#Myles Straw

[lalaloobzy]

Why would I spend my time doing practical stuff when I could spend my time analyzing the smiles of my beloved Cleveland Guardians and why I think they're the most perfect smiles in the universe?

Here's what we got.

Steven Kwan: open-mouthed, shock and awe, "I can't believe we just did that!!" smile

José Ramírez: if smiles could speak, his says "I care about you" or "I'm proud of you". Wholesome af

Josh Naylor: just the most excited smile ever. So big, so warm, and so genuine

Andrés Giménez: purely happy, sweet puppydog type smile

Gabriel Arias: he has such a huge mouth it genuinely fills his face when he smiles. Complete joy. Also he has such nice teeth

Will Brennan: a smile of childlike wonderment and playfulness. Adorable

Myles Straw: this man is a BLUSHER. He tries to play it cool when he wants to smile but always breaks into this pink-faced grin

Bo Naylor: everything about his facial structure is literal perfection, so of course OF COURSE his smile is gorgeous

[dreamlandgirlie]

best outfielders out there

[theguardiackids]

School’s in session!

-

Cleveland Guardians via Instagram

[conniesmlb]

Good catch, Myles

[reinsdork]

[masoncarr2244]

Kansas City Royals at. Cleveland Guardians 07/06/23/

[derprah]

I cannot be stopped and will not stop.

First attempt at making backgrounds ever.

Behold...my attempt at Tumblr editing Cleveland Guardians.

[safyresky]

Smile Shots: Clawfoot Tub

Was thinking of what Diteline Valentine's Day probably looks like, given it is Dite's BUSIEST day of work and often one of the COLDEST days of the year. This was what I thought up! I was a little torn on how it would end up, but I knew for sure they would be chillin in a hot bath together after their long ass day lmao. Please enjoy what I was originally calling A Very Diteline Valentine's Day aka, "Two girls, chillin' in a hot bath, thigh to thigh because they're SO gay". For each other, lmao.

UM ALSO Killian belongs to @lmelodie. I very much enjoy stealing him for a quick mention in situations >:). This is some time in the future (hence diteline marriage! in theory, Dite should be going by Donnie rn but in practise, I entered a fugue state when writing this and went with the present naming conventions), but to clarify: I imagine that blackice plans involve another attempt at reconciliation that devolves into a fistfight 😂😂😂. my GOD their dynamic is EVERYTHING to me 😍😍😍

ANYWAY, formalities out of the way, enjoy! And ah, Happy BELATED Valentine's Day, in all the ways love exists! :)

(would've had this out sooner but I got very distracted by my own romantic shenanigans which involved a lot of Puss in Boots. The last Wish SLAPPED and the first movie was ALSO very good! :D)

---

"This is either a Valentine's Day surprise, OR you have had a very long day."

"Would you believe that it was both?"

Dite giggled, gently shutting the washroom door behind her. She looked down at her wife, up to her shoulders in bubbles, cucumbers on her eyes, fruity face mask all over her face, and kissed the top of her half-thawed head.

"I think I would, yes. But definitely mostly the latter," Dite said, unravelling her chiton. "Wanna talk about it?"

"I drew the SHORT STRAW, DITE," Jacqueline said, her tone of voice reminding Dite of the pouting emoji as she pulled off the cucumbers, throwing her hands in the air and her head back. The wet brown tendrils of hair stuck to her shoulders; above it, the still frozen white strands bounced a little bit, the steam slowly dissipating the snow. "The SHORT STRAW!"

"Oh no," Dite said, folding her chiton and placing it on the weird ledge behind the toilet, her heart shaped fibulae gently placed on top.

"Oh YES! Can you believe it, babe? Even JACK had plans!"

"Oh, cute!" Dite said, tossing undergarments into the laundry. "What are the two of them up to today?"

"I don't know, probably fist fighting in an alley way? I don't get those two."

"Well, love is love," Dite said, gently testing the water with a finger. "And your brother and Killian have a special way of showing it."

"That's a...polite way of putting it," Jacqueline said, eating one of the cucumber slices. "Here, lemme get some hot water back in here for you."

