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Showing posts from February, 2025

Statistical Unicorns: How Jim Thome Joined Baseball's Most Elite Hitters

Jim Thome wasn't just a home run hitter - he was part of an elite group of baseball legends. Only five players in MLB history have achieved the combination of 500+ home runs, 1,500+ runs scored, 1,600+ RBIs, and 1,700+ walks. Joining Thome in this statistical fraternity are names that echo through baseball's hallowed halls: Barry Bonds , Babe Ruth , Mel Ott , and Ted Williams . These aren't just great players - they're baseball unicorns who dominated the game in ways few ever have. Imagine being so good at the plate that you're mentioned in the same breath as Ruth and Bonds. That was Thome - more than a home run hitter, he understood the art of patience, power, and precision. What other crazy Thome stat fascinates you the most? Drop a comment below and let me know! Enjoy this post? Never miss out on future posts by  following this blog .

Beyond the Guardians Prospect Spotlight: Spencer Jones, New York Yankees

I continue this ongoing series of prospect write-ups outside the Cleveland Guardians system. These were first published at Prospects1500.com where I am a contributor. Today, I highlight the kind of high-ceiling prospect that makes baseball's farm system so fascinating. Spencer Jones At 6-6, 235 pounds, Jones is quite the athletic freak. He has the tools to be a top 10 overall fantasy prospect, but there’s one major problem that has severely limited his potential - strikeouts! Last season at Double-A Jones struck out at a 36.8 percent clip, which translated into him being the first minor leaguer in Yankees history to have a 200 strikeout season. Jones made some mechanical adjustments in the second half with the help of Aaron Judge’s hitting coach, and it paid off. Over his final 38 games, he hit .303. Hopefully 2025 will be a defining season for Jones to prove that he can limit the strikeouts and become the next Bronx Bomber dynasty owners have been dreaming about. What are your t...

Guardians Prospect Profile: Cooper Ingle, C

Last season  Cooper Ingle , a 2023 4th round pick out of Clemson, emerged as one of the Cleveland Guardians' most promising young prospects. In 408 plate appearances, he hit .305 with 11 home runs, 67 RBI, 7 stolen bases, and an .897 OPS across High-A and Double-A. Historically, Ingle has shown elite plate discipline. Over the 2024 campaign, he maintained a 15.9% walk rate coupled with a 13.7% strikeout rate. He turned in one of the best seasons among minor league catchers, leading in wRC+ (160) and with an on-base percentage of .419. His development has been reflected in his prospect rankings. At this time last year, Ingle did not even appear on the Top 50 Guardians Prospects list at Prospects1500 , but this year he's climbed all the way to #13. Other rankings have him even higher. More than likely, Ingle will begin 2025 with the Akron RubberDucks (Double-A). At 22 years old, he has caught the attention of baseball evaluators and could be a key piece in Cleveland's futur...

Who's On Second? Inside the Guardians' Second Base Battle

When the Cleveland Guardians traded Andres Gimenez this winter, they threw open the doors to a competition for second base this spring. While Travis Bazzana is the long-term answer and might make his major league debut as early as this year, for now, a quintet of players will battle it out. Juan Brito has the most offensive upside of the group.  He had a .256/.365/.443 slash line at Triple-A last year. He crushed a career-high 21 home runs, had 40 doubles, and added 13 steals. Brito also showed impressive plate discipline with a 13.5% walk rate. According to Prospects1500 , he ranks No. 7 overall in the Guardians' system. Others vying for the job include  Gabriel Arias who is known more for his defense. Then there's  Tyler Freeman  who has been in the Guardians' system since 2017. And then there are  Angel Martinez and Daniel Schneemann  who both made their MLB debuts in 2024. Lots of decent options, but no clear standout as of yet. Manager Stephen Vogt ...

Thome Thursday: The Home Run Machine

Want to know just how dangerous Jim Thome was at the plate? The big lefty averaged a home run every 13.76 at-bats during his career - the fifth-best rate in baseball history . Only Mark McGwire, Aaron Judge, Babe Ruth, and Barry Bonds hit them more frequently. That's some elite company! This wasn't just a hot streak or a few good seasons. Thome crushed 612 home runs over his 22-year career, landing him eighth on the all-time list . Every time he stepped into the box, pitchers knew they were dealing with one of baseball's most feared power hitters. From Illinois Central College to Cooperstown, Thome's journey is something special. And this stat is just another reason why he belongs among baseball's immortals. What's your favorite Jim Thome memory? Drop it in the comments below. Enjoy this post? Never miss out on future posts by  following this blog .

