Roster questions persist in new era
Five issues facing the Guardians:
Building new identity: Chief Wahoo and the Indians nickname are gone. Cleveland, like it or not, has moved into the Guardians era, and along with doing so comes the arduous task of winning over a weary fan base frustrated over some combination of the name change, trading away stars and/or lack of free agent spending.
The best way to ease the frustration, obviously, is by winning, which is something Cleveland has done remarkably well in the regular season during manager Terry Francona’s nine-year tenure before posting its first losing season since 2012 last year.
Finding offensive support:
Cleveland’s offensive numbers were in the bottom third of the majors in on-base plus slugging percentage (21st), batting average (22nd), hits (22nd) and on-base percentage (27th). If that’s not enough, the team was no-hit three times – four if you count a seven-inning game during a doubleheader versus the Rays.
The lineup is not void of talent, with Jose Ramirez and Franmil Reyes each hitting more than 30 home runs and slugging over .520 for the season.
Myles Straw, who was acquired from the Astros at the trade deadline, and Amed Rosario played a strong supporting role, but the drop-off after them is massive.
Keeping rotation
healthy: One year after his historic Cy Young season, Shane Bieber only made 16 starts due to a strained throwing shoulder. Rotation mates Aaron Civale (sprained finger) and Zach Plesac (fractured thumb) joined him with prolonged stays on the injured list, giving Cleveland’s top three pitchers only 3632⁄3 innings over 62 starts.
The good news is the injuries gave right-hander Cal Quantrill a chance to establish himself as a rotation stalwart as he led the team in innings (1492⁄3) and went 8-1 with a 2.11 ERA during the second half of the season. Toss in 24-yearold Triston McKenzie and Cleveland has a starting five that could help it contend if it can stay healthy.
Help in the outfield: Cleveland’s outfield was a rotating door in 2021 as the team started 11 different players between the three positions. None received more
OFFSEASON OUTLOOK
The Guardians are stuck in purgatory – a few pieces from contending, but just as close to a rebuild. It’s much more likely they’ll slow-play the market and opt for a bargain veteran in the same mold as Kevin Pillar or Corey Dickerson.
2021 record
80-82; second place, AL Central
than 90 starts and Bradley Zimmer is the lone player on the current roster to net more than 60. The team appears to have found stability in center field with Straw, but left and right field are wide open.
What to do with Jose Ramirez?
The All-Star third baseman has been one of Cleveland’s most important offensive players, and one of MLB’s most impactful stars, the last six years. He’s also as much of a bargain as anyone in MLB, set to make $12 million with a $13 million option for 2023. But the Guardians face a familiar conundrum, one similar to what they had with Francisco Lindor: extend him, trade him or keep him until he hits the free agent market.
Ramirez has not ruled out re-signing with the team, but he’ll likely be looking for the kind of deal this organization has not shown the willingness to pay. He’s 29, and this is probably his last chance at a big-time contract. And while trading away another fan favorite wouldn’t be popular, it would also be a bad business decision to let Ramirez walk without getting something in return.