Guardians' Cinderella season ends with Wild Card loss to Tigers
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The Guardians' miracle run came to an end Thursday at Progressive Field.
Why it matters: Cleveland erased a 15.5-game deficit to win the American League Central, but couldn't overcome its shortcomings in the Wild Card Series.
Catch up quick: The Guardians faced the division rival Detroit Tigers in a three-game series, losing Game 1 before rebounding to take Game 2.
- Detroit's bats controlled Game 3, however, taking down the Guardians 6-3.
What they're saying: "It stings for it to end that way," manager Stephen Vogt said after the game.
- "I couldn't be more proud of them, of what we accomplished, but it's not enough. We want more."
State of play: Cleveland's Achilles heel all year long was its lack of offense.
- The Guardians entered the playoffs with the worst team batting average in MLB postseason history at .226.
What's next: Cleveland will have to find someone to produce runs besides José Ramírez, who had another MVP-caliber season with 30 home runs and 44 stolen bases.
- The team is hoping prospects Chase DeLauter, who made his debut during the playoffs, and former No. 1 pick Travis Bazzana develop into full-time starters.
The other side: One thing Cleveland can hang its hat on is starting pitching, which carried the team during the second half of the season.
Yes, but: The bullpen may be another story. Cade Smith took over as closer in July after Emmanuel Clase was placed on leave as part of baseball's sports gambling investigation.
- Clase and starting pitcher Luis Ortiz had their leave extended in August "until further notice," with their statuses for next season up in the air.
The bottom line: Cleveland has questions to answer this offseason, but can build on its historic stretch run.