The 2024 Major League Baseball season heads into its final chapter with just seven days left before the onset of the postseason. As teams gear up for the high-stakes games, a look back at the roller-coaster season offers a glimpse into the triumphs and tribulations of the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cleveland Guardians.
Milwaukee Brewers: A Season of Resilience
The Milwaukee Brewers have had a tumultuous season marked by key injuries and significant roster changes. Ace pitcher Corbin Burnes made headlines with his trade to the Orioles, a move that many saw as an unexpected shake-up. Compounding their woes, the Brewers also lost their manager to the Cubs, forcing the team to navigate uncharted waters.
Among the injured, Brandon Woodruff and Devin Williams were significant losses. Williams, regarded as one of the bullpen’s linchpins, was especially hard to replace. Yet, despite these setbacks, the Brewers displayed remarkable resilience. Christian Yelich had a stellar start to the season before succumbing to a post-All-Star break injury, which could have spelled doom for the team's offensive prospects.
In Yelich's absence, rookie Jackson Chourio emerged as a sensation, energizing the lineup and giving fans a glimpse of a promising future. The Brewers also saw notable contributions from players like William Contreras, Brice Turang, Willy Adames, and Joey Ortiz. Despite the hurdles, the collective effort kept the Brewers competitive.
The author reflects on their pre-season predictions with a touch of humor and humility: "I picked the Brewers to finish last in the NL Central." With the Brewers defying these odds, the author admits, "Quick summary: Impeccable work, Brewers. Atrocious work, Matt."
Cleveland Guardians: Bullpen Dominance
On the other side of the spectrum, the Cleveland Guardians have had a season punctuated by unexpected success, particularly from their bullpen. Initially predicted to finish fourth in the AL Central and ranked 24th in the pre-spring power rankings, the Guardians outperformed those expectations spectacularly.
Stephen Vogt stepped into the managerial role following Terry Francona's departure, leading a team that quickly found its identity in a dominating bullpen. The bullpen, led by Cy Young candidate Emmanuel Clase, has been the best in baseball "by a mile all season," according to the author. The Guardians' dominance from the mound has provided a steady anchor even as the team faced challenges in the rotation, including the loss of key pitcher Shane Bieber and disappointing seasons from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen.
Offensively, José Ramírez delivered consistent performances, while Josh Naylor provided the necessary power-hitting. Steven Kwan earned accolades as one of the league’s best table-setters for months, and David Fry emerged as a significant contributor to the team's success. The Guardians’ unexpected excellence inspired the author to sum up humorously: "The Guardians rule, Matt drools."
As the season draws to a close, fans and analysts alike watch with bated breath to see if the Guardians' and Brewers' efforts will translate into postseason success. With the author's prediction favoring the Phillies over the Orioles for the World Series, the upcoming days promise high drama and thrilling baseball. Summing up the anticipation succinctly, the author states, "Bring it on."