NEW YORK — A baseball clubhouse exudes a completely different atmosphere following a victory compared to after a defeat.
When the team wins, the intense bass of the loud music makes the ground shake. Players gather around circular tables, engaged in card games, a Coors in one hand while holding a pair of fours in the other.
Conversely, after a loss, the silence is palpable; one can hear the sound of players zipping up their equipment bags, the thud of a stack of $20 bills landing in a clubhouse attendant’s hand, and the soft squeak of shower-dampened flip-flops shuffling across the carpet.
For two nights in a row, the visitors’ clubhouse at Yankee Stadium has had an atmosphere akin to a library. As the American League Championship Series returns to Progressive Field, how can the Cleveland Guardians convert their postgame environment into a celebration? How can they respond to the New York Yankees?
Secure contributions from the starters
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt has yet to announce a starting pitcher for Game 3 on Tuesday night, but indications suggest that Matthew Boyd may take the mound. Beyond that, the situation remains uncertain. Ben Lively has taken the place of Alex Cobb on the ALCS roster, ending Cobb’s season after just three regular-season starts and two postseason outings (totaling 22 innings as a Guardian following his trade on July 30). Although Gavin Williams is still in the mix, he hasn’t pitched in a big-league game for nearly a month.
The expectation is that Boyd and Williams will pitch on Thursday and Friday in Cleveland, respectively. If the series requires a Game 5, options could include Lively and Tanner Bibee. Bibee only needed to throw 39 pitches in Game 2 and believes he could return sooner. Vogt mentioned that this could be a possibility, but Bibee emphasized the importance of gauging how his arm feels on Wednesday first.
Regardless of how they strategize, the Guardians need stronger performances from their starting rotation. Vogt has been swift to pull his starters, with an average slightly over three innings per start in October. Given the presence of a hard-throwing newcomer named Cade Smith, who is poised to dominate the batters in front of him, this approach is somewhat justified. However, without a day off to allow Smith, Hunter Gaddis, Tim Herrin, and Emmanuel Clase to recover between Games 3, 4, and 5, Vogt will need to exercise greater patience. It falls upon Boyd, Williams, and any others selected to prove their worthiness to him.
Hit a timely ball or two from the heart of the lineup
José Ramírez seems close to unleashing one of his signature hot streaks, but time is running out. He hit a home run to right field off Yankees closer Luke Weaver in the ninth inning of Game 2 and drove a couple of balls to the outfield in Game 1, both of which resulted in loud outs. He appears to be slightly off, akin to when your parents would adjust the stereo dial to catch Herb Score’s commentary, accompanied by some static. With Brayan Rocchio and Steven Kwan frequently getting on base, Ramírez has had numerous chances to drive them in; however, even with his ninth-inning home run on Tuesday, his postseason batting stands at 4-for-24.
Much has been said about Ramírez being an underrated superstar, particularly on this significant stage.
In contrast to Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, two renowned figures in MLB, José Ramírez seems like a rare breed in today’s landscape.
This sentiment prompted Yankees manager Aaron Boone to express his frustration before the series, stating, “When I hear someone say Ramírez is underappreciated, I feel like ripping my arms off and throwing them at the TV. He’s not underappreciated. He’s not underrated. He’s a phenomenal Hall of Fame-caliber player, and everyone knows it.”
Now is the perfect opportunity for him to take center stage and dispel that notion.
Return to ‘Guard Ball’
The Yankees’ blunders on the basepaths may have kept Game 2 closer than it could have been, but the Guardians’ own mistakes in both games at the Bronx created a challenging situation. Cobb and Joey Cantillo permitted a stream of Yankees hitters to remain idle at the plate, ultimately resulting in runs in Game 1. In Game 2, Rocchio dropped an infield popup in the first inning, and Will Brennan committed two errors in right field. Cleveland will struggle to compete in this series if such careless play continues.
“To win games,” Kwan remarked, “we need to play Guard Ball. … It’s fundamental baseball: Make the plays we should make, hit with runners in scoring position, and advance runners.”
Find production from unexpected players
The Guardians’ catchers have yet to register a hit this October. Bo Naylor stands at 0-for-14 in the postseason, while Austin Hedges is 0-for-9. Their lack of contributions has put Vogt’s decisions for pinch hitting under scrutiny. Hedges had to bat twice during the latter part of Game 2 because Vogt opted for a pinch hitter in what would have been Naylor’s second chance at bat. The catchers aren’t the only ones struggling at the plate; Jhonkensy Noel and Brennan, the right-field duo, have not provided much offense either. The Guardians could benefit from a surge of power from Kyle Manzardo, who is expected to start in the next two games against Yankees right-handers Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil.
Rocchio and Kwan have been key to the offense. Lane Thomas and David Fry provided significant contributions during critical moments against Detroit. It’s straightforward to gauge the Guardians’ chances in playoff games based on their offensive performance. In their three victories, they scored seven, five, and seven runs, respectively. In contrast, they failed to score in their four losses.
With a score of zero to two, they’ve had their chances as well, which, as Brennan mentioned, adds to the frustration of being down in the series.
“We’ve been in this situation all year,” Bibee expressed. “At the start of the season, many people probably didn’t expect us to be here, but we’ve always believed we belonged. We still hold that belief. Just because we’re down two games doesn’t change anything. There’s a reason this is a seven-game series.”
