Why the Guardians could be surprisingly good this MLB season
Cleveland is debuting a new manager and showcased young talent in spring training. The Guardians, a team that finished third in the AL Central last season with a record of 76-86, are expected to perform well this year, despite losing their manager Terry Francona to retirement. The team's young talent was showcased in spring training and could help them win a mediocre division. ESPN gives the Guardians a 29% chance of making the playoffs in what's considered a weak AL Central. The opening day roster features players like José Ramírez, Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie, and Tyler Freeman. The Guardians' home opener will be against the Chicago White Sox on April 8.
Published : 4 weeks ago by Troy Smith in Sports
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Guardians fans don't anticipate a stellar 2024, but historically, the team can be at its scrappiest when facing low expectations. Why it matters: Cleveland is debuting a new manager and showcased young talent in spring training that could help the Guardians win a mediocre division.
Driving the news: It's Major League Baseball's Opening Day, as the Guardians travel to Oakland for a series against the Athletics.
Catch up quick: The Guardians finished last season with a record of 76-86 — third in the AL Central — missing the playoffs and losing beloved manager Terry Francona to retirement.
The intrigue: ESPN gives the Guardians a 29% chance of making the playoffs in what's considered a weak AL Central.
• Yes, but: Not much was expected in 2022 either, but Cleveland won the division with baseball's youngest team before being eliminated in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
State of play: The Guardian's opening day roster will feature usual suspects like power hitter José Ramírez and a talented pitching rotation led by 2020 Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie.
• The big surprise is Tyler Freeman, a former shortstop, starting in center field after former starter Myles Straw was sent to the minor leagues.
• Brayan Rocchio will start at shortstop after winning a position battle with Gabriel Arias, who made the roster as a utility player.
What's next: After series in Oakland, Seattle and Minnesota, the Guardians return to Cleveland for their home opener on April 8 against the Chicago White Sox.
• You can watch the team's Opening Day game at 10:07pm on Bally Sports Great Lakes.
Topics: Baseball, MLB