The Cleveland Guardians are tied with the Chicago White Sox for the division lead.
The Guardians, White Sox, Tigers, and Twins all have a shot at winning the American League Central.
sports.yahoo was upbeat about the Guardians first half.
The Guardians have been staying relevant while Jose Ramirez and Angel Martinez remain on the Injured List.
Hopefully, both return soon.
This writer has identified 10 Guardians issues needing attention:
The Guardians have three true right-handed hitters among their 13 position players.
Opposing teams load up left-handed pitchers against Cleveland, especially in relief.
2- Alarming number of Cleveland Guardians strikeouts
Given the team’s emphasis on contact hitting, Guardians hitters strike out far too often. Many at bats are called third strikes. Many at-bats are non-competitive.
3- Lack of Cleveland Guardians clutch hitting, impacting run production
The Guardians don’t seem to get clutch hits with runners in scoring position. They leave too many men on base. The Guardians rank No. 29 in scoring runs, batting average, and OPS.
The Guardians are the only team in baseball to have used only five starting pitchers. How long can that continue?
The lack of organizational major league ready starting pitching depth is troubling. Yes, there are starters in the organization, but are they ready for Cleveland?
Here’s what Cleveland.com said about the team going the entire season with five starters:
5- Need for at least one more Cleveland Guardians bullpen arm
Cade Smith is a terrific closer. Hunter Gaddis is a solid set-up man,
Franco Aleman has 7th and 8th inning potential.
Colin Holderman has been solid.
Shawm Armstrong and Eric Sabrowski have shown command and control inconsistencies.
Might prospects Daniel Espino, and/or Andrew Walters be leverage relievers?
Might they trade for a left-handed reliever? A high-leverage bullpen arm?
6- Who goes when Cleveland Guardians Ramirez and Martinez return?
Two current players must be removed from the major league roster when Jose Ramirez and Angel Martinez return from injuries.
Petey Halpin is likely one of them.
The other?
Will it be Kahlil Watson, who has shown a promising bat, good defense, and good speed?
Will it be Gabriel Arias, who has a great arm, a solid infield glove, and drives people crazy with his inconsistent bat?
Will the team make a trade that sends a major league player away for a top prospect, reducing the big league roster?
7- What can the Cleveland Guardians staff do to improve Travis Bazzana on both sides of the ball?
On offense, left-handed hitting Bazzana is struggling against left-handed pitching. He is more promising against right-handers. There is far too much swing-and-miss, and too many ground ball outs to second and first base, and weak pop outs.
On defense, Bazzana looks very stiff. He lacks fluidity. He lacks range to both sides. He throws sidearm, which is a concern.
There is work to be done. But he’s a very promising, but very intense rookie.
8- Does Cleveland Guardians Kyle Manzardo have a future in Cleveland?
Left-handed hitting Manzardo has been inconsistent and streaky. When he makes contact, he can be a home run threat. He strikes out far too often. Especially in crucial situations. He has too much swing-and miss in his game.
Is prospect Ralphy Velazquez going to take over first base as soon as this season?
9- Do the Cleveland Guardians have any trade candidates?
Cleveland would hate to lose Kahlil Watson, but he has value.
What about top prospect infielder Angel Genao? Or infielder Juan Brito? Or catching prospect Cooper Ingle? Manzardo? Steven Kwan?
10- What do Cleveland Guardians do with Steven Kwan?
Kwan can become a free agent in 2028.
Kwan’s offense is improving and he’s a Gold Glove left fielder.
Do the Guardians try to trade him by August 3, or keep him for their stretch run?
Conclusions About Cleveland Guardians:
Each Central Division team is flawed. Some more than others.
There have been several bright spots for Cleveland this season.
The starting rotation has been outstanding. They give their team a chance to win every game.
Chase DeLauter is a dangerous, consistent, and polished hitter. The team has to keep him healthy.
Brayan Rocchio has had an outstanding first half. He’s hitting for average, and for power. He’s playing excellent shortstop. He”s improving every game.
Patrick Bailey has been an excellent addition. He’s a terrific defensive catcher, and he can hit a little.
Austin Hedges has made himself into a credible hitter. He’s still a great shepherd of pitchers, but he isn’t throwing runners out trying to steal. Bailey is.
Cade Smith is an All Star closer. But will he wear out?
Even with several wrinkles, the Guardians are a first place team.
That said, the Cleveland Guardians have issues to resolve in the second half of the Major League Baseball season.