Dragging her leg off of the rim of the tub, Jacqueline leaned forward, turning the hot water tap. She frowned, moving her hand away from the stream that came pouring out of the faucet, looking up at her wife. "Maybe you should test the water. I know it's usually too hot whenever I do it," she said with a small sideways smile, slightly flushed—and Dite knew that it wasn't from the steam.

The goddess smiled, sliding into the bath, and placing her hand under the tap. "It cooled off fast, and you're nowhere near done melting," she said, twirling the cool water tap a smidgen.

"Yeah, it's a cold one today. Very cold. Fucking freezing even. I think parts of Northern Ontario are hitting forty below. Same with the Midwest. There's like two polar vortexes, several flurries on the west coast, so Vancouver is, of course, freaking out," she said with a snicker. "I figured California could use a good scare and flurried there too, since, you know, I got SADDLED with all the WORK! Figured I may as well have some fun, y'know? Goddess of the Springs, I can't believe I got the short straw," Jacqueline said, once again doing a stellar impression of the pouty emoji. "I'm not unconvinced that Mom and Jack didn't cheat."

Dite smiled, sliding down the porcelain wall of the tub, leaning back with a happy sigh. Her wings unfurled, seemingly breathing a sigh of relief and drooping over the tub as the goddess got comfortable, the steam doing wonders to her muscles. "Well, you did an amazing job, blue eyes. There are going to be cuddles ALL OVER THE GLOBE tonight."

"I aim to please AND freeze, brown eyes," Jacqueline said with a grin, eating the other cucumber. "Anyway," she said, still chewing on the slice. "Are you done for the day? Or is this a siesta to see lil' old me? I wasn't sure how late you'd be working so timing the bath was a little bit of a challenge."

Dite laughed, sinking deeper into the tub. The bubbles went up to her neck as she sought out Jacqueline's legs, resting hers against them. She sighed, happily. "In theory, I'm done for the day! In practise, it's hard to say! Mom kidnapped Dad halfway through the morning shift."

"Does Psyche has some fun plans?"

"I guess so! She seemed excited! Anyway, I told them not to worry, I could handle the day. I mean, it's my favourite day of the year after all! Dad said he'd take the evening shift, which starts now, but I haven't heard from him yet so we'll see how it goes," Dite said, chipper.

Jacqueline sighed, sliding deeper into the water.

"What's really bugging you, babe?" Dite asked, shutting off the tap. Water sloshed out of the tub, soaking the stone floor below them. Whoops, Dite thought, watching bubbles float up from the floor.

"I had big plans for today," she admitted with a sigh. "I spent all of last week looking at ancient battle grounds to find some monsters for us to fight together today. I had two perfect locations picked out and everything! Then I was gonna make reservations at the new steak place in the South Province back at home, and then I was gonna book us one of those nice little over water beach cabins nearby so we could sit and spend the evening watching the stars and the icebergs drifting by! But then I drew the SHORT STRAW!" She said with a huff, droplets of water following her arms up into the air, the bath sloshing around her and over the rim when she crossed her arms with a splash, sinking low enough to blow bubbles in the water with her nose.

Dite sniffled. "Awwh."

Jacqueline popped out of the bubbles, looking at the blonde with concern. "Are you—are you crying?!"

"It's just. That's very very sweet of you," Dite said, with a HUGE smile, eyes tearing up.

Jacqueline flushed. "Well, it's your favourite day of the year, after all. And more importantly, I love you! Of course I'd plan something special! Shame loving your partners runs in the family."

Dite laughed. "That's not a bad thing!"

"It is when I don't get to bring my WIFE to the BEACH!"

"How about we rain cheque that?" Dite said. "For my birthday? Or yours, since that's like, around the corner."

"We can do it for yours," Jacqueline said. "After all, I planned it for you and I'm sure you already have plans for mine."

"I do indeed!" Dite said. "Thankfully, I am a planner, and I have a little plan for us this evening given that we both worked late today," she said, watching as Jacqueline's eyebrow quirked up, curious. "I stopped by that place you like in Canada, the one with the really good general tso's chicken?"

