Traveling Across the Hope Memorial Bridge | Cleveland Guardians (MLB The Show)

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Cleveland Guardians September 2053

September 28, 2053


As is tradition for us, we stop at the final day of the regular season and will have Game 162 as a playoff warmup. It’s always interesting to deploy as many backups as possible and see if we can still win a game.


September 2053 Calendar


Despite some injuries, we’ve still had a very successful month. If we can pull out a win on Backup Day, the only series that we’ll have lost in September will be against Minnesota on the road.


Game Highlight


It’s always great when everyone in the lineup gets a hit. It’s especially nice to see us walk more than we struckout. It was very cool to see that we were able to push across ten runs with zero homers! Mel Burke was great as well, going six innings, allowing six base runners, and striking out eight. Hiroki Kobayashi added four strikeouts in 2.2 innings of relief.


Standings as of September 28, 2053


The playoff field is completely set in the AL. We have the best record in all of baseball, so the White Sox will have to settle for a home Wild Card game (against the Red Sox). The Blue Jays will be taking on the Mariners as the other division winners. In the NL, it’s mostly set. The Phillies took the NLE, while the Mets will be hosting either the Cubs or Reds for the Wild Card matchup. The Padres took the NLW, but what is still yet to be settled is if the Central winning Brewers or the Phillies will take the homefield advantage honors.


TRANSACTIONS

September 6 – Placed 3B William David on 60-Day IL (Torn Calf), Recalled OF Drew Olson from Triple-A Columbus

September 10 – Activated 2B Estevan Andino from 10-Day IL, Optioned LF Xavier Love to Triple-A Columbus

September 13 – Placed C Bernie Doss on 10-Day IL (Broken Arm), Recalled 1B Robert Francis

September 15 – Placed OF Steven Henry on 10-Day IL (Torn Finger Ligament), Recalled LF Xavier Love from Triple-A Columbus

September 22 – Optioned INF Oscar Perez to Triple-A Columbus, Recalled 3B Benny Chavez from Triple-A Columbus

September 26 – Optioned RHP Houston Ford to Triple-A Columbus, Recalled C Juan Chacin from Triple-A Columbus

September 28 – Optioned LF Xavier Love to Triple-A Columbus, Recalled OF Felipe Lantigua from Triple-A Columbus
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What a dreadful stretch it’s been for injuries for us. In a span of 17 days, we’ve lost our starting catcher, starting third baseman, one of our starting outfielders, and a starting pitcher (Rob Irizarry on 8/30). We’re taking a chance that Robert Francis can still be tolerable behind home plate and have called up Juan Chacin to carry three catchers in the playoffs, so that we can afford to replace Francis late in the game. Getting Lantigua up is also a playoff roster move and he’ll provide a potential pinch runner.

Stats as of September 28, 2053

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Cleveland Guardians Playoffs

October 7, 2053




Both Chicago teams won their Wildcard games. We’re set to take on the team with the second best record in baseball. This won’t be any ordinary ALDS.

GAME ONE: We started off with a quality 7-4 win. A big, five run second inning got us rolling. Eventually Byron Meier ran into some trouble in the fourth inning, but the White Sox were simply hitting quality pitches. The bullpen did a great job allowing just one run on two hits in 4.1 innings of work.

GAME TWO: This was a quick manage game that just did not go our way. Ricky Holmes pitched a quality seven innings, allowing two runs on six base runners. Our offense sputtered and could only amass six hits and were shutout 0-3.

Game Highlight


What an amazing start in GAME THREE this was for Bob O’Neil. After giving up a couple of runs in the first inning, he decided to be dominant thereafter. It’s always nice to see us touch up each and every one of their pitchers. We got some unexpected power surges from Albert Pulido and Juan Feliz. Along with Luis Paniagua’s pair of doubles, that was enough to lead us to a hard-fought win.

GAME FOUR: What a crazy game this was. We had the lead, then the White Sox nearly tied things up. Then, we broke out for three runs in the eighth, yet the White Sox mounted a comeback attempt in the bottom of the eighth and ninth innings. All-in-all, the game saw 19 runs on 30 hits (including 11 extra base hits), and 7 walks. We move on to the ALCS with an 11-8 win!


