The Cleveland Guardians are off to their best start in over 20 years as they have posted a 31-17 record, good for 1st place in an improved AL Central. Cleveland has improved their power numbers significantly, as they are ranked 9th with 51 HR's after finishing last in MLB last season. The Guardians are in the top 10 of MLB in runs scored, stolen bases, run differential, average runs per game, team ERA, and shutouts by the pitching staff. Jose Ramirez has been leading the AL in RBI, with Josh Naylor close behind. David Fry has been a huge spark in the everyday lineup.

Despite the loss of Shane Beiber for the season and starter Gavin Williams starting on the IL, the pitching has once again proven to be one of the strengths of the team. Veteran Carlos Carrasco has come back to Cleveland and has pitched well his last 3 outings, while Ben Lively has been a huge addition to the starting rotation and has delivered 6 straight solid outings. The bullpen has again been the backbone of the pitching staff, having been called upon in every game to kill any opponent rallies. Nick Sandlin, Hunter Gaddis, and Tim Herrin are very much improved, while newcomers Cade Smith, Sam Hentges, and Scott Barlow have filled their roles nicely. Emmanuel Clase continues to be one of the best closers in MLB.

Manager Stephen Vogt continues to strike gold with his ability to utilize the pitching staff, getting quality pinch hits, and has a penchant for finding PT for everybody.

What is remarkable is that Cleveland is doing all this despite missing Steven Kwan, who was leading the AL in batting when he came down with a hamstring injury 2 weeks ago. He is scheduled to come back in the next few weeks.

Go Guardians!!