Jacqueline perked up, her back straightening. More water sloshed onto the floor. "You got us take out? From the Prosperous Lizard?"

"I did! Extra saucy and extra spicy for you! And, I stopped by all of the random little altars that pop up for me around this time and grabbed ALL of the deserts people left for offerings."

"DESSERTS?!"

"Mhmm," Dite said, nodding. "Lots of cupcakes this year! The usual chocolates, a BUNCH of roses, and, someone left us this," she said. she lifted her hand out of the water, suds drifting off as it glowed a bright pink. In front of her, a plate of chocolate dipped strawberries appeared. "Your favourite!"

"AhhhHHH! Oh my god, you were spoiled this year!"

Dite laughed. "I sure was! Which means that I get to spoil you," she said, leaning forward and booping Jacqueline's nose. "And the people who gave us these? Yeah, they get extra Hedone blessings tonight," she said with the hint of a suggestive smile.

Jacqueline sloshed forward, grabbing a strawberry and devouring it. "Mmm. This is the best," she said, sliding back down in the tub. "You're the best. I love you so goddess damned much," she said, the strawberries drifting closer to her.

"I know!" Dite said, chipper, helping herself to one of the strawberries. "And," she said, her voice sultry. "You'll love what I did with the roses."

"What you did to the. Sorry, WITH the roses?" Jacqueline quite literally squeaked, her voice cracking on the last word. Her flush deepened; the snow in her hair melting a tad bit faster. Dite's lips quirked up, a knowing little smile.

"Oh, you know," Dite said, coy, slowly sliding forward in the tub. "I spread them around the house in all the cozy spots for...ambience," she said, nose to nose with her very red wife. "Around the couch...the bed...and also, here," she said, her voice low as her hand shot up, her fingers fluttering.

Rose petals exploded, landing on the slightly runny floor and floating in the little pools of water caught in the uneven crevices of the stones. Some landed in the tub, the bubbles gently caressing the pink and red petals. A handful landed on the top of Jacqueline's head.

"Holy Hedone," Jacqueline said, flushed.

"That's my name," Hedone replied, her voice heavy and her smile. Well. Cheekily successful.

"Did you—are you. Are WE. Uh. Do you. Are you."

"You're so cute when you're all flustered," the goddess said, rubbing the face mask off of her nose and kissing the very tip.

Jacqueline smiled, this cute, warm, corkscrew-y grin that Dite had only ever seen on her when they were together. She cupped her hands, splashing water on her face and rinsing off the face mask.

"So that's a, that's a yes then?" the sprite asked, her voice going high once more.

Dite laughed, choosing to answer not with words but with a kiss.

Her lips were soft, and warm, and welcoming, and Jacqueline melted into her arms with a sigh, the rest of the snow in her hair falling right off in one go.

---

Later that evening, curled up on each other on the soft couch surrounded by all sorts of romantic flowers, a plethora of desserts laid out on the coffee table, Jacqueline glanced up at Dite.

"You know," she began, "I'm really glad we got that bigass claw foot tub," she said, pecking the underside of Dite's chin. "That was a good investment, one hundred percent."

"Oh my god, right?! I love that we both fit into it comfortably," Dite replied brightly, kissing Jacqueline's forehead. "Sitting in the hot water just being with you is," Dite sighed, happily. "Super nice."

"Hey. I love you," Jacqueline said, burying her head in Dite's shoulder. "Thanks for coming in clutch for Valentine's Day."

Dite scooped Jacqueline up, hugging her very, very tightly. "I love you too! And I hope this was a good one for you," she added with a soft smile. "Even with the short straw and the long work day."

"Easily one of my top three," Jacqueline said, snuggling even closer to Dite with a happy sigh.

"Me too," Dite said, with a soft smile filled with love. She kissed Jacqueline's messy brown head of hair. "Me too."

