Top 10 things we learned after 100 games of the 2024 season: Guardians breakfast

No. 1: We miss the injured Shane Bieber in his role as the No. 1 starter in the rotation.

No. 2: There are still 62 games to play, and they will probably be the most important 62 games of the season.

No. 3: Emmanuel Clase is having the best season by a Cleveland closer since Jose Mesa in 1995. Mesa, however, has never been more consistent.

Number 4: The Guardians will never know if Bo Naylor is a first-line receiver until they give him regular playing time.

No. 5: Andres Gimenez continues to dazzle defensively at second base, but the offensive side of his game seems to have stagnated since 2022.

Number 6: Whoever scouted and pushed the Guardians to draft Steven Kwan in the fifth round in 2018 deserves a raise.

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No. 7: After 100 games, can anyone say for sure whether the Guardians have an everyday center fielder, shortstop or right fielder? Rookie manager Stephen Vogt has done a good job of playing the matchup game at so many different positions.

No. 8: The Guardians signed just two major league free agents over the winter. Those signings didn’t lead to a surge in season ticket sales, but where would they be today without Ben Lively or Austin Hedges?

No. 9: The farm system has been light on developing starting pitchers for this year’s major league club, but homegrown relievers Hunter Gaddis, Nick Sandlin, Tim Herrin, Sam Hentges and Cade Smith have filled the void.

No. 10: Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor are both on pace to drive in 100-plus runs each. Wouldn’t it be nice to add another big-time hitter to the roster before Tuesday’s trade deadline?

It’s quiz time: This morning, let’s keep it light: a bowl of Cheerios, a glass of orange juice, and an English muffin. On another note: Which Cleveland player hit the most home runs against the Tigers in his career? Answer below.

In case you missed it

Logan Allen made his second start Tuesday for Columbus in Class AAA since being optioned July 7. He allowed four runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings in an 8-6 win over Memphis. Allen struck out five, walked three and gave up two home runs.

And after

Here’s what’s happening with the Guardians after Wednesday night’s game.

THURSDAY: Starting pitcher Gavin Williams (0-2, 4.50 ERA) will start for the Guardians. The Tigers have not yet announced a starting pitcher for the 1:10 p.m. game.

Friday: The Guardians open a three-game series against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Friday. Right-handed pitcher Ben Lively (8-6, 3.57 ERA) will start for Cleveland, while left-handed pitcher Christopher Sanchez (7-5, 2.97 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Phillies at 6:40 p.m. Bally Sports Great Lakes, WTAM, WMMS and the Guardians Radio Network will carry the series.

SATURDAY: Right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco (3-8, 3.57) vs. right-handed pitcher Tyler Phillips (2-0, 2.81) at 6:40 p.m.

Sunday: TBD against left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez (10-5, 2.87 ERA) at 1:10 p.m.

Monday: The Guardians open a two-game series against the Tigers at Comerica Park at 6:40 p.m.

Tuesday: The MLB trade deadline is at 6 p.m. ET.

Wednesday: The Guardians are off before opening a seven-game home series against Baltimore and Arizona.

Answer to the question : Hall of Famer Jim Thome leads the Tigers with 41 home runs. He is followed by Al Rosen with 34 and Hall of Famers Larry Doby and Jose Ramirez with 30 each. Ramirez hit No. 30 Tuesday night.