Baseball
Related: About this forumMinor deal: Guardians acquire Noah Syndergaard from LA in exchange for SS Rosario
Rosario has been a consistent offensive provider for the Guardians over the last two and half years. But statistically, hes ranked among the worst defenders at any position in the Majors. And when it became clear he wasnt going to be part of Clevelands future, as hes set for free agency this winter, he created a logjam in the middle of the Guardians infield, blocking a handful of their highly touted prospects from getting more playing time as the team hoped his offense and/or defense would start improving as the season continued.
Syndergaard, 30, adds some pitching depth to the Guardians' rotation that is in desperate need of extra arms. Hes pitched to a 7.16 ERA this season with 38 strikeouts and just nine walks in 55 1/3 innings. The righty was one of the hardest-throwing starters in baseball when he began his career in 2015. But once he had to undergo Tommy John surgery in 2020, he hasn't been the same.
Syndergaard's fastball velocity has dropped significantly, as he averaged 93.5 mph on his heater last season and 91.5 mph so far this year. He battled issues with a blister on his right index finger and has been on the injured list since June 8. He began his rehab assignment on July 15 and has given up six runs in 10 innings over two starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
He had a blister issue initially where he did miss some time, (Guardians president of baseball operations) Chris Antonetti said. Since then, hes been working to regain his mechanics and to be able to find some success. Hes made some progress we felt in the last two rehab starts, and so our hope is that we can continue to partner with him and help him contribute at the Major League level in the starting rotation.
MORE: https://www.mlb.com/guardians/news/guardians-trade-amed-rosario-to-dodgers-for-noah-syndergaard
Guardian coaches have a good history of resurrecting / fine-tuning pitchers. This is still a roll of the dice, but if it doesn't work out, at least Cleveland retains their top prospects.
True Dough
(19,959 posts)back under 4.00, I think that would be a "win." Not sure that will happen though. He sure was a bright prospect in his younger days.
Auggie
(31,764 posts)Their three call-ups -- Williams, Bibee and Allen -- are building arm strength and limited by pitch count.
True Dough
(19,959 posts)against the ChiSox. He shows a lot of promise!
True Dough
(19,959 posts)Dylan Cease, not quite well enough. Clase nails it down.
On to the next one!
Diamond_Dog
(34,414 posts)Thor is a big gamble. Rosario was a key part of our offense. I know, I know, he will be a free agent. Doesnt mean I have to like it.
Auggie
(31,764 posts)Had Bieber and Quantill not been injured there's no way that trade gets made.
Diamond_Dog
(34,414 posts)Its been a bad year for us in that regard. Rookies have been pretty good filling in, but I suppose they dont want to overwork them.
True Dough
(19,959 posts)against the Astros. Not the easiest lineup to face. We'll see how it goes...
True Dough
(19,959 posts)The outcome of the game was rather ugly, but Syndergaard did his part: 5.1 innings (on only 68 pitches), allowing 2 hits and only 1 earned run. No strikeouts, but it was against a formidable Astros offense.
Reasons for hope.
A game they could have won, too.
True Dough
(19,959 posts)it's over for Syndergaard???
Auggie
(31,764 posts)Cleveland announcers said last night that Carl Willis, pitching coach, has been working with Syndergaard on an approach that doesn't rely on velocity (it's way lower since Tommy John surgery). I'm sure Willis isn't the first to try, though to his credit, he's behind some very impressive career rebuilds. Syndergaard ruled baseball in recent years. You know he's trying. This must be very tough on him.
True Dough
(19,959 posts)He's 31. Pitchers shouldn't be throwing in the towel at that age, but wear and tear affects each of us differently. Personally, I know I'm as spry as I was as a young pup in high school!
True Dough
(19,959 posts)Retirement imminent?
Guardians designate Syndergaard for assignment after start
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38273494/guardians-designate-syndergaard-assignment-start
Auggie
(31,764 posts)Cleveland is making room to bring back injured starter Cal Quantrill, expected September 1st. In the meantime they can call up a fresh reliever for the Minnesota series.
Syndergaard has given up 10 home in five August starts. Average velocity on the fastball, and gives up many stolen bases. He did fill a need, though.
True Dough
(19,959 posts)Regardless, Cleveland is blessed with four young starters who weren't even with the team when the season opened: Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Logan Allen and Xzavion Curry. There's a ton of promise there for next year.
Auggie
(31,764 posts)though they might need a different hitting coach. The young 'uns do well in the minors but struggle in the bigs.
True Dough
(19,959 posts)Another reclamation project. The Guardians have an attraction. Hope springs eternal!
Auggie
(31,764 posts)three arms, two for the bullpen (which they needed).
September 1st, and they're not giving up.