Yes, we know spring training for the Cleveland Guardians doesn’t start for another six weeks, but as the calendar is ready to change to 2025, it does appear the franchise is continuing with their frugal ways, forcing the front office to continue with their Dusty Springfield philosophy (Wishin’ and Hopin’).
After winning 92 games and advancing to the American League Championship Series last season, the Guards have dealt two mainstays of that team, Andres Gimenez and Josh Naylor.
We supported the Gimenez move as Cleveland owed him $97 million over the next five years, a lot to pay for excellent defense and a mediocre bat.
We understand the Naylor move too. Naylor is eligible for free agency following the season, and much like Prince Fielder twenty years ago, there is concern about how his body type will age.
The problem is so far, the front office (and we include ownership here) has only spent the savings from trading Naylor and did it by signing 39-year-old Carlos Santana.
Santana has been a very productive player in his career, but it seems like Cleveland is banking a lot on A). someone who is 39, and B). someone who hit .219 with a 676 OPS vs. righties last season.
Do they view Santana as an everyday player or a possible platoon partner with Kyle Manzardo?
Many fans have a poor opinion of the current ownership because they have been reluctant to push the chips in the middle of the table. After a 92-win season and a spot in MLB’s “Final Four”, it would seem to be the time to loosen the purse strings.
As of today, the Guardians still have a starting rotation with a lot of question marks. They have Tanner Bibee, but Gavin Williams hasn’t made the jump to reliable starter yet. They did trade for Luis Ortiz, who should open the year in the rotation, but who is the other proven starter?
They did re-up with Shane Bieber, but he won’t be ready until mid-season.
Pitching wins in the post-season, but you have to score runs in the regular season, and last season, the Guardians were 7th in runs scored, ahead of only Detroit among playoff teams.
But they traded their third best offensive player in Naylor.
Right now, the lineup has just two proven everyday hitters in Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan. We view Santana as a platoon piece. Lane Thomas is a little above average (741 career OPS) and still has a concerning strikeout to walk ratio.
No matter how high people are on Manzardo, Jhonkensy Noel, Brayan Rocchio, and even Chase DeLauter, none of them have a proven track record in the big leagues.
To have a productive batting order, we feel you need six to seven solid bats. Perhaps Manzardo and Juan Brito can give Steven Vogt’s lineup some length, but how can they feel that way for sure?
We have always felt the front office’s job is to have a contingency plan should the young players not be doing the job. We don’t see that right now. The lineup has too many large questions.
As for ownership, once again they are failing their fan base. Attendance was up last season, and the franchise gained a lot of buzz as the season went on because of the way they played. But it appears they are still holding on to money with a tight fist.
Perhaps by the end of January, they will make a financial commitment and bring in some players who can fill in some holes.
Hope is not a plan. The Guardians need to do better.
Cleveland Sports Perspective 