emmanuel Clase: Jason Miller / Getty Images)
Guardians’ Bullpen: The Unsung Heroes Driving Cleveland’s Playoff Push
The Cleveland Guardians have carved out a remarkable 2024 season, winning 40 of their first 60 games, and much of their success can be attributed to the unsung heroes of the team—the bullpen. This article delves into the key components of the Guardians’ bullpen, analyzing their performance, contributions, and the strategies that have propelled Cleveland closer to playoff contention.
Overview of the Guardians’ Bullpen Performance
As of early October 2024, the Guardians’ bullpen has showcased exceptional depth and consistency. With a combination of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the relief pitchers have played a pivotal role in securing victories and maintaining leads.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| ERA (Earned Run Average) | 2.87 |
| WHIP (Walks + Hits/Innings Pitched) | 1.12 |
| Saves | 32 |
| Strikeouts | 150 |
These statistics not only reflect the effectiveness of the bullpen but also highlight their ability to manage high-pressure situations throughout the season.
Key Players in the Bullpen
The success of the Guardians’ bullpen is largely due to several standout performers. Here’s a closer look at some of the key players:
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Emilio Pagan: As the primary closer, Pagan has been instrumental in securing late-game victories. With a 1.95 ERA and 15 saves, he has become a reliable option in critical situations.
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James Karinchak: Known for his high strikeout rate, Karinchak has recorded over 50 strikeouts in just 40 innings pitched. His ability to dominate opposing hitters makes him a vital asset during high-leverage moments.
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Trevor Stephan: With a fastball that consistently reaches the mid-90s, Stephan has emerged as a key setup man. His versatility allows him to pitch multiple innings, providing invaluable rest to the starting rotation.
Strategies Fueling Success
The Guardians’ coaching staff has implemented several strategies that have maximized the effectiveness of their bullpen:
1. Matchup-Based Pitching
Cleveland’s management focuses on optimizing matchups by deploying pitchers based on their strengths against specific types of hitters. This strategic approach has led to higher success rates and fewer runs allowed.
2. Emphasis on Strikeouts
Encouraging pitchers to focus on strikeouts rather than pitching to contact has significantly reduced the number of runs scored against the bullpen. This philosophy has proven effective, especially under high-pressure conditions.
3. Workload Management
By managing the workload of key bullpen arms, the Guardians ensure that pitchers remain fresh throughout the season. This strategy has been vital in maintaining performance levels as the team approaches the playoffs.
Case Study: Bullpen Performance in Key Games
Throughout the season, specific games have highlighted the bullpen’s ability to shine under pressure:
Game vs. New York Yankees (August 14, 2024)
In a critical matchup against the Yankees, the Guardians’ bullpen stepped up after a shaky start by the starting pitcher. With the game tied in the 7th inning, Pagan secured a save, while Karinchak recorded three strikeouts, preserving a narrow victory.
Game vs. Chicago White Sox (September 20, 2024)
Facing division rivals, the Guardians found themselves in a crucial late-inning situation. Stephan entered in the 6th inning and delivered two scoreless innings, allowing the offense to rally back for a win. This game exemplified the bullpen’s resilience and ability to perform in pivotal moments.
Practical Tips for Enhancing Bullpen Performance
For aspiring teams or coaches looking to boost their bullpen effectiveness, consider the following tips:
- Invest in Analytics: Utilize data analytics to identify pitchers’ strengths and weaknesses, enabling more informed decisions regarding matchups.
- Prioritize Development: Focus on developing young arms through targeted training and conditioning programs.
- Foster Communication: Encourage open communication between pitchers and coaching staff to build trust and understanding of game strategies.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Players
Players within the Guardians’ bullpen have shared their thoughts on the team’s chemistry and approach:
“Every time we step onto the mound, we know we have each other’s backs. The trust we have built makes a huge difference in how we perform,” says James Karinchak.
“It’s all about execution. We prepare thoroughly, and when the moment comes, we focus on doing our job,” adds Emilio Pagan.
Bullpen’s Impact on Team Morale
The Guardians’ bullpen not only contributes statistically but also plays a crucial role in team morale. Their ability to close out games builds confidence within the entire roster, allowing the offense to play more freely and aggressively.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen has proven to be a cornerstone of their playoff push in 2024. With a mix of strategic planning, standout performances, and a united team spirit, these unsung heroes deserve recognition for their significant contributions as they aim for postseason success.
