Daily Archives: May 27, 2022

David Njoku signs four-year extension

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The Cleveland Browns came into this offseason focused on the big picture and that continued Friday as they extended David Njoku. Njoku signed a four-year deal worth $56.75 million with $28 million guaranteed.

In five seasons David Njoku has totaled 148 receptions for 1,754 yards and 15 touchdowns. This deal is not about past production, but about future potential. Njoku is someone who is all about potential. Raw athleticism paired with the physical presence (6’4″ 246 lbs) have been his calling cards since he was drafted, but not amounting too all that much. Cleveland is obviously betting on Njoku having better output now having swapped Baker Mayfield for Deshaun Watson. The offense will be more open and should allow the passing game to take the next step that it simply was unable to with Mayfield under center.

When looking at the deal form the broadest of perspectives there is a seemingly infinite number of outcomes. As mentioned above the physical traits paired with the improved quarterback situation should lead to better production from David Njoku. There is also the very real possibility that nothing changes and Njoku is what he is.

Guardians outfielder production a mixed bag

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Through 40 games there has been an interesting array of performances from the Cleveland Guardians outfielders. Hot and cold streaks mixed in with underperformance has led to this wide range of results.

The regulars

Steven Kwan: .257/.358/.354, 6 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, 13 RBI, 19 runs, 17 walks, 11 strikeouts
Myles Straw: .240/.335/.312, 9 doubles, 1 triple, 6 RBI, 30 runs, 8 stolen bases, 23 walks, 29 strikeouts
Oscar Mercado: .207/.229/.402, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs, 15 RBI, 11 runs, 2 walks, 24 strikeouts
Franmil Reyes: .195/.255/.278, 2 doubles, 3 home runs, 12 RBI, 9 runs, 10 walks, 57 strikeouts

One bright spot here is Steven Kwan’s 17-11 strikeout to walk ratio. While Kwan has struggled mightily over the past 10 games with just four hits in 32 at-bats, he did reach base five times via the base on balls with only two strikeouts. Hopefully Kwan can settle somewhere between his hot start and this current bad stretch. That type of consistency would do wonders for the Guardians lineup.

Myles Straw having nine doubles and eight stolen bases (nine attempts) is encouraging from Cleveland’s leadoff hitter. Straw’s speed is what keeps him at the top of the lineup, however if he is not able to get closer to his performance from last season there could be a reason to make a change.

Oscar Mercado has been getting semi-regular playing time, but mostly out of necessity. Franmil Reyes is primarily a designated hitter and is currently injured. Josh Naylor joined the team late, missed time due to COVID-19, and spends most of his time at first base. Ernie Clement and Amed Rosario have played in the outfield on a part-time basis when they are not in the infield. Richie Palacios has been recalled again with Oscar Gonzalez making his MLB debut Thursday. It appears that there are plenty of options to play who offer more offensive upside in Mercado. Considering Mercado’s 24-2 strikeout to walk rate it may not be a bad idea.

2022 has not been kind to Franmil Reyes. Reyes has just three home runs and two doubles in 35 games, far from the expected power production. In 145 plate appearances Reyes has struck out 57 times with 10 walks. Over aggression and compete lack of plate discipline has led to this underwhelming start to this season.

The non-regulars

Richie Palacios: .270/.308/.297, 1 double, 2 RBI, 1 run, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts (37 at-bats)
Oscar Gonzalez: 2-4, 1 double

As mentioned above, Palacios and Gonzalez could be realistic options for meaningful playing time should more roster changes be made. The Guardians have already made major decisions for multiple players this season. Bradley Zimmer and Daniel Johnson have been traded to the Blue Jays and Mets respectively. The club also designated Bobby Bradley and Yu Chang for assignment to continue their clutter clearing process. Cleveland turning the page on these players shows that the team is willing to move on from guys given chances who have not taken the job and ran with it. Continuing that practice with Mercado appears to be a very real possibility.

2022 was always going to be about transition and development. Moving on from players who are definitely not in their future plans while allowing others with upside to take their place. The outfield has been a problem for the Guardians for some time, perhaps they are getting closer to finding answers at the position. There are more players in the system on the way, but finding a consistent baseline with their current options would go a long way for this franchise.

Guardians walked off by Tigers

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With the game tied at 3 in the bottom of the 9th the Guardians were looking to extend the game to extras for a chance to win. Unfortunately Cleveland Miguel Cabrera had other ideas. The future hall of famer proceeded to hit a walk-off RBI single to hand the Guardys a 4-3 loss.

Prior to the Cabrera’s walk-off single there was a fairly prolonged scoring drought. The two clubs combined for six runs in three innings before going scoreless until the 9th. Detroit scored two runs over the first two innings while Cleveland answered in the 3rd with three runs. It was Luke Maile who got the Guardians on the board first followed by an Owen Miller two-run double to tie the game. After the 3rd inning there were several three up and three down innings by both teams which led to a finish just under three hours.

Pitching for the Guardians was Konnor Pilkington, essentially a last second replacement for Aaron Civale who landed on the IL with a glute injury. Pilkington would allow three runs on seven hits and four walks with four strikeouts in just 3.1 innings of work. Inefficiency would be the way to describe this outing as Pilkington threw 87 pitches 49 of which were for strikes. The Guardians pitcher was lucky to be facing an offensively inept squad in Detroit. If a competent offensive team of any kind was in the other dugout Pilkington’s night could have been over earlier with much more damage on the scoreboard.

Looking forward

The Guardians are now 18-23 on the year which has them in third place in the AL Central, seven games back of the division leading Twins. There are three more games left in Detroit for Cleveland to get back on the right track and being their record closer to .500. If not, some players could be on their way out as the club could become an early seller.