[youeverjustmarryabountyhunter]

-Sam, stop making random au's you're never going to write challenge impossible-

[Pictured in the first image are several doodles of Silas the mandalorian, Myles the Mandalorian and Jango Fett. Silas is depicted sitting down and leaning against a half wall in thought while Myles leans over it, beside him. Silas is also depicted with a side profile in one doodle, lifting Jango up by the waist with Jango cupping his face in a kiss in another, Jango leaning on his shoulder asleep in one while Silas watches fondly, and Silas kissing Myles while holding hands in another. Myles is depicted with a side profile in one image, and affectionately holding his arm around Jango's collarbone in another. The second image is a larger version of the first doodle of Silas and Myles, with the caption of Silas and Myles speaking.

Silas: I can't believe I'm going to sleep with him.

Myles: You don't have to.

Silas: No, I'm gonna.]

I cannot stop making silly Au's, I just can't and it's a problem at this point? Also just because I don't continue posting about au's I've made doesn't mean I forgot I still very much obsess over them I just forget that posting is a thing until I make a new one. Might make a master list post of all my silly Au's tbh that way people can see them all and maybe ask questions and maybe I can doodle more and-

Anywayyy! Here's another happy ending starwars au but this time in the form of Jaster Lives!! (Even though Jaster isn't pictured. But he's alive guys-)

I can only be normal about Jango Fett for so long guys. And for the past...months and I do mean MONTHS him, Silas and Myles have plagued me??? They won't let me leave.

These three just make me so ill oh my god you don't understand. There's barely anything in cannon (actually I don't even think it's cannon anymore but I also stopped carrying about cannon so) but I love them. There's so much that there could be! "I'll follow Jango and no one else" like I'm sorry? That level of devotion??? Also Jango actively loosing it when Myles dies ??? As a final straw? Silas dying words begging Dooku not to tell Jango if his betrayal? It's all awful and I love it so much it hurts so good?

Too bad this is a happy ending au so they're all FINE. The designs depicted are actually much more concepts of an au, than they are an actual au? Like there are several au's of mine that branch off of Jaster living and these designs specifically. So take that as you will. I do want to make a more in depth post going over their designs but for now here we are. (Also Silas is supposed to have a burn mark on his upper arm and in just forgot smh)

You may also notice this is sorta Silas centric and you'd be correct because THERE'S ZERO FANART OF HIM??? LIKE AT ALL??? okay maybe there is but I haven't found it and that's upsetting cause I love him. And yes I did give him long hair. It was supposed to be just a smidge longer than his original length but actually the more I drew it the longer it got and I'm okay with it.

Anyway I have been...rambling for way too long about these three of you read through all of that I- thank you? It's not out of my system though so like...if you want more...

Oh I forgot that they're all very gay for each other btw. If that wasn't obvious? They all kiss. They're all three boyfriends.

I love any and all the pictures of their relationships with one another tbh! Whether they're all platonic, one's third wheeling, queer platonic, brotherly love, etc. I just want them to all be happy together okay?

[royaletiquette]

"Oh nooo~ We didn't make ittttt~" a drunken Myles whines with laughter, practically stumbling on himself as he watches the train pull away from the station, the last one of the night. Kidnapping Hibiya for the sake of adventure was always fun, but it seemed like they had both gotten a bit to involved in the town over and were now stranded. Unless you were Myles who simply saw it as an opportunity. "We can just go back and--" arm swings out haphazardly towards the direction of the pub, the other arm weighing heavy on the other's prince's shoulder, "and we can just cuddle up on the couch and take a nap until morning, yeah?"

He stood in disbelief, watching their only chance of a ride home leave the princes as the last ones standing. Mouth agape and a pit growing in his stomach the further it drew. Who would have guessed it'd be so prompt to leave right as it was scheduled?

"We're absolutely not fucking doing that." Rejected without so much a consideration. Hibiya pulled at his face, dragging a hand through his hair in some attempt to pull together any ounce of sobriety left in him. He wasn't at all familiar with the area well enough to do more than take Myles for his word. Hell, even if they were in Edo, they would be just as screwed over.

