Call to the pen
Fansided

1 bold prediction for each American League Central team in 2023

By West Jones

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 14: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates defeating the New York Yankees 4-2 in ten innings in game two of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 14, 2022 in New York, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 14: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates defeating the New York Yankees 4-2 in ten innings in game two of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 14, 2022 in New York, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
MLB Wild Card game
Oct 7, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona (77) relives starting pitcher Shane Bieber (57) in the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during game one of the Wild Card series for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Guardians: Not only win the division, but reach the World Series

Despite being young, and still having more quality talent in the system to pull from, the Guardians are going to not only repeat as division champs, but they will reach the World Series. Yes, you heard it here first! Get ready for a fun ride, Cleveland fans! They were one game from the ALCS last year before losing two straight to end the season to the New York Yankees.

Baseball usually comes down to pitching, and the Guardians boast the best arms of the division top to bottom. Not only is the rotation solid, but the bullpen is lights out. Having a solid pen is critical in going deep in the playoffs, and the Guardians have one of the best in the game. Emmanuel Clase is a powerful weapon for Terry Francona to call on to close out games late.

In 2022, the Guardians used what they had, and relied on putting the ball in play, stealing bases (third-most in MLB), and scratching out runs here and there when they could. The new rules will accentuate the skillset of the team. They aren’t going to have to try and take advantage of them, it will just come naturally as that is how their team is already constructed.

Power was lacking from the offense (next to last in MLB in home runs) last year, but with the additions of veterans, first baseman Josh Bell and catcher Mike Zunino, there should be a few more bombs launched for Francona’s team in 2023.

Cleveland looks to go 2-for-2 on playoff appearances since changing their mascot to the Guardians. This year, they will also be looking to make a run all the way to a league championship and possibly more.

Home/AL Central