Guards Season Start

Following a 2022 season which greatly surpassed expectations, the Cleveland Guardians started off the 2023 MLB season on a positive note. In a season tainted by criticism of new rules, the Guardians have gotten off to a 9-7 start against relatively difficult opponents. After dropping their Opening Day game to the Seattle Mariners, the Guards won the final three games of the series. Following that series, the Guardians took 2 of three against the Athletics. 

The most positive aspect of the season so far is that the young Cleveland ballclub has shown resilience. Facing the Mariners again at home, the Guardians were down to their last strike when Will Brennan drove in a two run double to tie the game. Cleveland ultimately ended up winning the game in twelve innings, avoiding the series sweep, and showing that any player was willing to step up when needed.  

Two players are hitting above .300 through the first 16 games of the season; Mike Zunino, and Myles Straw. Jose Ramirez and Andres Gimenez are each batting above a respectable .285. Josh Bell is also starting to heat up after a slow start to the season. The lineup is filled with talent, which is a positive sign heading into the bulk of the season.

Obviously there are limitations when evaluating the success of the Guards just 10% into the season, but there are postive signs. After a difficult first game, the Guardians showed the same resilience which led them to a playoff appearance last season, even pulling off several impressive extra-innings victories in which the team came from behind to win. It seems as if the Guardians could be on the path to the playoffs again, however they must begin to bolster their offense, and also potentially fend off the Minnesota Twins as we get further into the season.