Guardians News and Notes - Avoid the Rage Bait
News and Notes for Thursday, January 9th, 2025
In the lull between signings, the main MLB account and MLB Network account have started their annual posting of Top Ten [Insert Position Here] lists. Every year I cannot resist the urge to argue the rankings.
The list of “Top 10 Best Center Fielders Right Now” including Luis Robert Jr. but not NL Gold Glove winner Brenton Doyle was rather laughable. I’m not sure how you can claim someone is in the top 10 of their position when they don’t even make an attempt to throw home, preventing a walk-off win. I am entirely convinced that they always include a player or two solely as rage bait (the act of intentionally eliciting rage to increase engagement). I digress, there were some lists posted yesterday that positively highlighted the Cleveland Guardians.
The most recent list has Cade Smith and Emmanuel Clase ranked as the 2nd and 4th best relief pitcher in the league.
Need to hold the lead? Need a big strikeout? Need to close out the game? You call up the bullpen for these guys @MLBNetwork’s #Top10RightNow continues with the top relief pitchers! pic.twitter.com/F6eGmm8kaA
— MLB (@MLB) January 9, 2025
While Clase’s year was historic and Cade is not yet at Clase’s level, I think this is a fair ranking of the two if you are looking at it with a “best right now” mindset. Smith was simply amazing as a rookie. Only allowing 2 of his 36 inherited baserunners to score and amassing 103 strike outs in 75.1 innings pitched in the regular season. Not to mention, Smith struck out 16 batters and allowed 4 runs in 10.0 innings pitched in the off season. Compared to Clase’s off season faulter of 8 strikeouts, 8 earned runs, in 8 innings pitched, Cade has more than made himself an argument for being ranked #2 in the league. It will certainly be interesting to see the two relief pitchers in the 2025 season.
Discussing Cade Smith’s #2 placement on The Shredder’s #Top10RightNow countdown after a remarkable season in the @CleGuardians bullpen! pic.twitter.com/rWvq0E7UWQ
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 9, 2025
After a historic 2024 season, Emmanuel Clase was rewarded with the AL Reliever of the Year Award and finished as a finalist for the AL Cy Young!
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 9, 2025
The Guardians closer is The Shredder's #4 relief pitcher in baseball entering next season. #Top10RightNow pic.twitter.com/ys92VMMAEG
MLB Network ranked Jhonkensy Noel 13th in their top rookies of 2024 list.
Pipeline’s Executive Prospect Poll was released by MLB. There was a disappointing lack of Guardians prospects, but Travis Bazzana was voted 4th best hit tool for prospects.
Cleveland beat writer Mandy Bell, published her first mailbag of the year. There were quite a few interesting responses including a speculation that Arias will get first go at the open 2B role.
Outside of Cleveland, the Tampa Bay Rays have extended RHP Drew Rasmussen.