Thanks for posting…I have the MLB app and was getting the getting the alerts each step of the way…was just getting into bed when he hit the dinger in the 11th, WOW! I am an old CLE fan from way back so not used to winning.

thought the game was over before the 8th inning started. It was fun to watch, for sure!

I broke my arm last week so am couch-sleeping. Hubster turned the game off at the end of the 8th so I could try to get some sleep.

I was juggling between three contests on television last night: Cleveland/Chisox, Giants/Rockies, Warriors/Grizzlies. I thought the Cleveland game was long over after 8 innings but when I saw the score was 8-4 with bases loaded in the 9th I switched the channel in time to see Naylor's slam. I knew Tom Hamilton's call would be a classic, so I searched for the audio replay of that as well (it was). Then it was back to juggling between the three games.

I am REALLY liking the Cleveland line-up and how Francona has them ordered.

Straw is a good lead-off hitter. Works the count well and is fast on the bases.

Kwan is showing a knack for aiming at gaps in the defense, the opposite field, or any contact that moves a runner and/or plates a run. Great player in the second slot.

Rameriz is simply one of the most feared hitters in MLB at the moment. Pitch around him and you get ...

Owen Miller, batting .338, in the clean-up slot.

Josh Naylor bats fifth, also hitting .338.

DH Franmil Reyes finally showing signs of life, probably for being slotted between Naylor and this guy ...

Shortstop Andres Gimenez, batting .331.

Hard to believe this team was shut down on the last road trip and lost seven straight. I've posted earlier in the year the front office must like what they have because they signed Ramirez, Straw and closer Emmanuel Clase to long-term contracts (most the rest of the team is under contract for several years).

Most importantly, this line-up would have to make Cleveland attractive to free agents looking to play for a winner -- exactly the scenario in the mid-1990s (Orel Hershiser, i.e., signed with Cleveland to win a ring). They could use some bullpen help IMO and maybe another starter. We'll know the plan in the next 70 days or so.

Wow. What a game.

Your summary of the lineup is spot on. Offense, which has been our big problem the last few years, seems to be on the up swing finally.

What a great trade for the Guardians last year when they sent Mike Clevenger and Of Greg Allan to San Diego! In return, Cleveland got

OF Josh Naylor
RHP Cal Quantrill
SS Gabriel Arias (#7 SD prospect)
LHP Joey Cantillo (#9 SD prospect)
SS Owen Miller (#11 SD prospect)
C Austin Hedges

Naylor, Miller, and Hedges are already every day players, and Quantrill has turned into a very reliable starter.

I’m still in shock that Cleveland led team batting in the AL - well that was a couple days ago. Will have to re-check my stats. They are lots of fun to watch, thank you for posting, Auggie.

Team seems to be having overall better at-bats too. They're more disciplined and patient, perhaps. Have you read or heard about any change in their approach?

Not sure what philosophy he espouses, but whatever it is, they’re having success with it.

https://www.si.com/mlb/guardians/news/terry-francona-encouraged-by-progress-with-new-hitting-coach-chris-valaika#:~:text=Valaika%20is%20leading%20the%20team's,is%20pleased%20with%20their%20progress.

Valaika has spent the past several years both sharpening his coaching techniques and diving into sports science and the analytical side of game improvement. It was a solid match based on ideology.

"I think trying to — I don't want to say mirror [the pitching department] as much as possible — but you lean on different people's strengths," Valaika said. "I don't think any one person has all the answers, so you try to surround yourself with people that have knowledge and are valued for different reasons.

SNIP

A major point to Valaika's coaching philosophy is to avoid any blanket programs for a large number of hitters. This is an easier path to follow considering the mountains of data, video and science that can be applied to each hitter's individual swing.

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/mlb/cleveland-guardians/2021/11/23/chris-valaika-takes-over-guardians-hitting-department-with-specialized-goals-in-mind-cleveland/8727046002/

That was interesting. Thanks for sharing!

I hope Valaika has much success in his new role. Surrounding oneself with experts in different facets of hitting plus taking each hitter individually sounds like an excellent plan to me. 👍

but didn’t watch it in my phone. Your thread reminded me. So I go to ESPN…scroll scroll scroll can’t find it. I got the the MLB section and had to scroll to find it. Quite amazing.

What’s in the main ESPN page?
Ray Ramano to play Valvano in biopic.
Russell Wilson and wife Ciara got a new puppy named Bronco.