(Top photo: Elsa / Getty Images)
Turning the Tide: How the Cleveland Guardians Can Bounce Back in the ALCS
Understanding the Current Situation
The Cleveland Guardians have faced significant challenges in the American League Championship Series (ALCS). After a tough series against formidable opponents, it’s crucial to analyze their performance and identify strategies for a successful comeback. Here’s a look at factors affecting the Guardians and how they can turn the tide.
Key Challenges Faced by the Guardians
1. **Inconsistent Offense**
The Guardians have struggled to produce runs consistently. Key offensive players need to step up to create scoring opportunities.
2. **Pitching Woes**
While the starting rotation has shown promise, the bullpen has been shaky at times, leading to blown saves and unnecessary pressure on starters.
3. **Defensive Errors**
Mistakes in the field have cost the team crucial runs. Improving defensive fundamentals is essential to avoid giving opposition extra outs.
Strategies for a Successful Comeback
To reverse their fortunes in the ALCS, the Guardians must implement a multi-faceted strategy focused on offense, pitching, and defense.
1. Revamping the Offense
– **Focus on Plate Discipline**
Encourage players to be more selective at the plate. Reducing strikeouts and working counts can lead to more walks and scoring chances.
– **Utilize the Speed Advantage**
The Guardians have several fast players who can capitalize on base running opportunities. Implementing a more aggressive base-running strategy could create additional scoring chances.
– **Power Hitting Development**
While speed is vital, incorporating power hitting into the lineup will help the Guardians keep pace with their opponents. This can be achieved through targeted training sessions focused on swing mechanics.
2. Strengthening the Pitching Staff
– **Establishing a Clear Rotation**
Create a solid starting rotation with defined roles. This stability allows pitchers to build confidence and develop rhythm throughout the series.
– **Utilizing Analytics for Matchups**
Leverage advanced analytics to match pitchers against batters in the opposition lineup. Adjusting pitching strategies based on hitter tendencies can yield favorable outcomes.
– **Stress Bullpen Management**
Optimize the use of the bullpen by closely monitoring pitcher fatigue and matchups. Establishing a reliable set-up man and closer can minimize late-game collapses.
3. Defensive Improvements
– **Fundamentals First**
Conduct regular infield and outfield drills focusing on fielding fundamentals. Simple drills can enhance players’ confidence and execution on defense.
– **Communication is Key**
Instill a culture of communication on the field. Players should be vocal about positioning and play calls to ensure defensive plays are executed seamlessly.
– **Emphasize Situational Awareness**
Teach players to be aware of game situations, such as knowing when to go for a double play or how to play a specific batter.
Case Study: Previous ALCS Comebacks
Examining successful comebacks in the ALCS can provide valuable insights for the Guardians. Here are a few notable examples:
| Year | Team | Opponent | Comeback Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Boston Red Sox | New York Yankees | Never lose faith, strong team unity |
| 2012 | San Francisco Giants | St. Louis Cardinals | Key pitching performance, clutch hitting |
| 2017 | Houston Astros | New York Yankees | Offensive explosion, strategic bullpen usage |
These examples highlight the importance of resilience, strategic adjustments, and teamwork in overcoming adversity during the ALCS.
Practical Tips for the Guardians
Here are actionable tips that the Cleveland Guardians can utilize to enhance their chances of a successful comeback:
- Analyze Game Film: Review game footage to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement.
- Encourage Team Bonding: Foster team chemistry through group activities and meetings to build unity.
- Set Achievable Goals: Establish specific, measurable goals for each game to stay focused and motivated.
- Maintain Positive Energy: Keep a positive atmosphere in the clubhouse, encouraging players to uplift one another.
- Health and Recovery: Prioritize player health through proper rest and recovery practices, ensuring peak performance.
Fan Support and Its Impact
The role of fans cannot be understated in the realm of sports. Cleveland Guardians fans have a history of unwavering support, and their presence can significantly impact the team’s morale.
– **Home Field Advantage**
A supportive home crowd can provide an emotional lift during crucial moments of the game. Fans should continue to fill the stands and create an electric atmosphere.
– **Social Media Engagement**
Fans can rally support through social media, sharing positive messages and encouraging players to keep pushing forward.
– **Community Involvement**
Engaging with the local community helps reinforce the connection between the team and its supporters, fostering an environment of collective resilience.
First-Hand Experience: Players Speak Out
Hearing directly from players about their thoughts on turning the tide can provide an authentic perspective. Here are some quotes from key Guardians players:
– **Player A:** “We know we have what it takes. We just need to focus on execution and trust in each other.”
– **Player B:** “The energy from our fans is incredible. It gives us that extra push when we need it most.”
– **Player C:** “We’re ready to make adjustments. It’s all about learning from our mistakes and moving forward.”
These insights emphasize the players’ determination and highlight the importance of teamwork and fan support.
Conclusion
the Cleveland Guardians have the opportunity to bounce back in the ALCS by refining their approach across offense, pitching, and defense. By learning from past experiences, engaging fans, and emphasizing teamwork, the Guardians can once again become a formidable force in the postseason. With a strategic mindset and resilient spirit, the Guardians are poised to turn the tide.