A heavy sigh, "I don't..." And more cursing under his breath, struggling to accept the reality of the situation. "You can do some, magic bullshit, can't you? Bring the train back? Ask for help and tell someone to come get us?" Grasping at straws, hoping maybe if Myles saw how pouty and bitchy he was that it would make him actually try to think of a solution that wasn't lay down in some random shit hole and go to sleep. When he saw a smile pull at the other prince's lips, agreeing to try and get help, it looked like that might have actually worked.

-- And the moment he heard Myles' voice in his head trying to ask for help, Hibiya swung at him.

@hhemeraa

[dreamlandgirlie]

kwan and straw friendship appreciation post (ft. will brennan)

[theguardiackids]

The boys are backkkkk….

[goalhofer]

Top 10 MiLB playoff double leaders: week 1 (end of season)

10: Nelson Velázquez, Omaha (1) 9: Johnathan Rodríguez, Columbus (1) 8: Pedro León, Sugar Land (1) 7: Myles Straw, Columbus (1) 6: Shay Whitcomb, Sugar Land (1) 5: Ryan Fitzgerald, Omaha (1) 4: Nate Eaton, Omaha (2) 3: Tommy Sacco; Jr., Sugar Land (2) 2: Jesús Bastidas, Sugar Land (2) 1: Cooper Hummel, Sugar Land (3)

[dilawarmughal980]

MatchCleveland Guardians vs Baltimore Orioles Player Stats

The MatchCleveland Guardians vs Baltimore Orioles Player Stats are always highly anticipated, and the recent game did not disappoint. Both teams brought their A-game, with standout performances from key players that made for an intense and competitive showdown. Analyzing player statistics from this game provides valuable insights into both teams’ strengths and areas for improvement.

Historical Context and Rivalry Overview

The Cleveland Guardians vs Baltimore Orioles Match Player Stats bring decades of rivalry. Over the years, these two teams have clashed more than 1000 times. Initially, their encounters were seen as routine matchups. However, fierce competition has fueled a riveting rivalry. Both teams have had their moments of triumph.

Recent Series Overview

In the recent series, the Cleveland Guardians faced off against the Baltimore Orioles. This matchup brought together two iconic teams. The games were packed with action. Every play seemed to have season-defining stakes. Cleveland Guardians vs Baltimore Orioles match player stats became a hot topic. Fans and analysts eagerly dissected every detail.

Batting Performances: Cleveland Guardians

José Ramírez: José Ramírez proved once again why he is considered among the elite hitters in baseball. With a .350 batting average, 2 home runs, and 5 RBIs against the Baltimore Orioles, Ramírez showcased his ability to change the game with power and precision. His performance underscores his role as a pivotal player in the Guardians’ lineup.

Franmil Reyes: Franmil Reyes displayed exceptional power-hitting capabilities in the series, smashing 3 home runs and driving in 7 RBIs. His .280 batting average was a testament to his impact, providing the Cleveland Guardians with crucial offensive firepower when it mattered the most.

Amed Rosario: Amed Rosario contributed significantly with a .320 batting average and 4 RBIs. His consistency at the plate and ability to get on base played a key role in setting up scoring opportunities for the heart of the Guardians’ lineup, further solidifying his importance to the team’s offensive strategy.

Batting Performances: Baltimore Orioles

Adley Rutschman (Catcher): Adley Rutschman stood out for the Orioles with a remarkable display of power and clutch hitting. His notable performance included two hits and 3 RBIs, highlighted by a crucial home run. Rutschman’s ability to drive in runs and deliver under pressure was a key factor in the Orioles’ offensive efforts against the Cleveland Guardians.

Cedric Mullins (Center Fielder): Cedric Mullins showcased his speed and on-base capabilities, contributing a hit and a stolen base in the series. While his batting impact was limited to just one hit, his presence on the base paths remained a threat, illustrating his potential to influence the game’s dynamics beyond batting.

Ryan Mountcastle (First Baseman): Ryan Mountcastle brought a steady presence to the Orioles’ lineup, though his impact could have been more pronounced in this series. His contributions at the plate were essential in creating scoring opportunities and sustaining innings, highlighting the depth of the Orioles’ batting lineup and the variety of ways they can challenge opponents.

