Guardians notes: Quality defense is also part of Jose Ramirez's game

CLEVELAND — As a four-time All-Star with four top four MVP finishes during his career, third baseman Jose Ramirez is widely recognized as one of baseball's best offensive players. Though he has yet to win a Gold Glove, the Guardians know he's a top-shelf fielder, too. "His head's always in, he's always ready," Aaron Civale said of Ramirez, who entered Wednesday with a .971 fielding percentage and five errors over 59 games. "He's never mulling over at-bats, never seen him take at-bats out into the field, and I think that's extremely impressive to do that, especially considering how hard he can be on himself sometimes. "As soon as he leaves that dugout, it's defense first and it's a good example to set to everyone else." Ramirez almost always makes the routine plays, while mixing in plenty of jaw-dropping ones, as was the case Tuesday night when he produced multiple web gems to help Cleveland beat Oakland 3-2 in 10 innings. "I feel like everybody knows the type of player that he is and we are seeing Jose being Jose, basically," Gold Glove second baseman Andres Gimenez said through an interpreter. "I think his style of game just always allows us to have a chance to win, either by his baserunning, by his defense, by his hitting. "We know whenever he's playing, he always gives that energy and we always have a chance to compete and win games when he's playing with us." Manager Terry Francona marvels at the approach Ramirez brings on a daily basis at the plate and in the field. "I don't second guess Hosey, ever," Francona said. "I mean, he's human, but I don't ever second guess him because he plays so hard, so smart every night. I mean, he gets so beat up because, unlike most of the top-tier guys in the league, he's down and dirty and diving and he beats himself up pretty good." Getting hot Non-fan favorite, shortstop Amed Rosario, entered Wednesday batting .396 (21-for-53) with eight runs and six RBIs over his last 13 games. He had raised his batting average to .259 through Tuesday. "I personally think, when he's comfortable hitting the ball to right field, then he can cover the plate," Francona said of the right-handed batting Rosario, who through Tuesday, was tied for third in the AL with 21 hits since June 6. "You notice, when he lines a ball to right, so often later in the game, you'll see him pull a ball hard to left. "When it starts out the other way, he's only able to hit certain pitches. When he lines that ball to right, he's on time with the majority of the balls that are over the plate. That makes him more dangerous." On track Aaron Civale has pitched well since leaving the injured list June 2, posting a 2-1 record and 2.57 ERA over four starts, while striking out 10 batters over 21 innings. "I think I'm just really comfortable with where my stuff is, and right now the focus is just controlling that and focusing on keeping everything in check, pitch to pitch," said Civale. The right-hander pitched into the seventh inning for the first time this season Tuesday night, allowing two runs and striking out six over 6 2/3 innings. "I know I talk about it every year, trying to pitch deep into games. It's nice to be out there in the seventh," Civale said. "Always, nice to be out there late in games as things are going well and keeping the game close enough to have a chance to win." Arsenal of arms The Guardians have built a reputation for developing starting pitchers, such as ace Shane Bieber and Aaron Civale, and most recently, Tanner Bibee, Logan Allen and Wednesday's starter Gavin Williams. It's been out of necessity since they don't have the financial means to buy one. "We need to produce or develop these pitchers because we probably can't go get them," Francona said. "I mean, you see what they get on the (free-agent) market. We gotta stay in our lane. It's just the money's out of this world, so if we can develop them, we have a chance to be competitive." Nearly all of Cleveland's pitching prospects begin their careers as starters, even if they become relievers later. "We never try to pigeonhole anybody early," Francona said. "And even guys we think may end up in the bullpen, the longer they can start the better because it's better for their development, because they learn how to pitch. I mean, the more they know how to pitch, the better." Roundin' third Josh Naylor entered Wednesday ranked second in the majors with a .405 batting average (30-for-74) since May 30, collecting hits in 15 of 18 games. To clear room on the roster for Williams, the Guardians designated LHP Daniel Norris for assignment. The 10-year veteran, who spent most of his career as a starter for the Tigers, made one appearance for Cleveland, spending most of the season at Triple-A Columbus, where he posted a 6.93 ERA with 24 walks over 37 2/3 innings of 14 games (nine starts). Contact Chris Assenheimer at (440) 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @CAwesomeheimer.