Three Reasons To Be Jolly About The Guardians
The holidays are a time to be joyful, merry, and lively when spending time with friends and family. Let's apply those same principles to the Cleveland Guardians and look at three reasons why fans should be jolly for their team this time of year.
1. Jose Ramirez
It's not every day that one of the best players in baseball takes less money to stay with a small market team and insists on finishing his career and winning a World Series there. That's exactly what Jose Ramirez did when he signed before the 2022 season began.
On top of all of this, GM Mike Chernoff said earlier this offseason "I expect Jose to be a lifetime Cleveland Guardian and I would leave it at that." It doesn't appear Ramirez is going anywhere which should put a smile on every fan's face.
Sep 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez (11) and first baseman Josh Naylor (22) celebrate after the Guardians beat the Texas Rangers after the Rangers beat the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
2. Guardians Rotation
It feels like every team is looking to add more starting pitching this offseason. It's one of the hardest premiums to come by. However, the Guardians' starters are certainly one to be joyous about heading into 2024.
Cleveland currently has former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, and Logan Allen as their five-man rotation. Fans should be confident about that group going up against any other rotation in baseball.
3. Stephen Vogt's Potential
Watching Terry Francona step down as Cleveland's manager at the end of the 2023 season was emotional for a lot of fans and the dugout. However, there are many reasons to be excited about new skipper Stephen Vogt.
Yes, Vogt is a rookie manager and there will inevitably be learning moments along the way. But the hiring has already been endorsed by some of baseball's best minds including Bob Melvin and some of his former teammates have echoed similar praises.
