Call to the pen
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Cleveland Guardians winning in majors with youngest Triple-A team

By David Hill

Jun 22, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Guardians outfielder Oscar Gonzalez (39) celebrates scoring the eventual winning run against the Minnesota Twins on a sacrifice fly by infielder Owen Miller (6) during the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Guardians outfielder Oscar Gonzalez (39) celebrates scoring the eventual winning run against the Minnesota Twins on a sacrifice fly by infielder Owen Miller (6) during the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Guardians have had a plan all along. While some of their trades may not have made sense at the time, they have remained strong to their vision – to create a young, dynamic team around their pitching pipelines. They would lock in key pieces as they could, such as Jose Ramirez and Myles Straw, while trusting their scouting department and ability to develop talent.

It is safe to say that this strategy is working. The Guardians have roared into the playoff picture, sprinting past the Twins to take over the AL Central lead. Considering the Guardians were predicted to finish third at best in the division, they have already had an impressive showing this year.

Youth is being served with Cleveland Guardians

And they may not be going anywhere for a long time. The Guardians not only have the youngest roster in terms of average age in the majors, but their team would be the youngest in Triple-A as well. It certainly speaks volumes about how strong of a team they have constructed when the youngest team in Triple-A is leading a division in the majors.

It also speaks volumes as to how teams can rebuild and reload on the fly. The Cubs claimed they were reloading after their fire sale last year and fell flat. The Tigers were supposed to be emerging from their rebuilding project this year and are instead fighting to remain out of the AL Central basement. Other teams, such as the Royals, Orioles, and Pirates, are not close to competing.

The Guardians are also winning in their own style. They have eschewed the league’s focus on power, instead targeting players that make contact and have speed. While they rank 12th in the AL with 53 homers, they also have the fewest strikeouts and are in the middle of the pack in OPS. It is a different strategy, but it is one that is working.

Chances are, the Guardians roster will age a bit at the trade deadline. They still need pieces if they are truly going to be a threat in the offseason. However, any players that they add will need to fit into their philosophy as well. It will be a fascinating month for the Guardians.

Next. Three trade targets for Guardians. dark

The Cleveland Guardians are letting youth be served. That is proving to be a winning formula even if their strategy is unorthodox.

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