Fielding Performances: Cleveland Guardians

José Ramírez (Third Base): Ramírez’s agility and arm strength at third base contributed significantly to the Cleveland Guardians’ defensive strategy. His ability to make challenging plays and prevent base hits solidified the left side of the infield, showcasing the defensive skills that complement his offensive contributions.

Amed Rosario (Shortstop): In the series against the Baltimore Orioles, Rosario demonstrated why he is a key component of the Guardians’ infield defence. With flawless fielding and quick double plays, Rosario’s presence in the shortstop position provided reliability and helped maintain the team’s defensive momentum throughout the games.

Myles Straw (Center Field): Straw’s range and speed in centre field were on full display, allowing him to cover extensive ground and secure catches that would otherwise fall for extra-base hits. His defensive prowess was crucial in limiting the Orioles’ ability to convert hits into runs, emphasizing the importance of strong outfield defence in tight matchups.

Fielding Performances: Baltimore Orioles

Cedric Mullins (Center Field): Mullins’ defensive plays were a highlight for the Orioles. He made diving catches and utilized his arm strength to throw out runners. His efforts in centre field minimized extra-base hits and kept the Guardians’ runners from advancing, demonstrating his value as a defensive asset.

Ryan Mountcastle (First Base): Mountcastle’s performance at first base provided a solid foundation for the Orioles’ infield defence. His ability to scoop errant throws and maintain possession during critical plays prevented potential errors, reinforcing the Orioles’ defensive strategies and execution around the diamond.

Austin Hays (Left Field): Hays contributed significantly to the Orioles’ defence on the left field with his athleticism and awareness. His game-saving catch in one of the matchups showcased his ability to read the ball well and prevent runs, underlining the importance of outfield defence in tight games Read More

[oohaw94]

The Cleveland Baseball Team 08-23-2024

Four words to describe the state of the team at present:

Dead. In. The. Water.

For a team that has wildly overachieved this year, the last 8 weeks of baseball have been hard to watch for Cleveland fans. The team is still the second best (as of this morning) by Win-Loss record in the American League. And given that the starting pitching has mostly been an unmitigated disaster since the beginning of the campaign, it's bonified miracle that the team is 19 games above .500 even with their struggles within the division.

On the surface the numbers for August and July are not Chicago White Sox terrible but they are very troubling. In July the team was 13 wins and 12 losses (7-5 after the All-Star break). They scored 2 or less runs in 12 of the 25 games (they were shut out 6 times). The molasses effect has carried over into August. The team has 8 wins and 12 losses - going 6 and 12 over the last 18 after winning two games to start the month. Again spotlighting the so-called offense, the former Tribe team has scored 2 or less runs 7 times (that includes a pair of 2-1 victories in there) and added two more shutouts to the pile.

I'm not sure if other teams have picked up on the swing early mentality of the team but it seems like opposing pitchers are getting some early count freebie outs and in turn are having an easier time getting deep into games. As of late they have been able to work back into counts and draw some walks but when it comes to putting the ball in play and generating a legit hit, the team's batting average is resembling Austin Hedges sub-Mendoza batting line.

Stephen Vogt should get a pass as this is his first year in the rumble seat. Truth be told he has done a pretty decent job piecing things together and leveraging Jose Ramirez and the overworked but highly effective bullpen. I do not always agree with the merry-go-round change in lineups from day-to-day but overall the results have yielded wins.

I do think the front office should be called onto the carpet a bit here. Before the trade deadline it became pretty obvious what the team was lacking: starting pitching, any offensive production in centerfield, a shortstop who can consistently put up quality AB's and a rocking chair for Austin Hedges in the clubhouse. As usual the team was crying poor when it came to acquiring starting pitching - but then look at some of the puzzling deals made at the deadline to acquire reasonable number 3 starting pitchers (Flaherty, Fedde, etc.) at minimal cost. The team did ink Boyd and early returns are promising. But then the Alex Cobb deal was a complete head-scratcher. This team dogged Aaron Civale for always being injured and flipped him (yes, I'm glad they got Manzardo) but then why get a retread of a retread in Cobb who had been out with multiple different injuries all year? Two starts into his Cleveland tenure, shocker, Cobb comes up lame. It hurts my brain.