Beyond the Guardians Prospect Spotlight: Luke Adams, Milwaukee Brewers

As a rookie contributor for Prospects1500 , my "Beyond the Guardians" series showcases top prospect write-ups I've put together this season across the minor leagues. Here's the next installment of a prospect I really like in the Brewers system. Luke Adams There’s a lot to like about Adams. He has a big, projectable frame, elite on-base percentages, plus raw power, and surprising speed for his size. The biggest knock on him is his lack of aggressiveness at the plate. According to BrewerFanatic.com , his overall swing rate of 40.6% was the lowest of all 525 qualified hitters in MiLB and MLB in 2024. So, the key for Adams is to simply swing more because when he does, he makes a lot of contact and it’s some of the loudest of any prospect. Drop a comment below and let me know what you think about Adams or share your own take on his potential. Enjoy this post? Never miss out on future posts by  following this blog . 


Guardians Prospect Profile: Angel Genao, SS

Angel Genao emerged as a breakout star in Cleveland's farm system during the 2024 season, solidifying his status as one of the organization's top prospects . The switch-hitting infielder dominated with an impressive .330/.379/.499 slash line across Single-A and High-A, adding 10 home runs, 71 RBI, and 38 doubles. With a hit tool that Baseball America grades at 60, the 20-year-old infielder pairs exceptional hitting ability with smooth middle-infield actions, quick hands, and improving speed that helped him convert 25 of 30 stolen base attempts. His 15.5% strikeout rate and 7.7% walk rate further highlight his advanced approach at the plate. His overall defensive skills, including a strong arm, suggest he'll stick at shortstop long-term. Ranked No. 4 on Prospects1500's Guardians list and No. 54 on MLB's top 100 prospects, he's also ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the Guardians system by Jeff Ellis , co-host of  Locked On Guardians . He's expected to face ...

The Fifth Starter Battle: Guardians' Spring Training Questions Begin

With pitchers and catchers having reported earlier this week and full squad workouts beginning soon, the 2025 baseball season is taking shape. For the Guardians, one big question looms over camp: who's getting that fifth starter spot? The first four rotation spots seem to be set. Tanner Bibee leads the way, followed by Gavin Williams , Ben Lively , and Luis Ortiz . Ortiz, acquired from the Pirates in December as part of a series of moves that began with the Andrés Giménez trade, brings some serious upside. The 25-year-old posted career bests in wins, strikeouts (107), and innings pitched (135 2/3) last season. Triston McKenzie might be the favorite for the fifth spot, if he can stay healthy and return to his 2022 form. After a rough 2024, the Guardians are giving him another shot. But he's got competition. Logan Allen has earned consideration after making 44 starts over the last two seasons. Joey Cantillo made a solid debut in 2024 and wants his chance. And don't sleep ...

ThomeThursday: Power for the Ages

Here's a mind-blowing stat: According to StatMuse , Jim Thome hit 30 home runs after turning 40 years old. But what's even more impressive? He did this in just 170 games. Only David Ortiz hit more homers (38) in his age-40 season, making Thome's power surge one of the most remarkable in baseball's 40+ club. That's vintage Thome - crushing baseballs with that sweet left-handed swing right up until the end of his career. Even Father Time couldn't completely shut down his legendary power stroke. What's your favorite late-career Thome moment? Share in the comments below! Enjoy this post? Never miss out on future posts by  following this blog . 

Beyond the Guardians Prospect Spotlight: Sal Stewart, Cincinnati Reds

Welcome to another edition of Beyond the Guardians Prospect Spotlight , where I take a look at intriguing prospects from around baseball. Today's spotlight shines on another promising player in the Reds system. Sal Stewart Over his professional career, Stewart has shown an impressive command of the strike zone. He boasts 138 walks to 139 strikeouts! Add to that raw power and excellent bat-to-ball skills, and you have the makings of a dynasty stud. Unfortunately, Stewart’s 2024 season was cut short by an off the field wrist injury that required surgery, but he should be ready to go for the 2025 season with his first taste of Double-A ball. ( @BBoxscore ) What impresses you most about Stewart's approach in the box? Drop your observations in the comments below. Enjoy this post? Never miss out on future posts by  following this blog . 

Guardians Prospect Profile: Joey Cantillo, LHP

Joey Cantillo's rookie season with Cleveland showed why the team acquired him in the Mike Clevinger trade. The 25-year-old lefty posted a 4.31 ERA in 39.2 innings, but the underlying numbers tell a more interesting story. His 13.5% swinging strike rate according to PitcherList stands out, along with a 27% strikeout rate that suggests an ability to miss bats consistently. These aren't just random numbers - they point to a pitcher with legitimate swing-and-miss stuff. While Roster Resource projects Triston McKenzie to open the year as Cleveland's fifth starter, Cantillo will surely get his opportunities in 2025. The long season always requires more than five starters, and his left-handed look adds much-needed variety to a predominantly right-handed rotation. If he can maintain his ability to miss bats while refining his control, he could be more than just a back-end starter. The Guardians have turned similar profiles into successful big league arms before, and Cantillo ha...