ALDS vs Chicago White Sox


Obviously, we’ll be taking on the Mariners in the ALCS. Ricky Holmes will open the series versus Joel Palacios (10-13, 4.37 ERA, 91 OVR). The NLCS is still yet to be decided as both series are tied at 2-2.

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Cleveland Guardians ALCS

October 17, 2053


Let’s just jump in, shall we?

GAME ONE: Our offense could not be stopped. We tallied six extra base hits on 19 total hits and added two additional base runners via the walk. Seattle had a late surge to make it a two-run game, but we added three in the bottom of the eighth to take a 10-5 win to open the series.

GAME TWO and GAME THREE: Both of these games were quick manage contests, and weren’t rather a contest at all for Seattle. We scored a combined five runs, while the Mariners scored a total of 18 runs, taking Game Two 7-1 and Game Three 11-4.

GAME FOUR: Seattle jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, but we answered with two of our own in the next inning. They later added another run and just as we felt we had a chance, they pelted Kyle Oliver for three runs in the seventh. Now we did score two more in the top of the eight, but if you’ve down the math it means that we still lost 7-4.

GAME FIVE: Tie ballgame, top of the seventh. Juan Feliz smashes an unexpected two-run homer to left field to give us a 4-2 lead! However, our bullpen could not hold and blew the lead in the ninth. We headed into extra innings, where our worn out bullpen showed and we eventually lost the series In the 13th inning 5-4.


ALCS vs Seattle Mariners


It always feels like we have a great regular season and then it turns to crap in the playoffs. I guess, at least we won the division series and were not swept in the championship series. There’s always next year!


2053 MLB Playoffs


As good as the Mariners were, the Brewers sure did seem to make easy work of them. We’ll be turning a new leaf next season. Many older veterans (such as Mario Ortiz and Steven Henry) are potentially moving on. We may see some new faces next season!

[mattynokes]

Cleveland Guardians 2054 Off-Season

This off-season, we had three holes to fill; backup catcher, center field, and a setup arm. We quickly filled two of those needs with re-signing Juan Feliz for two years and Justin McCoy followed shortly after with signing a one-year deal. That left us with center field, where we opted to make a trade. We dealt starting pitcher Nelson Salas to the Yankees for outfielder Brayan Urbina and pitching prospect Julio Acevedo. We were surprised with the inclusion of Acevedo, but Salas does have one more year of control than Ubrina (four vs three for Ubrina) and he gives the Yankees their best rated starting pitcher. Here’s a rundown of the off-season activities that effected the 40-Man Roster.


DEPARTURES
Elected Free Agency: LF Mario Ortiz (Unsigned), CF Albert Pulido (Padres), OF Steven Henry (Unsigned)

Non-Tendered: SP Russell Matthews (Twins), RP Jim Hewitt (Cubs), RP Bruce Gray (Cardinals), C Juan Chacin (Dodgers), 1B Robert Francis (Pirates), 1B Dennis Morrison (Royals), 3B Tyler Dell (Diamondbacks), OF Felipe Lantigua (Phillies)

ARRIVALS
Trade: OF Brayan Urbina (Yankees, 81/B/26)

Selected Contract: SP Neal Gund (AAA, 74/C/24), SP Hal Simpson (AA, 66/D/25), RP Solomon Owens (AA, 58/C/24), C Antonio Guerrero (AAA, 69/C/25), C Hunter McCarthy (AA, 67/D/28), 2B Lou Mantle (AA, 73/B/24), IF Aldo Trujillo (AAA, 76/C/23), OF Sonny Henderson (AAA, 78/B/23)


It was a tough decision, but ultimately, we decided to let Steven Henry and Mario Ortiz ride off into the sunset. While they were key pieces to our team over the past seven seasons, it was time to see what some younger players can do. We’ll have three years of Brayan Urbina patrolling centerfield. He’s a plus defender with good speed and does well enough with the bat.

We added about any and all players who were Rule V eligible. There’s a good chance that the likes of Hal Simpson, Solomon Owens, and Hunter McCarthy would never have been taken, but with as many open roster slots available, why risk it?