Now we come to Myles Straw 2.0 aka Lane Thomas. Down in the minor leagues the team has their centerfielder of years past languishing and batting around .250 that they are paying around $5 million. A huge sum for most non-injury rehabbing former major leaguers. Myles Straw has fallen out of favor with the powers that be over the last 18 months or so. So why would you bring in a guy who basically is his clone? Speedy, plays good defense, .240-.260 hitter, steals bases, right-handed bat, strikes out too much for a fast guy...can you figure out which one I'm talking about here? Straw or Thomas?They are basically the same player. The only difference is Thomas has a propensity to hit a few more long balls. Not recently but it is on his baseball card stats. Since being acquired, Lane Thomas has 60 at-bats and 7 hits (3 doubles and 4 singles). He has 1 RBI to go with 6 walks and 28 strikeouts. In his lone attempt to steal he was successful. He is batting .117 - that's pretty nasty. When you go to the big picture here and see that the club overpaid with three (3) prospects to acquire a duplicate of something they already have in-house, it makes no sense.

That's all the notable transactions to mention for the pennant race reinforcements. The team did some other dumpster diving moves when the Giants jettisoned a starting pitcher who was entirely ineffective and immediately plugged him into their rotation for a hot minute. Low and behold that move did not bear fruit. Injuries and slumps are part of the game. Each time rides the waves of each. Some are able to navigate these better than others. However, it looks like Cleveland is about to encounter Niagara Falls...

I mentioned the starting rotation has been a source for concern from the get-go. As we get ready to step to the threshold of the last month of the season, whom is going to start for this club in September? Lively and Bibee have done a solid job getting to this point but both are edging beyond their recent benchmarks in innings workloads. Gavin Williams looks back to his old self one minute and then off the map the next. Boyd's comeback story is a feel-good one but he's bound to have some bumps in the road over the next five weeks. So that leaves the tangled mess of Cantillo, Carrasco, Allen, Cobb and McKenzie to try to scoot this team to the finish line. This group has been riddled with injuries and inconsistency. If this team does weather the storm and secure the division and/or a wild card spot, who do you trust to pitch in the postseason besides the back-end of the bullpen? Of the obvious choices, will they be out-of-gas or simply beyond their innings limits and therefore off-limits?

I've been a Cleveland baseball fan since the summer of 1992. Some of you may be asking if I'm a fan of the team or just being a troll. I'm a fan through and through. I still contend that if Trevor Bauer hadn't been a dumbass the club would've captured the 2016 Fall Classic. But that is 8 years in the rearview mirror. In the here and now, this offense if offensive. I think the front office missed an opportunity to trade Andres Gimenez at the trade deadline. Yes I said it. He is such a one-dimensional (defensive) player. Yes, once a week he'll do something with the bat but his trade value as a platinum glove winner will probably never be higher. With so many middle infielders MLB-ready or near ready, it's probably time to move on from him. There's a reason he didn't displace Rosario as everyday shortstop. He had one solid MLB stint as an offensive player and it earned him a nice payday. With the team always looking to walk back the salary figures, it makes a lot of sense. Josh Naylor these days is looking like Josh Bell did for Cleveland. He's got a ton of passion and hustle but is he really a cornerstone piece? his long stretches of hot and cold streaks suggest the answer is no.

Besides the ill-fated 2016 season, I wonder if this team will become cohesive enough to win a World Series title in my lifetime. Jose Ramirez is one player - an MVP-caliber player - but teams are starting to bypass him or make him expand the zone to get production with so little help around him. Hitting at the Major League level is one of the most difficult things to do. That is why players earn the big bucks and why so many of them fail 75% of the time. There is no magic formula to win a baseball game and that's why they play the games. But here lately, it seems like this team is either mailing it in or getting exposed as AAAA player talent. The first half of the season showed that they can win but the second half of the season always shows which teams are hardened enough to win when it counts.

It's always easy to point out the problems and not offer any solutions. With that in mind, here are my solution suggestions:

- DFA Hedges ($4M signing? Really?!).

