Three Positives From the Week of July 7th

A rough week overall for the Guardians was made better by the selection of the top player in the nation in the 2024 draft.

It’s sure to be a big week for the City of Cleveland, proven already by last night’s draft. As we take a break from competitive on-field activity, let’s take a look back at the week that was for the Guardians.

Bazzana to the Land

Cleveland went bananas last night when commissioner Rob Manfred announced the first pick of the 2024 MLB draft. The Cleveland Guardians selected Travis Bazzana first overall after earning the 1.1 pick in the lottery late last year. Many were sure that Bazz was going to be the team’s pick, but that shifted last night when many writers and sports bettors switched to JJ Wetherholt (who ended up going seventh to the St. Louis Cardinals).

Australian second baseman Bazzana hit .407/.568/.911 over 60 games for Oregon State University this past year, skyrocketing him to that first pick. His list of accolades over the past season is far too long to attach here, but include Pac-12 Player of the Year, Golden Spikes Award Finalist (won by third pick Charlie Condon), and three-time Pac-12 Player of the Week. While we’ll have to wait and see how long it takes him to reach the big league team, it’s clear to see that he’s already made quite the impact on the fans.

Best at the Break

It’s okay, you can admit it was a rough week for the Guardians. Losers of four of their last five, the team was outscored 21-9 in that stretch. However, with similar performances from the top teams around the league, the Guards are still in first place in the entire American League and second overall behind the Philadelphia Phillies.

This goes to show that it’s not just the Guards in a slump. Everyone is tired. It’s been a long first half. While Steven Kwan, José Ramírez, Emmanuel Clase, David Fry, and Josh Naylor have busy schedules the next two days at the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game, the rest of the team can take this opportunity to rest and reset. They’re sure to return to that unstoppable force we knew at the beginning of the season.

Ramírez is Derby Bound

For the second time in his career, José Ramírez will be participating in the Home Run Derby. Taking place tonight, Monday July 15th, the derby is always my favorite baseball event of the year. From the players recording the events on the field to the kids running around the outfield trying to collect baseballs from the biggest stars, it’s the epitome of fun.

Ramírez last competed in 2022 at Dodger Stadium where he lost in the first round to Juan Soto who ended up winning the entire event. He hit 17 home runs while Soto hit 18 to advance. He considered that as a warm-up and is much more prepared for this year’s event. Considering he was injured in 2022 and ended up needing surgery at the end of the year, I think he’ll do much better this year.