Neal Gund is an interesting lefty, who has a future as a potential #5 starter. Antonio Guerrero and Aldo Trujillo are future bench options, while Lou Mantle should eventually get a look at becoming our starting second baseman. We finally get a chance to see Sonny Henderson. He’s battled some injuries, but he’s got a good bat with a strong arm in the outfield. If he can stay healthy, he could be a good one!

[mattynokes]

Cleveland Guardians 2054 Team: Pitching

* = Optioned to Minors
# = On Injured List


STARTING PITCHERS

RHP Byron Meier
Rating: 88/A, Age: 28, Service Time: 4+, Acquired: Drafted 2045

He dazzled to a 3.10 ERA with 238 strikeouts in 221 innings, yet he sported an 11-11 record. Ain’t baseball great?

#LHP Rob Irizarry
Rating: 85/B, Age: 30, Service Time: 4+, Acquired: Drafted 2044

A late season injury cost him the playoffs and will hold him out of the opening three weeks of action in 2054. Here’s to hoping (once he gets back) that it’s a healthy 2054 campaign.

RHP Bob O’Neil
Rating: 85/B, Age: 26, Service Time: 1+, Acquired: Drafted 2046

In his first full season with the big league club, he showed great promise. He had a 3.61 ERA with 185 strikeouts and just 11 home runs allowed in 207 innings or work.

RHP Ricky Holmes
Rating: 84/B, Age: 24, Service Time: 2+, Acquired: Drafted 2048

To say he was dominant would be an understatement. In 33 starts he posted a 24-3 record with a 2.26 ERA, earning him both the Cy Young Award and the MVP!

RHP Mel Burke
Rating: 81/B, Age: 27, Service Time: 1+, Acquired: Trade (MIA) 2050

He made 15 starts in 2053 and with Nelson Salas gone, he’ll have the chance to earn a full-time rotation gig.

RHP Elvis Fuentes
Rating: 77/C, Age: 24, Service Time: Under 1, Acquired: Draft 2048

He did well enough for us in 19.1 innings last year to earn himself the long relief role for 2054.

*LHP Neal Gund
Rating: 74/C, Age: 24, Service Time: None, Acquired: Draft 2049

He has a little trouble with control, but he’s a quality arm and I would not be surprised to see him get some starts in the majors at some point this season.

*LHP Hal Simpson
Rating: 66/D, Age: 25, Service Time: None, Acquired: Draft 2049

More of a multi-inning reliever than a starter, Simpson is simply here to provide depth.


RELIEF PITCHERS

RHP Isaac McCormick
Rating: 92/A, Age: 34, Team Control: 1 ($9.1M/1), Acquired: Free Agency (HOU) 2052

He’s given us 95 saves over the past two seasons. He’s just 28 away from career number 250.

RHP Justin McCoy
Rating: 84/B, Age: 35, Team Control: 1 ($6.0M/1), Acquired: Free Agency (CHC) 2052

He struggled last year (5.23 ERA, 1.56 WHIP), but he was great for us in 2052 and the price is right to give him another chance.

RHP Kyle Oliver
Rating: 78/B, Age: 30, Service Time: Under 2, Acquired: Draft 2046

The light started to come on for him last year as he averaged 11.7 K/9. He’s got a shot at being our number one middle man this season.

LHP Jordan Perez
Rating: 76/C, Age: 27, Service Time: Under 1, Acquired: Draft 2049

He turned in a 3.03 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 35.2 innings and quickly become one of our more dependable relievers.

LHP Christopher Young
Rating: 75/C, Age: 30, Team Control: 1 ($6M/1), Acquired: Draft 2042

He had a rough 2053 with career highs in ERA (5.29) and BB/9 (3.5). However, with a career 3.01 ERA, there’s plenty of reason for optimism in 2054.

LHP Hiroki Kobayashi
Rating: 75/C, Age: 28, Service Time: 1+, Acquired: Draft 2047

He pitched in 40 games and ate up 75 innings. His two to three inning ability saved us on many occasions.

