Guards Swept by Cubs, Losing Streak Rolls On
Cleveland continues to drop close games, unable to capitalize on solid performances from the pitching staff.
The Cleveland Guardians wrapped up what should have been an exciting series at Wrigley Field on Thursday night with a 1–0 extra-inning loss on a Matt Shaw sac fly — getting swept for the second consecutive time.
Instead, the series turned into a microcosm of this season’s problems: horrible management, wasted pitching performances, offensive struggles — and that’s just scratching the surface. All of these issues start at the top.
Front Office Embarrassment
To win, you have to spend. While we all wish we had the "Moneyball" A’s magic, it’s clear we don’t. Spending money shouldn't be a tall task for a Major League team, small market or not.
Look no further than the division-leading (and arguably best team in baseball) Detroit Tigers. They also play in the AL Central. Just a few years ago, they were operating on a tight budget. Now, they’ve gotten ambitious, spent money, and are being rewarded for it.
While the Guardians will most likely be watching October baseball from the couch after a losing streak of this magnitude, Detroit could very well be hoisting a World Series trophy.
The Dolans are worth billions, yet they continue to rely on Chris Antonetti to avoid spending any real money. With a passionate fan base showing up win or lose, it’s a great business model — just not a good one for winning baseball games.
Fans would rather see the team take a swing and miss on a free agent than not swing at all. At least it would show some sign of life, instead of letting our best young bats waste away in Triple-A.
Although these thoughts could go on forever, let’s recap the series and look toward what’s next.
Homer Parade
Wednesday’s game offered a surprising bright spot: Carlos Santana and Lane Thomas hit back-to-back solo shots in the second inning, followed by another solo homer from David Fry in the third.
No one expected that given our offensive struggles, but no one’s complaining if it continues.
Of course, in keeping with the season’s theme of frustration, Lane Thomas was placed on the 10-day IL with mild plantar fasciitis symptoms (and has now been replaced by… Will Wilson?). It seemed like a perfect opportunity to call up Chase DeLauter — but, as always, we move forward.
Still, the home runs are a welcome sight.
When Will Things Change?
When it comes to spending money? Probably never. Unless the team is sold, Cleveland will likely continue cycling through short bursts of success on a low budget, followed by long stretches of disappointment.
Hopefully, the inevitable trade of Carlos Santana will clear the way for C.J. Kayfus and, eventually, the long-anticipated debut of Chase DeLauter. If it ever happens, it could signal a turning point for this struggling team and franchise.
Cleveland has also dropped the first two games of the series against Detroit, with Tarik Skubal set to start Sunday for the Tigers. A loss would hand Detroit the sweep and give the Guardians their tenth straight loss.
This is rock bottom. Or at least, it feels like it. Any lower, and we might have to redefine rock bottom.
Some Signs of Hope
There’s still promise across this organization. Columbus studs like DeLauter and Kayfus — along with prospects such as Travis Bazzana — offer real potential, complementing the core of future big leaguers.
Names like Slade Cecconi, Steven Kwan, Kyle Manzardo, and even Nolan Jones (if he finds consistency) could be cornerstones at the Major League level while we wait for the next wave.
Let’s see what happens.
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