Thought it would be appropriate to start Part 2........
The Guardians are 39-34 with the Yankees coming into Progressive Field for a DH on Saturday. This has been the toughest stretch of the schedule, with Boston, Minnesota, and New York.
I am very pleased with how the team has played thus far. For being the youngest team in baseball, with several new players (Kwan, Gonzales) being in the everyday lineup, the Guardians have accounted for themselves well. Toughest team to strike out in baseball, and it has helped manufacture runs, with a timely HR here and there. The team has also shown some decent speed on the bases, stretching singles into doubles, and getting the occasional swipe of 2nd to get into scoring position.
Over the rest of the season, the pitching will determine the final fate of the team. The hurlers were shaky to start the season, but the turnaround from a 19-24 record can be attributed to better pitching, starters and bullpen.
Defensively, the Guardians overall have been adequate, and in some cases has shown the ability to make the spectacular play. Very few games if any have been lost by defensive lapses.
The Guardians ability to come from behind late has been another reason that they're 5 games over .500. They're right near the top in MLB in walk off wins, and the winning blows have been by committee, from Josh Naylor to Andres Gimenez to Luke Maile.
Right now, there's every reason to believe that this team can win the AL Central. Maybe not a wild card, but should be in contention for the top spot for the remainder of the season.
After the Yankees, Cleveland has a string of games mostly vs. Central Division teams.