RHP Houston Ford
Rating: 75/C, Age: 26, Service Time: Under 1, Acquired: Draft 2047

Due to injury, he’ll get a chance to open the season in the bullpen. A good showing and he might be able to stick around when Rob Irizarry returns.

RHP Ron Carson
Rating: 72/B, Age: 24, Service Time: Under 1, Acquired: Draft 2048

He got his feet wet last year (11.1 IP) and he’ll have a chance to be another one of our multi-inning relievers.

*RHP Solomon Owens
Rating: 58/C, Age: 24, Service Time: None, Acquired: Draft 2049

Normally, we wouldn’t add an arm like this to the 40-Man Roster, but with slots available we’ll see if he can develop into something (he does have a great curveball).

[mattynokes]

Cleveland Guardians 2053 Team: Position Players

* = Optioned to Minors
# = On Injured List


CATCHERS

#Bernie Doss
Rating: 83/B, Age: 26, Service Time: 2+, Acquired: Draft 2048

Doss missed the late portion of the regular and then the playoffs due to injury. He’s injured again in Spring Training and will miss the first few weeks of the season.

Juan Feliz
Rating: 78/C, Age: 28, Team Control: 2 ($14.0M/2) Acquired: Draft 2045

Albeit a little pricey, he’s back as our secondary catching option. He’ll get the bulk of the playing time while Doss is on the IL. While inconsistent offensively, he’s consistently great defensively.

Antonio Guerrero
Rating: 69/C, Age: 25, Service Time: None, Acquired: Draft 2049

He lacks pop at the plate, but he’s got a decent contact swing. Defensively he’s average to slightly above average. He’ll get some playing time to open the season, but once Doss returns, he’ll be stashed away in Triple-A.

*Hunter McCarthy
Rating: 66/D, Age: 28, Service Time: None, Acquired: Free Agency (MiLB) 2047

He made the 40-Man Roster back in 2051, but never saw action in majors and was removed from the roster after the season. He’s a solid defender, but a non-threat in the batter’s box.

INFIELDERS

3B/1B William David
Rating: 84/B, Age: 26, Service Time: 2+, Acquired: Draft 2047

David was having another great season until a September injury ended his 2053. In 129 games, he hit 23 homers with 102 RBI.

1B Lee Charles
Rating: 81/B, Age: 21, Service Time: Under 1, Acquired: Draft 2052

It didn’t take long for him to solidify himself as one of our reliable power threats. He bopped 23 home runs in just 106 games!

2B/RF Luis Paniagua
Rating: 87/B, Age: 30, Service Time: 5+, Acquired: Draft 2043

It feels so recent that we called him up for his first big league action. Despite middling attributes, he’s basically hit for us from Day One and he’s developed into a formidable power threat. Is this it or will he sign an extension with us?

*INF Oscar Perez
Rating: 76/C, Age: 27, Service Time: Under 1, Acquired: Free Agent (MiLB) 2052

He got a little taste of major league action last season. He’ll provide depth for 2054, but with it being his last option year, this is likely his last year in our system.

*2B Lou Mantle
Rating: 73/B, Age: 24, Service Time: None, Acquired: Draft 2046

He’s the heir apparent at the keystone for us. Much like Paniagua, both his offense and defense look ”just alright.” His speed helps on both sides of the ball and further development could have us looking at another Paniagua situation in a few years.

3B/2B Estevan Andino
Rating: 89/B, Age: 27, Team Control: 1 ($43.9M/2 – PO), Acquired: Free Agency (WSH) 2053

With 25 home runs and 99 RBI, we got EXACTLY what we paid for. The only question left is if 2054 will be his last season with us or if he’ll opt-in for 2055.

3B Benny Chavez
Rating: 79/A, Age: 24, Service Time: Under 1, Acquired: Draft 2051

Eventually, he’ll grab the full-time starting gig at third base. For now, he’ll platoon vs lefties. If his bat continues to develop, he could push for a timeshare against righties as well.

*3B/1B Duane McGregor
Rating: 73/C, Age: 28, Service Time: Under 1, Acquired: Draft 2047

He was in battle with Chavez for the bench corner infielder role in Spring Training and, if Estevan Andino hits free agency, he’ll be in competition for the backup role once again next year.

