How Much Offense is Enough For Cleveland Guardians Bullpen After Split With Tampa Bay Rays?
The Guardians gave the bullpen enough offense to split a series with the Rays.
On today’s show, we ask if Lane Thomas has saved the Guardians down the stretch and how much offense and from how the Cleveland Guardians need for their bullpen carry them through the playoffs?
We discuss Cade Smith closing in on a personal goal and how Smith, Emmanuel Clase, Tim Herrin, and Hunter Gaddis have all shared the load to allow this bullpen to maintain its dominance and now adding Andrew Walters to it.
Another strong Joey Cantillo start raises questions about the potential for a role in the postseason roster.
The episode also explores Steven Kwan’s back issues and their impact on his performance, alongside a strategic discussion on lineup construction and the offensive players needed for playoff success.
Minor league updates and injuries are briefly touched upon, with more to come in the next episode.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Arena Club
Whether you’re buying, selling, trading, or displaying—Arena Club is the card-collecting platform you have to check out. Right now, you can get 10% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/lockedonmlb and use code lockedonmlb.
Robinhood
Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new gold standard is here with Robinhood Gold.Sign up at robinhood.com/gold
Terms apply, for product specific disclosures visit robinhood.com/gold. Investing involves risk. Rate may change. Gold membership is offered by Robinhood Gold, LLC.
PrizePicks
Go to prizpicks.com/lockedonmlb and use code lockedonmlb to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don’t even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it’s guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.
Ibotta
Ibotta is a free app that lets you earn cash back every time you shop. Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code LOCKEDONMLB when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE app to start earning cash back when you use code LOCKEDONMLB.
eBay Motors
From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Now through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
#guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB
19 comments
When do you think Bazzana will be called up? I assume toward the end of the season next year but who knows with the guardians.
LETSSSS GOOOOO!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 3 to clinch playoff 9 for the division baby!!!
Thanks for the shout out. Funny running into you again Saturday. Thank you for setting up the fan meet and greet. Definitely do it again next year. And screw it, put big Christmas as lead off
Not gunna lie this twins series has me shook!! I dont know why cuz i know they arent playing good right now but i just have this sinking feeling in my stomach about it! 🤢🤮🤒
WHAT? George Valera got hurt? Well that is unusual! LOL
With the extra day off between games 1 and 2 of the division series, Cleveland can really leverage their key bullpen arms. Now, we just need a little bit of offense.
I said it. When you asked the question: “Who could bat 1st?” I said bring up Angel Martinez. You said he wasn’t doing well then. I said it does not matter. Bring him up and keep him up. He should stay at the 1st or 2nd spot.
Check my comments. I beat the drum to keep Noel and Martinez in the lineup. LET’S GOOOOO!!!
Speaking of Tito… has he made any public statements about the team this year? I expected to hear more from him. Something like…complements to Vogt, praising the bullpen, applauding our number of All Stars? Maybe I missed it but I really thought he’d say more.
Craziest part of the bullpen dominance is that Hentges has been a non factor and Stephan hasn't thrown a single pitch
Thanks gents, nice to be able to listen to Sundays game. Top class as always 👍
Get that 1st round bye========HUGE!! Great job guys! To have 2 lefty starters that can get you 5 = HUGE!
was at yesterday's game…72% strikes is how you win a 2 run game in September against a scrappy Rays team with a division title in play. Superb pitching effort!
I loved the Lane Thomas trade originally and was disappointed how it started. Where do you think his trade ranks currently among hitters from trade deadline?
Martinez was the right call up for the leadoff spot – speed and patience with enough pop to keep pitchers honest. Let's hope he can be consistent this time! Pitching yesterday was one of the best games of the year too. Lively was back to May Lively and the big boys in the pen didn't at all pitch like they have a season full of fatigue under their belts
Thanks!
“This offense is bottom five”… WHAT?!?! I know you like being negative Jeff, but there is ZERO evidence statistically that this is a bottom five offense. Maybe bottom 5 in the AL Central but that’s about it. CLE is ranked between 23 and 5 in pretty much all relevant statistics. wtf are you even talking about? I’ve not been more baffled in one of your comments in quite some time my man. Maybe they’ve been a bottom five offense the last few weeks but cmon… I get that when you’re negative you’re rarely disappointed, and you don’t like to sound like a homer, but ignoring reality to accomplish that isn’t the path padawan…
Idk why Jose isn’t a real option for leadoff when Kwan is sitting. His career OBP is solid enough, he’s got the speed/baserunning skills, and (probably most importantly) you get your best player to the plate more often. Now that the lineup is deeper with guys like Naylor/Noel/Thomas and even Bo, you don’t NEED Jose in the 2-4 hole to move runners home.
If you’re talking about using guys like Williams/Cantillo/Lively in the pen, then why not just effectively use them as openers? Your big 4 pen guys can easily give you 5 innings, so use Williams or Cantillo to just get through 3 then you’re good. Especially in the postseason where you get a rest day between most games.
Best bullpen Guards have had in my lifetime and I’m in my 70’s. Still mad about the Rocky trade.