Game Planning, Preparation Paying Off For Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians credit their early hot start to the planning that has gone into each game.

The Cleveland Guardians offense has been the talk of the baseball through the first two series of the season. They’ve scored the most runs in the American League through the first week of games and have shown no signs of slowing down.

Looking at this lineup, there aren’t too many different players compared to where they were in September of 2023. So what’s been the difference?

Multiple players and Stephen Vogt himself have credited their hot start to game planning and the preparation that is going into each game. This prep is clearly paying off at the start of the season. 

“There’s some very intentional preparation going on,” said Brennan. “I think it’s on us, ultimately, to execute and sometimes the game doesn’t roll your way, and sometimes that’s where that resiliency comes into play. But again, there’s some really good preparation going on in that clubhouse with the coaches and with talking amongst players and we’re gonna keep it going.”

Jose Ramirez focused more on the changes the teams have made in-game. Which is arguably just as important if not more crucial than the prep leading up. 

“I’m really happy with the guys,” said Ramirez after Wednesday’s win. “The way they are approaching the adjustments of the game. [Luis Castillo] and [Geroge Kirby] are really good pitchers but I am really happy with what we were able to do and we’re going to continue to do that.”

Apr 3, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez (11, left) celebrates with first baseman Josh Naylor (22, middle) and first baseman David Fry (6, right) following an 8-0 victory against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

© Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Vogt believes that the success has come been a combination of both the players and coaches.

“Credit to [Chis Valaika] and the hitting ground with coming up with a great plan and credit the players even more with following that, sticking to it, and executing it. It’s just really fun. Anytime you’re facing pitchers of that caliber and you’re able to do that to those two guys, two days in a row, it feels really good for the offense," said Vogt.

Approach and mindset in the batter’s box is something that has been a focus for the Guardians going back to the early days of spring training. Any team can talk all they want about coming into a season with a revamped strategy, but the Guardians are doing just that.

It’s a long season and it’s barely begun. But the intentional preparation the Guardians coaches and players have done already could be what brings this team back to the postseason come October.