Andres Gimenez Shines Despite Team Venezuela Being Eliminated From WBC
Team Venezuela and Andres Gimenez had their hopes of winning the World Baseball Classic come to an end on Saturday night as they were eliminated by Team U.S.A. This was one of the most entertaining baseball games I've seen in a while and amazing that it came on March 18.
Part of what made the game so exciting to watch was the impact that the Cleveland Guardians infielder had both on offense and defense. Gimenez didn't just shine in this game though. He's shown off his incredible talent during the entire tournament.
Guardians fans know Gimenez as their All-Star and Gold Glove second baseman who can more than flash some leather from time to time. But this tournament may have been the first time they really got a chance to watch him play shortstop, his native position.
After playing the last two seasons at second base, Gimenez moved over to the left side of the infield because it was his natural position and former MVP Jose Altuve was on the roster as well.
Let me tell you, boy, he didn't disappoint.
In the game where Venezuela would ultimately be eliminated, Gimenez single-handily saved a run in the fourth inning. He ate up a ball with the infield playing in that was hit as hard as a rocket.
Defense wasn't the only place where Gimenez was turning eyes in the tournament. He continued to produce in a big way on offense which carried over from his break-out year at the plate during the 2022 MLB season.
Gimenez had a slash line of .294/.368/.294 over the entire tournament. This included a massive RBI against Nicaragua that helped the team advance to the quarter-final.
He finished Saturday night going 1-for-3 and even came around to score for Venezuela in their massive fourth inning. In the end, this wasn't enough for them to move on.
Gimenez will now return to Goodyear to pick up where he left off with the Guardians. Hopefully, that includes a contract extension on the table too!
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Cover Photo Credit: © Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
