The Cleveland Guardians are looking to compete in a tough AL Central division this season, and their catching situation could be key to their success. Manager Terry Francona values a catcher’s ability to manage games and get pitchers through their starts over their offensive performance. With the Guardians’ catchers in the previous two seasons lacking in offensive output, they made some changes in the offseason.
In the absence of top prospect Bo Naylor, the Guardians added veterans Mike Zunino and Cam Gallagher to handle the pitching staff and Meibrys Viloria as a third catcher for pinch-hitting situations. Zunino, a former All-Star and 2019 Gold Glove winner, had surgery last season but is expected to provide more offensive punch than his predecessor, Austin Hedges. Gallagher, who played his entire MLB career in the AL Central Division has a good rapport with the coaching staff and is the primary backup catcher. Meibrys Viloria gives the Guardians an extra left-handed pinch-hitting option and threw out 47% of base stealers last season.
Star prospect Bo Naylor is close to being ready to catch every day at the MLB level, but the Guardians will not rush him back too soon. He should arrive at some point in the upcoming season. Naylor was one of Cleveland’s top prospects before being sidelined by an injury last year.
Micael Ramirez a young catcher is expected to start the season at Double-A Akron after a disappointing 2022 campaign. Ramirez will have some time to work on his skills in the minors while Cleveland builds up its catching depth.
The Guardians have high hopes for their new catching group, who they believe can help guide them back to the postseason in 2023.
The Seattle Mariners are looking to build off last year’s playoff appearance and break their World Series drought in the upcoming MLB season. The team has a strong starting rotation and acquired new players who can help them reach the World Series.
The Mariners ended their longest postseason drought and made the playoffs last year for the first time since 2001, adding to the high expectations of fans.
Righthander Luis Castillo is set to start the opener, and he’s grateful for the opportunity. He knows the pressure of pitching in a crucial game, and he will be looking to provide some crucial innings for Seattle. Seattle has also acquired new power hitters in offseason trade deals, adding more depth to their batting order.
The Cleveland Guardians won the AL Central title last year and plan on sending Shane Bieber to the mound for the opener. Both teams are looking to win their first World Series since neither team has won since 1948.
Seattle will need to be at their best if they want to break their long-standing playoff drought and make it through a tough divisional slate.
Cleveland Guardians’ infield has seen some changes over the past year. The club signed a seven-year contract with José Ramírez on opening day last year, locking up one of their star infield players.
The club also has young and talented middle infielders in various minor leagues, giving them depth across these positions as they develop by playing games in Minor Leagues
Cleveland Guardians’ first baseman Josh Bell posted a .259/.342/.463 slash line with 29 home runs in 2022. He’s entering his second season with the team but will be sharing playing time with Josh Naylor. Naylor had an injury-plagued season and played in only 81 games. The two of them will be expected to provide some good offense for the team.
Andrés Giménez had a breakout season in 2022 and won a Gold Glove Award. Amed Rosario posted career highs and was fourth among AL shortstops with 4.2 wins above replacement in 2022. Cleveland Guardians’ third baseman José Ramírez drove in 18.1% of the Guardians’ runs last year, showing how crucial he is to the team’s success.
Overall, Cleveland Guardians have some talent in their infield, but they will need all players to continue to develop and remain healthy if they want to compete in this upcoming season’s race for the playoffs.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Belfast City Marathon 2023 Road Closures ConfirmedBelfast City Marathon organizers have confirmed the details of…
Adysen Koenigsknecht's Remarkable Journey to the Boston MarathonAdysen Koenigsknecht has come a long way since…
Anderson's Passion for Track and Field Leads to Boston Marathon RoleESPN's SportsCenter anchor John Anderson…
Seth Rollins, WWE superstar and former Universal Champion, has appealed to his fans for support…
The 2023 Boston Marathon is gearing up to be a historic event, as it will…
A Heartwarming Tribute to Spencer and PennyA group of golden retrievers participated in a touching…
