A split split squad game
The Guardians split their split-squad games today, losing a game late to the Cubs 7-4 and beating the Royals 5-2. Good news is that they one both games while the starters were still in.
Some observations in the Cubs’ game:
-Triston McKenzie had 13 swings and misses. That’s good. He didn’t walk anyone. That’s good. He allowed 7 hits and only 2 of the 15 curveball he threw were in the strike zone. I think we have to allow for the Arizona air’s effect on curveballs… but the jury is definitely still out on whether or not McKenzie’s command will be enough to keep him in a major league rotation. I really hope so because it’s so fun to watch him pitch.
-Lane Thomas has been absolutely crushing the ball in Spring Training and hit a couple more over 107 mph here including a homer.
-Juan Brito hit a homer 101 mph while starting at second base. I wish we would just ride with him from day one but I know they won’t so I have stopped hoping to see him in Cleveland before May.
-Hunter Gaddis and Jakob Junis were good in relief. Paul Sewald was… not.
-Kwan, Jose Ramirez, Burgos, Brennan, Noel and Pries also got hits.
Some observations from the Royals game:
-Ben Lively was good again. Four scoreless, allowing three hits and one walk and striking out three. Just put him in as your fifth starter if you ask me. He’s a grinder.
-Koby Allard has had a great spring and threw two more scoreless innings. I wonder what his chances are of making the roster…
-Players with two hits in this game: CJ Kayfus and Will Wilson (including a 110 mph exit velo three-run bomb).
-Other players with a hit: Gabriel Arias and Angel Martinez each hit doubles, and Yordyz Valdez, Tyler Freeman, Kyle Manzardo, Kody Huff, Jose Devers and Cooper Ingle added singles. Rocchio didn’t get a hit but did tag a ball at 108 mph.
-Players who took a walk: Johnathan Rodriguez and Cooper Ingle.
Tomorrow, the Guardians play the Dodgers at 4:05 as we get to follow as Doug Nikhazy and Roki Sasaki face off.