The Cleveland Guardians were playing in the American League Championship Series four months ago.
They were among the four best teams in MLB last year.
Time has passed, and things have changed.
Well, the Guardians’ roster has changed, for sure.
But the Guardians are excellent and that, at least, is still the case.
The offense might have a bit less thump without Josh Naylor, but the pitching is better and deeper and there will be plenty of potential young stars with prominent roles in the lineup.
If anything, the Guardians are better.
That’s why their 1-5 record, the worst in the Cactus League alongside the Chicago White Sox’s, is so shocking to some.
Cleveland sports anchor Nick Camino, however, doesn’t think the Cactus League record is that important and he is absolutely right.
“The #Guardians are 1-5 in Cactus League play. No, it does not matter. Stop it. (Story: My first year covering the then-Indians, they finished with the best record in Spring Training. Both Cactus League and Grapefruit League. They finished last in the AL Central Division,)” sports anchor Nick Camino posted on X.
The #Guardians are 1-5 in Cactus League play.
No, it does not matter. Stop it.
(Story: My first year covering the then-Indians, they finished with the best record in Spring Training. Both Cactus League and Grapefruit League. They finished last in the AL Central Division.)
— Nick Camino (@NickCaminoWKYC) February 27, 2025
He also brought another example to us: the 2016 Chicago White Sox were the worst team in spring training that year and wound up winning it all.
The bottom line is that the spring training record is not at all predictive of regular season outcomes.
It’s exhibition baseball; players are still out of shape in some cases or haven’t hit in a while.
Some of them are working on things, like a new pitch or revamped mechanics.
Others are rehabbing, or still trying to find their top velocity or their best command.
Virtually nobody is going all-out, except those competing for a spot.
It’s hard to draw many conclusions with that being the situation.
Despite their lousy spring record so far, Cleveland will be fine.
NEXT: Triston McKenzie Struggles Badly In Second Outing Of The Spring
