The World Series has concluded, with the Dodgers narrowly defeating the Blue Jays. Now the pressing question is: what lessons can the Guardians take away to improve their chances of winning the championship in the future?
Although the Guardians won’t invest at the level of the Dodgers or the Blue Jays, they can certainly learn from the strategies and player management utilized by the American and National League champions in this recent series. Here are some key takeaways:
Prioritize Starting Pitching
Both championship teams boasted a strong lineup of starting pitchers, which they utilized efficiently throughout the series. For the Guardians, strong starting pitching could be their advantage. They should be cautious about trading any pitchers and proactive in bringing up young pitchers who demonstrate the ability to perform in big games. For instance, if Khal Stephen shows promise, he could be relied upon during critical moments, similar to Trey Yesavage’s playoff performance.
Effective Use of Relievers
A significant error in the playoffs was made by Seattle Mariners’ manager Dan Wilson, who used his third-best reliever when his top reliever was available. Manager Stephen Vogt should recognize that in elimination games, it’s crucial to deploy the best options available. Also, teams tend to perform better against pitchers after having faced them multiple times, making it advisable to vary pitching roles throughout a series.
Anticipate the Splitter
With the effectiveness of splitters showcased in the playoffs, the Guardians should prepare to see many of them next season. Their hitters need to improve their skills against this pitch, and the organization may consider targeting players who excel at hitting splitters, like Michael Taylor and Heriberto Hernandez based on last season’s performance.
Invest in Athletic Hitters
Pursuing athletic fielders who prioritize making contact is a solid approach. The Blue Jays managed to build a lineup of young, contact-driven players who are also competent in defense, successful with their power hitting. The Guardians’ strategy should similarly include skillful defenders who can also produce offense, achieving a balance between contact and power to maximize their potential.
Stay Focused on Details
It’s crucial to maintain focus on every play, evidenced by a missed opportunity that cost the Blue Jays a chance at the title. Minor mistakes can be pivotal. For the Guardians, it’s essential to ensure that every detail is attended to if they hope to win the championship.
Invest in Talent for a Championship Run
While the Blue Jays and Dodgers operate with significant budgets, the Guardians must find ways to fill pressing gaps on their roster. With a little investment from ownership, they could enhance their chances at a title. If the Blue Jays can succeed with several former Guardians, then the Guardians themselves can aim for a successful run.
Although I feel uncertain about the Guardians’ chances of winning without significant changes to revenue-sharing policies, I will continue to hope and envision a future where Cleveland can end their long-standing title drought.
