It’s late August, and the quest for postseason spots is getting intense in both leagues. Multiple divisions remain wide open, including the AL Central. The Chicago White Sox lead, but the 68-66 Cleveland Guardians are just 2.5 games back after winning their last seven.
Right now, the Guardians have a two-game lead over the Texas Rangers for the third and final Wild Card spot in the junior circuit. However, the division remains very much in play.
To have a real shot at winning their third straight division crown, the Guardians need to improve one specific aspect of their game: offense. David Schoenfield of ESPN analyzed the Wild Card race in both leagues and suggested that Cleveland needs to improve its home run and batting average outputs.
“Why they’re not better: The Guardians are tied for next-to-last in home runs, tied for 25th in batting average and 27th in wOBA,” Schoenfield wrote.
Schoenfield praised the pitching staff and their overall stability when it comes to arms. He pointed out that the Guardians ‘have used only six starting pitchers all season, with trade deadline acquisition Foster Griffin joining the rotation after coming from the Washington Nationals. The rotation is seventh in the majors in ERA and third in innings pitched.’
The offense, however, remains a problem if we examine the whole season. During their current seven-game winning streak, however, they have scored a solid 41 runs, with Travis Bazzana and Jose Ramirez, two struggling stars, improving their offensive output.
If the two All-Stars can remain effective at the plate and hitters like Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, and Angel Genao continue raking as well, the Guardians have a solid shot at making the postseason. It’s true that even if they do enter the party, they won’t be considered favorites, but once there, anything can happen.
Yes, the offense can be inconsistent, but Cleveland is a well-coached team with a superstar in Ramirez and plenty of young and hungry players, not to mention one of the best pitching staffs in the league.
NEXT: Analyst Doesn't Believe In Guardians' Long Playoff Run
