Opening Day is just a week away for the Cleveland Guardians and the vast majority of the league.
After months of planning, work, and playing the waiting game, baseball is almost back.
The Guardians, however, still have some spring training games to play.
On Thursday, they will face what could be a potentially problematic foe in 2024: the Kansas City Royals.
Unlike the Guards, Kansas City made a myriad of moves and signings to improve their roster and have their aim in a Wild Card spot.
Cleveland’s lineup on Thursday, however, is remarkably close to what we will likely see on Opening Day.
We'll never be Royals, but we don't want to be.#GuardsSpring pic.twitter.com/bot2XsIckh
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) March 21, 2024
Most fans, specialists, and insiders would agree that the top four in this lineup will very much resemble what Cleveland will field on March 28.
Steven Kwan is the leadoff hitter, Andres Gimenez is projected to man second base and hit second, and Jose Ramirez, the best player on the team, will hit third most nights unless manager Stephen Vogt bumps him to the second-hole on occasion.
Josh Naylor will likely be the cleanup hitter.
Laureano has had a solid spring, hitting three doubles, a homer and posting a .810 OPS.
That should be enough to get into the everyday lineup.
Will Brennan (two homers, two steals, .763 OPS) will likely be the right fielder, and we know Myles Straw and Bo Naylor are likely starters at center field and catcher, respectively.
If there might be a chance to this lineup when Opening Day rolls around, it will likely be at shortstop.
Brayan Rocchio has posted a .767 OPS, whereas Gabriel Arias is at .542.
Still, what Guardians fans are watching today will look a lot like their Opening Day lineup.
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