Cleveland Guardians just keep finding ways to win

The Cleveland Guardians should not be in contention for a playoff berth.

At least, that was the conventional wisdom at the start of the 2022 season. The White Sox were the most talented team in the division. The Twins and Tigers had both improved their rosters. Even the Royals appeared to be heading in the right direction. The Guardians had been ticketed for third in the division at best and may have been considered lucky to reach .500.

Cleveland Guardians far exceeding expectations

Yet, with approximately six weeks left in the regular season, the Guardians find themselves atop the AL Central. Although they lead by just one game over the Twins, and two games over the White Sox, the fact that the Guardians are even in this position at all is surprising.

They are also winning despite what would appear to be several disadvantages. The Guardians’ payroll of approximately $65 million was the lowest in the division at the start of the season. Not only do they have the youngest roster in the majors, but their team would be the youngest in Triple-A as well. It would not seem to be a recipe for success.

And yet, there the Guardians are. They rank fifth in the AL with a 3.79 ERA despite relatively disappointing performances from their rotation for most of the year. The Guardians are sixth in OPS despite a lineup that was viewed as Jose Ramirez and a collection of nothing.

But it is impossible to quantify a team that has gelled together, a front office with a knack for finding the right players, and a manager in Terry Francona that knows how to push all the right buttons. That has been the case this season as the Guardians have defied expectations thus far. It is possible that will continue into October.

The Cleveland Guardians were not expected to do much this season. Instead, they have continued to defy the odds as they keep winning.