Every MLB team is focused on the offseason, especially with the looming Dec. 1 lockout and the rush to complete certain moves and make decisions. However, many fans are still thinking about the postseason, some of its most exciting moments, and the series that shaped everything.
The folks at ESPN made a roundtable and discussed the key moments, the best series, the most valuable players, and everything regarding another thrilling edition of the playoffs. As it turns out, the Cleveland Guardians were named in the piece.
The American League Division Series between the Guardians and the Chicago White Sox was considered by them the best and most exciting matchup of October. It had everything: blown leads, away victories, raucous crowds, power, a strikeouts record, and much more.
“If you can believe it, there were only two series that went the distance this October: The Braves beating the Phillies in the wild-card round and the Guardians outlasting the White Sox in their division series matchup. The latter turned out to be one of the best of October as it featured a little bit of everything: Road teams winning the first four games, come-from-behind victories and dramatic moments. Oh, and Cleveland stormed back from 2-0 in the series to win it. It was a good one,” Jesse Rogers wrote.
The Guardians entered the postseason as the AL Central champs, while the White Sox, a Wild Card team, eliminated the Houston Astros in the previous round. Chicago took the first two games in Cleveland, at Progressive Field, and the Guardians hit rock bottom there.
However, they recovered, led by some amazing performances from Jose Ramirez and pitcher Gavin Williams, whose ALDS produced a cool record. Cleveland stunned the White Sox with two wins at Rate Field to tie the series and then returned to Progressive Field to run away with the winner-take-all Game 5, blanking the frustrated Chicago offense.
The Guardians later took a 2-1 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL Championship Series, but then lost three straight and were eliminated in six games. Fans, however, will remember that series against the White Sox for a long time, as it was another reminder that the pitching staff and a healthy, locked-in Ramirez can help Cleveland go places.
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