SS Cal Blake
Rating: 83/B, Age: 25, Service Time: 3+, Acquired: Draft 2047

It seems that our hopes for an upper .700’s OPS is a little too optimistic for him. Though, he can still hit for a solid average, steal a few bases, and play great defense. If he continues to do that, he’ll still hold a lot of value to the team.

INF Roberto Romero
Rating: 74/C, Age: 28, Service Time: 1+, Acquired: Trade (WSH) 2048

His defense was as-advertised and his bat surprised us. He did very well in a backup role last season and he’ll get the first crack at holding down the same role in 2054.

*INF Aldo Trujillo
Rating: 76/C, Age: 24, Service Time: None, Acquired: Draft 2049

He’s got some speed, some defense, and some power. He can be a little inconsistent at the plate, but his skills should warrant a backup role in the future.

OUTFIELDERS

LF/RF Mike Owens
Rating: 89/B, Age: 30, Service Time: 5, Acquired: Trade (BAL) 2052

We hope this isn’t his last year in Cleveland. He’s good for a .300 AVG and 30+ home runs. We’ll do everything in our power to get him to stick around next off-season.

*LF/1B Xavier Love
Rating: 67/D, Age: 25, Service Time: Under 1, Acquired: Trade (ATL) (2050)

He got a little action last year and he sure didn’t disappoint with the bat. His defense, though? Eh. At least he looks good standing out there.

CF Brayan Urbina
Rating: 81/B, Age: 26, Service Time: 3, Acquired: Trade (NYY) 2054

He shows a decent enough bat with a little bit of pop. He runs well and plays great defense. He should have the next three years locked down in centerfield.

OF Drew Olson
Rating: 73/C, Age: 27, Service Time: 1+, Acquired: Trade (BOS) 2047

He bounced back-and-forth between Triple-A and the Majors last year. He’ll once again harness the backup outfield spot. He’s quite capable defensively (though has a weaker arm) and has worked to become an average contact hitter at the plate.

RF/LF Sonny Henderson
Rating: 78/B, Age: 23, Service Time: None Acquired: Draft 2048

He’s been on our radar for a few seasons now and he’s finally ready to be our right fielder of the future. He’s good contact to go along with average speed and slightly below average power. Defensively, he adds a great arm on the corners.

*OF Ray Kubek
Rating: 68/C, Age: 27, Service Time: Under 1, Acquired: Draft 2046

With Olson now entrenched on the major league roster (and Felipe Lantingua gone), Kubek is now our top call-up option in the outfield. He may see some big league again!

[mattynokes]

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Cleveland Guardians 2054 April/May Update

Since I’ve starting updating for the 2054 season on here, we’ve actually played quite a bit of the season already. We’re a little more than a week past the beginning of May. We started the season out on a roll, going 9-1 in our first ten games. This was without LHP Rob Irizarry (still injured from last season) and C Bernie Doss (re-injured in Spring Training). Then, we lost five straight. We’ve since not lost a series and have gone 16-7 after game number 15 and are sitting pretty in the AL Central.


May 2054 Calendar



TRANSACTIONS

April 2 – Placed RHP Ricky Holmes on 15-Day IL (Broken Bone in Arm), Recalled RHP Solomon Owens

April 4 – Claimed RHP Johnny Pappas (73/C/32) off of Waivers from the Pirates, Optioned RHP Solomon Owens to Triple-A Columbus

April 11 – Optioned RHP Johnny Pappas to Triple-A Columbus, Recalled LHP Hal Simpson

April 13 - Activated C Bernie Doss from the 10-Day IL, Optioned C Antonio Guerrero to Triple-A Columbus

April 17 – Activated LHP Rob Irizarry from the 15-Day IL, Optioned LHP Hal Simpson to Triple-A Columbus

April 26 – Claimed LHP Wally Floyd (64/D/22) off of Waivers from Royals

April 28 – Optioned RHP Ron Carson to Triple-A Columbus, Recalled RHP Johnny Pappas


Standings as of May 10, 2054



Stats as of May 10, 2054