© Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Chemistry Clicking For Guardians Middle Infield
Cleveland Guardians: Andres Gimenez and Brayan Rocchio's rapport is helping them on the field.
The Cleveland Guardians have a new tandem in the middle of their infield. Brayan Rocchio won the shortstop job out of spring training joining Platinum Glove winner Andres Gimenez up the center of the diamond. We already know how good of a defender Gimenez is, but Rocchio also has Gold Glove potential too.
The duo pulled off a couple of incredible plays in Saturday’s win over the Minnesota Twins. One play that may have saved Cleveland the game. The Guardians found themselves in a no-outs with runners on first and second in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Gimenez laid out for a ball hit by Carlos Santana right past second base. He dove, collected it, and flipped the ball out of his mitt to Rocchio, whose foot was on the bag, resulting in a force out. Describing it doesn’t do it justice, you just have to watch for yourself.
One of the reasons this pair has been able to quickly turn out such impressive results is the rapport they’ve built between one another.
Rocchio said after the game the chemistry he and Gimenez are building is helping “a lot” on the field. “A lot because we know each other. I know how he likes to play, when he likes to go in front of the ball, behind the ball. So, every time we are in contact [with one another].”
Apr 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) turns a double play against Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) during the second inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
This chemistry is evident in the way that the two interact between plays and the way they feed off one another on the field.
This may be the Guardians' middle infield duo for years to come. If that is the case, it’s awesome to see these two are already playing so well of off each other.
