Guardians Drop Opener vs. Kansas City in Frustrating Fashion; What's the Deal With Matthew Boyd?

Even though the Guardians dropped the series opener in Kansas City in a frustrating way, it's nice to feel like the sky isn't falling. Today's episode of Locked On Guardians does get into why the loss was frustrating for reasons that include both the game itself and the rest of the series.
After venting about the loss, the episode dives into why the Guardians have reportedly signed LHP Matthew Boyd, why they may be interested in him and what it means for their rotation plans the rest of the way.
Finally, we get into the current roster moves and injuries involving Will Brennan, Darren McCaughan, Jose Tena, and Xzavion Curry, as well as Gavin Williams' most recent (and final) rehab start.
And, there's a new mock draft from MLB Pipeline, so we quickly digest what their breakdown means and where things sit.
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#guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

[@michaelcurtis106]

Regarding your question on playoff expectations, yes, my expectations have changed. Now that the playoffs are probable (barring an unforeseen collapse), the team must make every effort (within reason) to improve itself in preparation for that playoff run. Opportunities like this don't come around very often.

[@LockedonGuardians]

I think they need to add talent but also not raid the minors completely to do it find a nice balance

[@dbcollings5739]

We just saw the downside of "flexibility "! Love Schneemann playing but that was a a very difficult play for any utility guy.

[@LockedonGuardians]

It happens but I think its a net positive

[@michaelcurtis106]

I've noticed that this team tends to be a little flat during the first game of a series on the road if there's been no off day preceding it. I sometimes wonder if travel affects teams especially now during this long stretch of consecutive games without an off day.

[@puppybrap4524]

Definitely does. They got into KC at 4am as well so not at hotel until 5am or later. Bet on later.

[@LockedonGuardians]

it could young team with some guys not as used to so many games

[@davidvankirk7721]

Is Bazzana worth 1mil more based on elite work ethic and mechanics/learning IQ, Cape production, leadership qualities and Australia marketing? I would say yes. At 9.5, CLE still saves money. Bazzana seems like a committed hard worker who is determined and highly goal oriented and humble and therefore a born leader. From interviews I've seen, I wouldn't be surprised if going 1/1 would have more value in checking off a goal than the money. He might take 8.5 but he deserves the extra million because he is that special. I'm not just saying this because my son is a diehard Cleveland fan who got both of Bazanna's HR balls hit at Gonzaga this May, but yes, we are team Bazzana! One of the balls we had him sign, "See you in Cleveland!"

[@davidvankirk7721]

And another thing, culture and leadership matter for this team. This franchise knows that by now, has the evidence in it with the current team. They got blessed with Jose and Josh. It's why they got Vogt and Hedges. They feel it and believe in it. It is a valuable attribute that with skills can be like putting nitro in the clubhouse.

[@LockedonGuardians]

Did he actually sign it with that? All reports suggest he's an exceptional character. Not to say Wetherholt isn't. But yes that's generally where I am. I think he's worth the extra million over the rest of the group or anyone who would take $8.5 -JL

[@shamanpj]

I chalk yesterday up to a 'freak' game. Agreed, definitely not worried. Wish we would have kept JRod up here. I do not like Noel in the outfield. Besides, will he get a ball in the zone again? I like the Boyd signing. Why not.

[@LockedonGuardians]

Noel just has not range, I agree Boyd had a solid FIP its a low cost gamble

[@richardbell4214]

My expectations have risen, I thought at best they'd be a wildcard team. Now I'm hoping for no less than the 2 seed & winning that 1st round.

[@mpearl2371]

I am totally with you on the robo umps. We went from a guy in Balt who expected every pitch in the box to be called to a guy who called anything within 8 inches of the box a strike. That makes it difficult on a day to day basis for the hitters. What's a strike??

[@LockedonGuardians]

robot umps tomorrow

[@ChrisMartin-bp3sb]

My playoff expectations have changed since the beginning of the season. My biggest reason for the change is that Stephan Vogt has demonstrated that he was the right choice for replacing Terry Francona. The mindset, mission and culture that has been created and owned from top to bottom in this organization is nothing short of amazing. Which makes me believe in a very unpopular view that Terry Francona was the problem last year and maybe even farther back. Second thing, when it comes to the draft, the only choice for me is Bazzanna. There have been multiple people talking about his work ethic other than just hearing it from Jeff and Justin. He is his own motivator. You don't have to help him find the fire inside because he wears it for everyone to see. Whether or not he plays second base or center field, he is the kind of player that you can add to your lineup tomorrow and you know that your team is better for it.

