The Cleveland Guardians finished the 2023 season with a mediocre 76-86 record, no playoffs, and saying goodbye to a manager who had been at the helm since 2013.
They then appointed a rookie skipper, Stephen Vogt, with limited coaching experienced.
Yes, you could say that they were underdogs when the 2024 campaign started.
Now, they are one of the best teams in the league, enjoying a three-game lead in the AL Central and with their postseason magic number at six.
This squad will be playing some big games in just a couple of weeks.
Vogt can’t wait.
“Stephen Vogt says he “can’t wait” to watch the Guardians play in big games down the stretch and potentially into the postseason,” Guardians On SI posted on X.
Stephen Vogt says he "can't wait" to watch the Guardians play in big games down the stretch and potentially into the postseason. https://t.co/yE3rzFMbQh
— Cleveland Guardians On SI (@GuardiansOnSI) September 14, 2024
Vogt has had a huge influence in the post-Francona Guardians.
He is a player’s manager, giving them confidence and the opportunity to fail, adjust, and succeed.
That’s not something all managers do, especially first-year skippers.
He has shown personality, determination, patience and vast knowledge of the game, otherwise we wouldn’t be talking about Cleveland as legit contenders.
We don’t know if Cleveland will reach the promised land or even the playoffs, but the latter is a matter of days, not weeks.
The former will depend on a wide array of variables and circumstances, but if Cleveland gets got at the right time, they can definitely go places with their elite bullpen, surging rotation and overall youth.
Oh, and they have the dynamic Jose Ramirez leading the lineup.
Vogt can’t wait to watch the Guardians play in October.
Well, you can imagine fans are also eager to see their team in defining stages.
Again, it’s a matter of days, not weeks.
NEXT: Guardians Star Set For Tests On His Back After Missing Friday's Game