A Quick Glance: Surveying the Guardians' Top 12 Prospects for 2025

The Guardians' farm system remains loaded heading into 2025. These rankings reflect my view on who's closest to helping in Cleveland and who has the best shot at making an impact over the next three years. Fair warning: I'm just a passionate fan who follows the box scores and available data - not a professional scout. Think of this more as a starting point for discussion than gospel. My Top 12 Guardians Prospects : 1. Travis Bazzana , 2B Oregon State star who dominated college baseball in 2024, slashing .407/.568/.911 with 28 home runs. The Guardians' #1 overall pick looks like a potential fast riser through the system , but still needs to prove he has what it takes to be an everyday MLB starter. 2. Chase DeLauter , OF Big, athletic outfielder (6'3", 235) with an advanced approach at the plate. Has dealt with some injuries but shows five-tool potential when healthy. His unique swing mechanics have produced results so far. 3. Juan Brito , 2B/3B Contact-oriented ...

Baseball's Walk-Off King

Jim Thome hit a lot of home runs - 612 to be exact. But do you know what's really crazy? He holds the MLB record for most walk-off homers with 13 . Watch his walk-off highlights here Thome had a knack for ending games whether it was a solo shot or a grand slam. He even hit one that literally left the stadium in Cleveland. But he never made a big deal about it; he just rounded the bases and headed home like it was another day at work. Nobody's hit more walk-off homers than Thome. It’s just another reason why he's one of the all-time greats! What do you think about Thome's incredible walk-off homer record? Share your favorite walk-off moments or thoughts in the comments below! Enjoy this post? Never miss out on future posts by  following this blog . 

Beyond the Guardians Prospect Spotlight: Chase Petty, Cincinnati Reds

While my focus here at Baseball Boxscore centers on Cleveland Guardians prospects, I've been contributing some additional write-ups over at Prospects1500.com . I thought it would be fun to share these blurbs with you here as sort of a bonus. Think of it as extra innings – more baseball prospects to discuss, just from different organizations. First up, a talented young pitcher in the Reds system who's been making strides at every level. Chase Petty Petty threw a career high 137 innings in 2024, but the numbers for the former first-round pick were less than stellar. He spent most of the year at Double-A where he turned in a 4.39 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and had less than a strikeout per inning. Petty made two starts at Triple-A to end the year, so he’s primed to pitch a full season for the Louisville Bats in 2025. This will be a pivotal season for Petty to show dynasty owners that he has what it takes to be a future fantasy contributor. ( @BBoxscore )   Drop a comment below and let me ...

Guardians Prospect Profile: Johnathan Rodriguez, OF

Despite dominating Triple-A and earning International League MVP honors in 2024, Johnathan Rodriguez remains curiously undervalued among prospects. Some rank him outside the top 20 in the Guardians’ system, which is surprisingly low, particularly for fantasy dynasty owners who understand the value of proximity to the majors. His numbers for the Columbus Clippers last year paint a convincing picture: a .301 average, 29 home runs, and 94 RBI in 118 games. He also posted a .390 OBP and maintained a (somewhat) tolerable 25.2 K%. While some question his hit tool , citing his lackluster 40 MLB plate appearances, a small sample size overlooks the bigger picture. His 55-grade power profiles as an above-average major league tool, and he also sports a 60-grade arm , which only enhances his chances of getting on the field. As 2025 approaches, Rodriguez looks poised to convert doubters into believers. Given the Guardians’ need for offensive power and run production, not to mention a position b...

Top Guardians Prospects Ready to Break Out in '25

The Cleveland Guardians have some exciting young talent in their farm system, with three (or more) prospects who could make a real impact in 2025. Leading the pack are Travis Bazzana (#1), last year's first overall pick, Chase DeLauter (#2), a talented slugger, and Juan Brito (#7), who can hit from both sides of the plate. Travis Bazzana, 2B Bazzana was incredible in college, hitting .407 with 28 home runs in his final year. He's a good defender at second base, but he's known more for his smart approach at the plate. In his first shot at pro ball in 2024, he had a .369 OBP with 3 home runs, 5 stolen bases, and a 126 wRC+ over 27 games. While he won’t start the 2025 season in Cleveland, a strong minor league performance could earn him a call-up by year's end . Chase DeLauter, OF At 6'3" and 235 pounds, DeLauter is an impressive athlete. Even though injuries limited him to just 39 games last year, he still managed to hit .261 with 8 home runs and 24 RBI, showi...