[@LockedonGuardians]

This team is built on dudes who live and eat baseball they need to focus on those players

[@RyanDudziak]

In regards to your expectations question, yes mine have changed. I was expecting them to win about 80 games and not make the playoffs. I think the team, as currently constructed, can make the playoffs but would probably be out in the WC or ALDS. With this amazing start, I’m feeling greedy and want it all and I hope the team feels similar. I truly think with some savvy moves at the deadline that they can contend for a World Series.

[@LockedonGuardians]

Just hard when by the numbers you have the worst rotation in baseball

[@gonolz]

definitely agree on the robot umps!! not that I am suggesting a trade, but I wonder what Curry's trade value would be? expectations: mine haven't changed, because I fully buy into the argument that the baseball playoffs are a crapshoot, so all you can do is make the playoff and cross your fingers.

[@LockedonGuardians]

I want robot umps tomorrow if we can

[@RobertGrose-jn3nw]

It seems they score a lot of runs when McKenzie or Allen pitches, but struggle when Bibee or Lively pitches

[@LockedonGuardians]

it does feel that way

[@HemmingerMMA]

Every dayer checking in despite a loss

[@RobertGrose-jn3nw]

If they don't improve their rotation Minnesota will be tough to hold off

[@tylermerryman7127]

It's definitely too early to count the Twins out. Their offense is amongst the best in baseball and their rotation is due for some positive regression. They do keep finding ways to put themselves behind though with their long losing streaks.

[@LockedonGuardians]

I think they will be tough but they also have their own set of issues

[@nycholasgreig2856]

New everydayer here. For the future, I’m wondering what guardians prospects might hold the most value heading into the trade deadline and which ones the organization might be most willing to move on from

[@LockedonGuardians]

Sure. We've touched on that a little in the past. Will get to it this week and into the all star break!

[@LockedonGuardians]

And thanks for coming aboard as an everydayer! Glad to have you.

[@tylermerryman7127]

I am okay with "just making the playoffs" or at least not being in a "World Series or bust" mindset IF they give a strong effort at the deadline to raise their playoff ceiling AND/OR make a move or two to position themselves well for what looks like a wide open window for the next 4-5 years.

[@LockedonGuardians]

I agree

[@zivohel]

Justin Doesn’t it seem the umpiring is worse this year with being off between balls and strikes?

[@LockedonGuardians]

feels that way to me

[@zivohel]

@@LockedonGuardians Do you or Jeff when he gets back know where to find out? I'm curious.

[@jordanmyers9208]

I originally had them at 95 wins and a World Series win (I'm crazy, I know), so my expectations are the same.

[@joeycoffey8045]

I think we can win 97 and we will lose in second round. I’m hopeful we can make a trip back to the WS though. The pitching and bottom and lineup makes me nervous.

[@LockedonGuardians]

you are crazy but looking smart

[@jordanmyers9208]

@LockedonGuardians just an optimist. Had them winning 97 last year lol.

[@jaked6746]

For one of the few times all season, last nights game only elicited one emotion from me and it was anger. We blew every opportunity we had to blast open this game and keep our foots on KC neck. Wonderful performance from Lively wasted. We better wake up before we mess around drop 3 of 4 or 4 of 4 and single handily give KC life again. Probably a slight overreaction on my part, but that was a blown win yesterday anyway you slice it. In other typical Dolan family fashion, they got us another starter alright.. a 33 year old that hasn’t thrown all season. Somebody please get this family OUT OF CLE. THIRD CHEAPEST OWNERS BEHIND OAKLAND & CWS!!!

[@LockedonGuardians]

its been a rough 2 weeks, but man need some better hitting feels like they are just not quite all in sync right now

[@davidvrablic708]

with all due respect.... you must be high if you cant wait for robot umps. That is going to kill baseball. "Players to win the games, not umps lose the game"..... we had bases loaded twice and blew it. Baseball is a game of chances and lots of them. If the players are allowed to make mistakes, the umps can. stop whining about it. Again... with all do respect.

[@LockedonGuardians]

You use words like whining and then say all due respect but your words show 0 respect at all