Guardians Have More Questions Than Answers Halfway Through Spring Training
We're just about at the halfway point between the start of spring training and Opening Day. There were plenty of storylines for the Cleveland Guardians heading into spring training. However, the team has more questions than answers as they hit the halfway mark of camp.
Shortstop Battle
The shortstop battle is heating up, but now in the way many fans probably thought or wanted it to go.
Brayan Rocchio and Gabriel Arias were the clear favorites heading into camp but neither candidate has set themselves apart. Plus, each player's weakness still appear to be an issue. Arias still can't hit left-handed pitching and Rocchio's lack-of-power doesn't add anything new to the already contact-heavy lineup.
All of this comes as Angel Martínez and José Tena show that they are more than worthy of being on a major league roster. Will the Guardians take a dramatic turn in this shortstop race?
Angel Martínez's Emergence
Let's talk a little bit more about Martínez because his camp thus far has been more than worthy of its own conversation.
Cleveland needs offense. This isn't a new development for fans or the front office. The answer to those woes may be already in their own system. Martínez has a slashline of .478/.500/.913 with an OPS of 1.413 through 23 at-bats and 11 games.
Sure, spring training is a small sample size. However, Angel has been producing at each minor league level he's played at. He reached Triple-A last season and Cleveland is going to have to make a decision with him at some point rather soon.
Bullpen Injuries
Injuries are inevitable, especially at the start of the season. The Guardians haven't been immune to this as both James Karinchak and Trevor Stephan work through setbacks during their ramp-up leaving this once-strong bullpen vulnerable on Opening Day.
These injuries will create more opportunities in the bullpen as Stephen Vogt and the staff decide on who will fill the void. Those candidates include Carlos Carrasco, Tyler Beede, Ben Lively.
Outfield, Tyler Freeman
Not all of these unknowns have to be negative. That's exactly the case with Tyler Freeman who's switched positions and has thrived in it both on offense and defense.
Mar 2, 2024; Goodyear, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Tyler Freeman (2) celebrates with Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) after hitting a home run against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
© Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The once-middle infielder has demonstrated his incredible versatility and shown he can handle center field. Cleveland needs more offensive production from this position group at the plate and Freeman can provide just that
I don't think anyone, outside Freeman himself who's put plenty of work, thought the potential of him an Opening Day starter in the outfield was actually on the table. But now it is.
Will Cleveland commit to rolling with Freeman in center this season?
