Progressive Field’s giant scoreboard shows a new scripted name. The team’s caps as well as jerseys are new, which signals a fresh start in Cleveland baseball in 2022.
All other aspects are almost identical.
This isn’t so much a rebranding, but a replay.
The Guardians are no longer the Indians, and enter this season with low expectations.
Cleveland didn’t spend money on free agents (as it rarely does), so the Guardians won’t rely on Shane Bieber’s strong starting rotation, Jose Ramirez’s consistently productive third baseman, and hope that some young players can quickly develop to compete in the AL Central.
This is the plan. It has worked before.
“We need men to make the most of the opportunities that they have before us,” Chris Antonetti, team president, stated during Arizona camp. We believe it will be an exciting year if they can do that.
The Guardians need to do something to make it happen, despite having a less-splash offseason.
Although the name change to Indians was completed after last season, some Cleveland fans aren’t happy with it. Paul Dolan has been criticized for his inability to improve the roster after the team’s first loss in nine years.
Antonetti claimed that the team used free agency but failed to make it work.
The Guardians, beyond its fan base, took shots at Joc Pederson, Giants outfielder, and White Sox pitcher Dallas Keuchel. They aimed their comments at the Guardians, and other teams that don’t spend.
Antonetti was not the first to experience backlash.
He said, “I probably shouldn’t be in that chair if I’m too sensitive to critics.” It doesn’t really affect us. It doesn’t really impact us.
“Our goals haven’t changed. No one would care if I asked them about our 2016 payroll. They remembered that we were in Game 7 of World Series. We want to find a way that we can win the last game.
Things are looking up already for Cleveland. After being out of action for the past two seasons due to serious health issues, Terry Francona has been reinstated as manager.
The Guardians will be able to get used to their new name as they adjust.
BIEBER BACK
Bieber is the 2020 Cy Young Winner, which is another positive. After suffering a shoulder strain, he is now fully recovered.
The 26-year old anchors a starting team that includes Aaron Civale and Triston McKenzie, Zach Plesac and Cal Quantrill. They went 7-1 in last season’s second half.
Bieber remains under contract control with Guardians until 2024. The team would love to extend the right-hander’s contract for a long-term, but there isn’t much momentum.
THIRD PARTY
Ramirez is a baseball legend and one of the best all-arounders. It might be time that he was paid accordingly.
The Guardians have spoken with the Guardians to learn more about the interest expressed by the 29-year old in Cleveland.
Ramirez will earn $26 million in the next two-years, which is a steal for a three-time All-Star, who has a significant impact on the game from the plate, the field, and the bases.
ROOKIE TO WATCH
Francona is able to count on Steven Kwan to put the ball on the plate.
Francona stated, “In an age where baseball is all about swing and miss, he doesn’t miss a lot.” It’s very refreshing.”
Kwan, 24, had an impressive spring. He may now be on the opening-day roster. Kwan slugged a combined.328 at Double-A and Triple-A last year, and the Guardians believe the 5-foot-9, 170-pounder could help them now.
It’s easy to see him as a short-sighted person, especially when you consider his stature. Francona spoke of Boston’s ex-scrappy All-Star infielder. “I understand not everyone can do it, but there are still good players.” Steven is one of those guys.
