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Guardians Boxscore Beat: Lake County Delivers Lone Win

Wednesday wasn’t kind to the Guardians’ minor league affiliates - except for Lake County, who came through with a shutout victory. Here’s what stood out on an otherwise tough night: Captains Cruise Behind Pitching, Cesarini’s Big Swing The Captains’ bats and arms both showed up. Bennett Thompson stayed hot, collecting three hits to bump his season average to .281. But the real fireworks came from Ryan Cesarini , who isn’t known for his power, but made it count with a three-run blast. Speed is Cesarini's calling card (38 steals and counting), but he supplied all the offense Lake County needed with one swing. 💪 On the mound, John Means took another step in his rehab from Tommy John surgery, spinning 3.2 scoreless innings with four strikeouts and just one walk. Connor Whitaker handled things in relief for the win, and Xavier Martinez locked down the save. The trio held the opposition to just five hits and not a single run. 🔥 Clippers Can’t Cash In Despite Long Balls Columbus got...
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Guardians Boxscore Beat: Catchers Steal the Show Across the System

What stood out most in Tuesday's boxscores? The catchers flat-out raked! From Triple-A down to Single-A, Guardians backstops led the offensive charge - proof that the organization’s depth behind the plate is more than just defense, even if it is just for one night. 🤔 Columbus backstop Dom Nunez went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI to pace the Clippers' lineup. In Akron, Cameron Barstad kept things rolling for the Rubber Ducks, collecting two hits of his own. And for Lynchburg, Logun Clark turned in the loudest line of the trio, finishing 3-for-4 with 3 RBI. 🔥 Three catchers, three big nights at the dish - and that doesn't even include the Guardians' top catching prospect, Cooper Ingle , who was in the DH spot for Columbus. The Guardians' pipeline behind the plate is making noise. 👀 P.S. Even big leaguer Austin Hedges got a rare hit and RBI in Arizona last night. Hail to the Guards catchers! 👏 Enjoy this post? Never miss out on future posts by following this blog ...
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Beyond the Guardians Prospect Spotlight: Tre' Morgan, Tampa Bay Rays

Morgan is one of my favorite prospects. Luckily, I have him in one of my dynasty leagues. Here is a preseason write-up I did on him for Prospects1500 . Comment below your thoughts on Morgan's potential as a big leaguer. Tre' Morgan Morgan had quite a year in the minors in 2024, hitting .324 with 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases across three levels. The former LSU first baseman does a lot of things well – he sprays the ball to all fields, plays stellar defense (scouts rate his fielding among the best in the minors), and has a knack for getting on base. Power is the main question mark for Morgan. He’s more of a gap hitter than a home run threat, having hit just 20 homers in his entire college career. Still, the Rays love his potential and so should dynasty owners. With his advanced approach at the plate and Gold Glove-caliber defense, Morgan is a high-floor player who promises to be an MLB regular if he can develop more over-the-fence pop in his bat. He’s coming off an excellent ...
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Thome Thursday: The Monster Shot

Ever wonder how far the longest home runs can go? On July 3, 1999, Jim Thome showed everyone exactly how far when he crushed a baseball 511 feet at Progressive Field (then called Jacobs Field). That's longer than one and a half football fields! The ball soared over the center field wall, beyond the bleachers in deep center, and took one hop on the concourse before leaving the ballpark entirely. The blast was so legendary that the Indians installed a special brass marker where the ball landed - a marker that's still there today, reminding fans of the day Thome hit what remains the longest home run in Cleveland baseball history. Most major leaguers are happy to hit a ball 400 feet. Thome hit one more than 500 feet. Just another day at the office for baseball's Mr. Incredible. Watch the historic blast with Tom Hamilton's call See the amazing drone flight showing the ball's path Enjoy this post? Never miss out on future posts by  following this blog .
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Beyond the Guardians Prospect Spotlight: Dalton Rushing, Los Angeles Dodgers

Here's the next installment of a series highlighting non-Guardians prospects. These first appeared at Prospects1500.com . I got to do the write-up for the Dodgers #2 prospect. We're probably going to see this guy in the majors this year!  Dalton Rushing Rushing dominated the minors in 2024, posting a .271/.385/.512 line with 26 homers and 85 RBI across Double and Triple-A. His biggest assets are his plus power and above-average hit tool, complemented by impressive plate discipline. Though listed as a catcher, the Dodgers have been giving him reps in the outfield while he works on his defense behind the plate. Despite his 6’1”, 220-pound frame, he’s surprisingly athletic for his size. He’ll likely start 2025 in Triple-A but should get his shot in LA during the season. Dynasty owners should be excited about his power upside in that loaded Dodgers lineup. What do you think about Rushing? Let me know in the comments below. Enjoy this post? Never miss out on future posts by  follow...
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Guardians' Crowded Right Field Picture: Spring Training 2025

The Guardians' right field situation took a probable yet unexpected turn this week. With top prospect Chase DeLauter , ranked #2 in the organization, sidelined 8-12 weeks following sports hernia surgery, the competition has opened up beyond just the obvious candidates. The returning duo of Will Brennan and Jhonkensy Noel remain the frontrunners, though Brennan comes off a disappointing 2024 where he posted a 98 wRC+ and struggled with a 33% strikeout rate in the postseason. Prospect  Johnathan Rodriguez , ranked #13 by MLB , brings intriguing power potential. With 58 home runs over the past two seasons (29 in each), he offers a promising profile for a team that hasn't had a 20-homer outfielder since 2014. But the competition doesn't end there. George Valera , once a top prospect who was designated for assignment in November before re-signing on a minor league deal, is getting another look after a solid Triple-A campaign. The Guardians are likely to explore other creative ...
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Thome Thursday: The Unlikeliest Steal

In just over two months, baseball will celebrate one of its most improbable anniversaries - and I'll celebrate another birthday too. On May 21, 1997, Jim Thome did something that defied belief: he stole home plate, scoring the only run in Cleveland's 1-0 win over Kansas City . It stands alone in baseball's last half-century - the only 1-0 game decided by a steal of home. And of all people, it was Thome, a self-described "slow runner", who pulled it off. Of his mere 19 career steals, this was the only time he ever stole any base besides second. I guess baseball has a way of turning sluggers into sneaky speedsters when you least expect it! But on that spring day in '97, The Pride of Peoria gave me one unforgettable birthday present - even if he didn't know it at the time. (Unfortunately, the video clip of this historic steal seems to be lost to time. If anyone has footage of this moment, please share it with me!) Did you ever see Thome steal a base in pers...
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