The Cleveland Guardians, in the wake of Emmanuel Clase being investigated by MLB for alleged sports gambling, had to find a new closer. Fortunately, they had one ready to go in-house in Cade Smith.
Smith has taken over the closer role and has been great while doing so. Nate Ulrich of The Akron Beacon Journal shared why Stephen Vogt believes in Smith in such a role, and the reason why is a strange one.
"Smith leads the Guardians with three saves during Clase's leave," Ulrich writes, "and Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt explained his faith in Smith's ability to thrive amid pressure-packed scenarios is connected with Smith aspiring to become an eye surgeon when he was younger."
Vogt's belief in Smith as the team's high-leverage closer stems, at least in part, from Smith's childhood dream of being an eye surgeon. It's an interesting dream for Smith, but the reason for his interest in such a field is clear, as Smith revealed why he had such a dream as a kid.
"My dad got laser eye surgery when I was in about seventh grade," Smith said, "and that was also the same time we were doing an optics unit in science. We got to dissect a sheep's eyeball, so there was a kind of real-life application, and there was a little bit of hands-on stuff. I was always interested in science, going through school."
To develop an interest in science as a kid isn't uncommon, but to focus on the eye is an interesting path to take. But between the real-life experience with his dad and the practical experience in science class around the same time, the impact was clear.
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Being an eye surgeon is not an easy task, and such professionals are constantly facing pressure in their environment. Compared to closing out a baseball game, being an eye surgeon is significantly more stressful and impactful.
While Smith hasn't been as dominant as his 2024 self, who had a 1.91 ERA in 74 games, he's still been incredible this season. He has a 2.67 ERA in 55 appearances, this time, with six saves compared to his one from a season ago.
Since July 28th, when Clase was placed on leave, Clase has had a 0.96 ERA, three saves, nine strikeouts, and one walk across 9.1 innings pitched in nine games.
He blew the save against the Colorado Rockies in his first save since Clase was put on leave, but in the eight outings since, he's allowed just three hits and one walk across nine innings pitched without allowing a run, and striking out nine batters.
He's taking over as the team's new closer, and he has the belief of Vogt, thanks in part to his childhood dream of being an eye surgeon. "Vogt took it as an indication that Smith's makeup is conducive to flourishing in tense situations."
Based on his performances since becoming the full-time closer, it's hard to argue with such a sentiment. Cleveland is 8-0 ever since Smith took over as the closer, he's thrown eight-straight scoreless outings spanning nine innings of work.
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