Steven Kwan Highlights Crucial Role Of Guardians’ Veterans

Young players have carried much of the load for the Cleveland Guardians this season. They have been a big reason why they are still at the top of the AL Central despite losing three straight and five of their last 16 games.

Steven Kwan has struggled all year, and Jose Ramirez took a while to get going. Through it all, players such as Chase DeLauter, Travis Bazzana, Brayan Rocchio, Angel Martinez, and Kyle Manzardo have done their best to keep the offense afloat.

Of course, some of them are currently in a rut, too. Bazzana is 4-for-37 (.108) with 11 strikeouts and three bases on balls over his past nine, and DeLauter entered Tuesday hitting .197 (15-for-76) with 18 strikeouts and four walks over his last 20 games. The latter appears to be waking up, though, logging at least a hit in each of his last four.

Ramirez and Austin Hedges’ job, as veterans, goes beyond producing on the field. They have to set the standards for the young guys, keep them focused and competitive. And for the most part, they have done just that.

“I think it’s just leadership at the top,” Kwan said, “where guys like José and Hedgey [Austin Hedges] are making sure that we’re focused on the next game. Don’t let young guys get in a rut. I think that’s a big thing, making sure our young guys who have contributed continue to do the same thing and don’t let themselves get too in their heads. I think as long as we do that, we’ll be in a good spot.”

Ramirez may not be as vocal as other leaders, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t one. He sets the bar high for himself and others, and he pushes everyone to become the best version of themselves they can be.

J-Ram is obsessed with winning a World Series in Cleveland, and knows this is a special group. The same goes for Hedges. They demand a lot from themselves, but also from the rest of their teammates, especially the young ones. They know they are the ones holding the key to success and elevating the organization’s ceiling.

As Kwan said, these veterans make sure everybody is focused on the ultimate goal. Having experienced players who care about the collective objectives is crucial.