Series Review: No quick fixes for Cleveland Guardians as they fall to the Kansas City Royals

The Cleveland Guardians fell to the Kansas City Royals two games to one.

The problems that have plagued the Cleveland Guardians’ offense over the last few seasons have come back to haunt them in a big way. The gag was that the Guardians would win one game in a series by 11 runs and lose the other two by a combined three. So people would joke “it sure would be nice if they could spread those runs around in a series”.

And many, it sure would be. The Guardians lost another easy win-series against the Royals, this time, however, they weren’t swept like they were against the Detroit Tigers.

All is not lost, however.  They’re only 41-42 and have recently called up Nolan Jones. While I was right to assume Jones would’ turn the tide of the team, he has been playing well, and man, that’s at least something to be optimistic about.

The team is also about to rid themselves of their worst hitter in Franmil Reyes. Not only is his strikeouts an issue but he’s actually the statistically worst player the team has had all season. Yes, even worse than Bobby Bradley. Trading him and his atrocious swing can’t come soon enough.

Even if the team isn’t above .500 by the trade deadline, I think they should still be buyers. I think a name they could get for cheap is Zach Grienke, who would be an upgrade over anyone we have at the back-end of the rotation.

Reviewing the Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals series

Game 1- Royals Win (4-3)

The Guardians are not hitting with runners in scoring position and some of that is on Reyes, who’s among the worst in the league at driving in runners when they’re on base. So it’s no surprise to see seven runners left on base in their 4-3 loss to the Royals. What’s worse is that starter Aaron Civale looked fantastic in his start.

Game 2 – Guardians Win (13-1)

To really exemplify what is wrong with the team, the Guardians scored 13 runs in a lop-sided affair and had 23 hits. Yet, they still left 14 runners on base. Triston McKenzie looked like a million bucks in the start, and at least we can say the starting pitching is bouncing back.

Game 3 – Royals Win (5-1)

The Guardians only mustered three hits and one run, but still left six runners on base. Zach Plesac let the game get busted open in the bottom of the fifth but the lack of offense was what was going to doom this team.

Series Standouts

Steven Kwan

4-14, 2 RBIs, 2 Runs

Amed Rosario

4-13, 1 RBI, 1 HR, 3 Runs

Jose Ramirez

4-12, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 3 Runs

Franmil Reyes

3-14, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 7 K’s

Nolan Jones

5-10, 4 RBI, 1 HR, 1 Run, 3 Walks

Aaron Civale

7 IP, 6 Hits, 1 Run, 7 Ks