The Cleveland Guardians All-Century Team

Relievers

Cody Allen (2012-2018)

Andrew Miller (2016-2018)

Joe Smith (2009-2013, 2017)

Alongside the last two starters, there might be a couple of controversial names among these relievers. However, it is hard to ignore stats or the legacy that these pitchers possess. Andrew Miller only spent two-and-a-half years with the team, yet was the most reliable reliever in baseball for Cleveland down the stretch in 2016 and in 2017. He struggled a bit in 2018 but his final numbers in Cleveland were a 2.22 ERA, 2.30 FIP, 203 ERA+, and 13.3 K/9 in 125 2/3 innings.

Similar to Miller, Cody Allen played a significant role for Cleveland during the team’s runs in 2016 and 2017. The only difference is that Allen was the closer, as he accumulated 30 or more saves in both seasons and a total of 149 during his seven years in Cleveland. Allen posted a 2.98 ERA, 142 ERA+, 3.17 FIP, and 11.5 K/9, which are stellar numbers for a reliever in a seven-year stretch, as so many usually tend to be erratic from year-to-year.

Joe Smith was on the Cleveland teams that were listless and routinely at the bottom of the AL Central. However, Smith has always been one of the more unique pitchers in baseball, though still very effective. With a 2.80 ERA, 3.49 FIP, and 143 ERA+ in his 289 1/3 innings, Smith’s numbers were fantastic in Cleveland.