Yesterday, I expressed my frustration that the Guardians are not simply being honest with fans that they (whether legitimately or not) do not have the funds to sign or trade for a legitimate, proven bat for the middle of their lineup.
I wanted to follow up today by saying that OF COURSE I will be rooting for the Guardians’ gambit on a bullpen of proven commodities and recent dumpster dives, a talented, young rotation and a lot of young hitters plus David Fry and maybe Stuart Fairchild, with future
Hall of Famer Jose Ramirez accompanied by Steven Kwan and Kyle Manzardo will pay off. Of course!
I was convinced in months 4-5 that the 2025 Guardians were simply a bad team. I was very delighted to be proven wrong by them finding a way to manage a miraculous September run I will always remember. Similarly, I am ready to root for their hitters to prove my desire for one, outside upgrade completely unfounded.
-I have long advocated for David Fry. No one would be happier than I would to see him start mashing lefties and playing four positions than I would.
-C.J. Kayfus, Juan Brito and George Valera are legitimately exciting young players whom I love. I want them to be healthy and great.
-Chase DeLauter is the most exciting Guardians hitting prospect we have had since probably Grady Sizemore. I cannot wait to see him play as often as possible and was a central conductor on the “Promote DeLauter” train last year.
-If the Guardians want to bring Travis Bazzana up in late April or in June, no one will be more excited to see him than I will.
-I believe in Brayan Rocchio as a shortstop. Build the statue, goshdangit.
-I STILL believe in Bo Naylor.
I think all of this makes me a pretty optimistic fan. Plus I am itching to get back to the ballpark with my four kids, I am dreaming about doing all my household duties with Tom Hamilton on the radio, and I cannot wait to start pouring over FanGraphs every day to see how our players are doing. I am pumped to see Stephen Vogt and Carl Willis work their magic on this roster and still hoping for a Stephen Vogt impersonation or song in a Post-game
I root unreservedly for the Cleveland Guardians and do not see my interest flagging in the slightest. Yes, I want them to acquire one, legit, middle-of-the-order bat and I don’t think there is a good excuse not to do so. That doesn’t mean I won’t be rooting like heck for our young players (and Fry and Fairchild) to turn out to be worthy complements to Jose, Kwan and Manzardo – i will be and I am excited to do it as soon as possible.
