Terry Francona called for an interview with Terry Francona on the first day spring training Jose Ramirez. The tone for the unexpected success of the youngest baseball team was set by a conversation between a manager, and his third baseman in March. Cleveland Guardians A club on the cusp of winning the American League Central.
Francona asked Ramirez to just play hard and passionately throughout the season, as the Guardians aren’t built to be homers.
Francona, who was sitting in the visitor’s dugout at Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, earlier this week, said that “This is how we must play, everyone follows you lead.” “And I told him, ‘If it’s not possible for you to do it, then I can’t ask any young men to do it.’
Ramirez was already a favorite among his teammates because he played ‘with hair on fire’. His team has continued the tradition, specializing and focusing in a style of baseball that revolves around contact, running base runs, and playing defense.
These results are almost historic for a team of players who average 26 years old. The Guardians are poised to be the youngest wild-card team to make it to the postseason and win a division.
Francona stated, “I don’t know if it is possible to put an age on being competive.”
Even before the team showed any signs of improvement this season, Cleveland’s brass knew something about their squad heading into 2022. It would be full of opportunities for talented young players.
Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations, stated that “we made some deliberate decisions, even going back into the offseason to give some of these young athletes opportunities to go out to play and contribute.” “They have all stepped up to make a difference and it is their credit.”
Francona points out that nobody has a “crystal ball” and that it came together much faster than anyone could expect. Except perhaps the Guardians’ star player.
Ramirez stated through the team interpreter, “Those guys have a lot of talent.” “They have won a lot in minors so they know how win. They did a great job this year.
Second baseman Andres Gimenez, shortstop Amed Rosario Left fielder Steven Kwan These are three players who were young and have been major contributors to the team.
Two infielders from Cleveland were traded in a major deal. Francisco LindorKwan was a lesser-known fifth-round selection in 2018, while Kwan was. Kwan is the lead hitter and batsman for a lineup that ranks 29th among major league teams in home runs, but has also struck out more often than any other.
Kwan stated, “It’s refreshing that kind of baseball.” It all starts with Tito [Francona]. He believed that if we were given a chance to win, we should play the game right. That’s what we have been doing.
Kwan called Francona “GOAT” for her managerial style. According to those who know him well, Francona, a veteran manager of 63 years, has one of his greatest strengths: the ability to adapt a team to maximize its potential and minimize its flaws.
The young Guardians have experienced winning baseball, while also dealing with the grind of a long year. Francona knows it’s difficult, but she has always been there to help when needed. Kwan recalls a time following a victory. Minnesota.
Kwan stated, “He called me in his office, which is something he usually doesn’t do.” He pulled up a video, and it shows a runner on the first. I hit a single to my right. The runner moves first to third, and the right fielder sails it. I stand on first.
He asks me why I didn’t take second base. I said that I hadn’t had a hit for a while and that I finally got to first. It was a great feeling to be there. He replied, “No kid! That’s not what it’s about.” We’re going the right way if we’re going do this.
“That was my constant companion.”
Along with these teachable moments, Cleveland’s clubhouse was filled with lively celebrations fuelled by a few dramatic victories. The Guardians’ six-run ninth in May was perhaps the best moment of Cleveland’s season. White Sox 8-8, followed by a three-run 11, which sealed the deal. An emotional Josh Naylor Both pitchers hit home runs, proving to the youth of Cleveland that they can go toe to toe with the current division champion.
Those victories started piling up, with a 15-inning victory over Minnesota and an additional 11-inning win on Tuesday in Chicago. In fact, the Guardians defeated their division rivals throughout the season. They went 24-13 against their closest competitions and 12-4 after extra innings.
“Everyone is saying that we shouldn’t be doing this,” starter Shane Bieber said. “And maybe that was the story coming into early. But not now. We’re playing a completely different style of baseball and it’s fun. It’s also really enjoyable.
Bieber smiled, nodded and nodded when Ramirez’s name was mentioned. Clubhouse conversations often bring back the five-tool player.
Bieber stated, “What I find so valuable and special about him is his way of playing the game.” It’s difficult to describe. It’s amazing that our superstar plays the way he plays, with his infectious energy and willingness to put his body on line each day, with the intent of winning, it sets the tone.
Ramirez is a first to third machine. This is yet another way that he epitomizes Guardians’ unique brand. They basically eliminated Cleveland from contention for the division title in their recent series against the White Sox.
“It can be frustrating for our opponents, and when there are so many young men watching him,” [Ramirez] People are driven like that and think, “Why can’t I do this?” Bieber said.
They can and have. The league’s leader in single-game wins is the Guardians. This is just one of the many traits that have them poised to make a run in October. Cleveland boasts five players who have at least 15 stolen bases. It is the most among all major leagues and for the franchise since 1919.
Francona stated, “They are young, but they don’t back down from challenging,” They try to live up to all the principles we have tried to live by.
Shaw believes that the foundation was laid years ago, when Cleveland was in its final window of contention. It included a World Series appearance for Cleveland in 2016. Some current players were playing in the minors, or joining the organization in 2016, and are now on the brink of their first chance at playing in the postseason.
Shaw said that Tito has been at helm throughout the whole run. “We were winning, and everyone saw the way it was done. It’s happening once again.”