- Stop bringing up/recalling Gose.

- Start Bo Naylor every day (let him figure it out).

- Give Kwan a IL stay (he looks tired and sluggish)

- Freeman and Schneemann need to go to AAA (they look tired and unsure).

- Sign Bieber to a 2-year deal for 2025-2026 (reduced contract & could have big upside).

- Bring up Manzardo to play first base.

- Bring up Straw for phantom IL stint Lane Thomas needs.

- Bring up Arias to be utility/bench player.

- Bring in Trevor Bauer (yes I said it. Rob Manfred screwed over Bauer as a personal vendetta and also screwed over the Cleveland franchise by forcing them to rebrand. Bauer knows how to pitch and attack hitters. It could help someone like Cantillo or McKenzie or Williams on those days where they don't have their best stuff but need to battle and 'think' through attacking hitters.)

These are my personal observations and suggestions. Will any of them occur? Who knows? Have a great weekend and let's hope for some better baseball soon…

[twins2994]

Cleveland Indians-Minnesota Twins Series Preview

4.4.24-Tanner Bibee RHP (0-0) 6.75 ERA Vs. Pablo Lopez RHP (1-0) 1.29 ERA

4.6.24-Carlos Carrasco RHP (0-0) 5.40 ERA Vs. Joe Ryan RHP (0-0) 1.69 ERA

4.7.24-Triston McKenzie RHP (0-1) 10.80 ERA Vs. Bailey Ober RHP (0-1) 54.00 ERA

The Indians At A Glance- The Indians are starting the season on a lengthy road trip. They took three of four from the A's in Oakland to start the year then two of three from the Mariners in Seattle. The Tribe now head to Minnesota to play the Twins. The Indians didn't do too much in the offseason. They signed Austin Hedges and Ben Lively and traded for Scott Barlow. Myles Straw was sent to Columbus to start the season. Steven Kwan is off to a hot start with a .353 average in seven games. Andres Gimenez it hitting .346 with six RBI's. The Cleveland offense is averaging 6.5 runs per game in the early season. The Twins will miss Shane Bieber in this series. He has thrown twelve shutout innings to start the year. Cade Smith has struck out nine over 4 1/3 out of the bullpen. The bullpen should be pretty good for the Indians. You have Emmanuel Clase closing, Scott Barlow at the back-end along with Nick Sandlin. Tyler Beede has four shutout innings so far.

The Twins At A Glance- The Twins went (3-2) to start the year and return home for a six-game homestand. They will open up Target Field for the fifteen season. Alex Kirilloff had quite the series in Milawukee. He went 5-for-8 with a double and a triple. Ryan Jeffers broke out of a slump with a three-run homer on Wednesday. The offense was getting men on base, but haven't been able to knock them in. Byron Buxton is hitting .316 with four RBI's over five games. The Twins have scored just eighteen runs over the first five games. The pitching has been pretty good in the early going. The team has a 3.77 ERA. The first trip through the rotation was decent with the exception of Bailey Ober on Sunday. Pablo Lopez gets to start the home opener, which should be a fun experience for him. Griffin Jax, Brock Stewart, and Jay Jackson have each thrown three shutout innings. The Twins extended the lead to four in the ninth, so we didn't get to see what move Rocco Baldelli was going to make since he had already used Brock Stewart and Griffin Jax.

What To Watch For- The Indians went (7-6) against the Twins in 2023. Cleveland went (4-3) in the seven games played at Target Field last year. Tanner Bibee has a 4.20 ERA in three starts against the Twins. Pablo Lopez is (2-1) with a 3.38 ERA in four starts against the Indians. Carlos Carrasco is (7-11) with a 4.12 ERA in 27 career starts versus the Twins. Joe Ryan is (3-3) with a 2.05 ERA in eight starts against Cleveland. Triston McKenzie is (2-5) with a 5.14 ERA in ten starts against Minnesota. Carlos Correa has two career homers off Mckenzie. Bailey Ober is (1-1) with a 1.29 ERA in five starts against the Tribe. It should be a fun vibe at Target Field after last year's playoff run.

-Chris Kreibich-