Don’t Jump! There’s something to be excited about.
Coming into 2024, there is obviously some major concerns looming over the ol’ Guardos. The fact that we still don’t have a set outfield, a full time short stop, or any trade rumors even in the foreseeable future.
But I was sitting here, staring at a wall, and was able to rack my brain and think up some breaks in the clouds. A sliver of light at the end of the tunnel. Another zynachino in the corner of the puck. Below I have outlined a few things that can keep you sane and looking forward to another opening day.
1. City Connect Jerseys
FINALLY, we have been granted access to the not-so-exclusive group of ball clubs with fancy alternate uniforms. Sure, if I see a single reference to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this has great potential to be a fumble of the bag. But I think there are some good opportunities here. A “Believeland” or “The Land” theme would be extremely well received and I think the creative opportunities are endless. Hopefully they aren’t printed on these Fanatics uniforms, as the long anticipated arrival of an alternate uniform could be soiled by the outline of Josh Naylor’s jock strap being entirely too visible through the pants.
2. Young Guns Starting Rotation
Honestly, there are a lot of baseball fans out there who peer through the games and look for the best pitching match-ups like they are delving into an MMA or Boxing card. If this is you, there is some great potential for some viewing pleasure this year. If you like to watch young arms prove themselves on the big stage, I don’t think there will be a shortage of that. Bieber is throwing 4 mph faster than he was, Tanner, Gavin, and Logan have a lot to prove in their first couple seasons, and Sticks is off an injury with the potential of a continuance from his 2022 campaign.
3. Stress-Free Environment
Here we are again with very tame expectations. The nice thing about being a Cleveland Fan is that the most memorable seasons have come out of nowhere. If you told me the Tribe was going to make a run into the World Series a few weeks before the 2016 season, I would have told you to lighten up on the crystal meth. If you would have told me the following season, they would break the records for consecutive wins, I would have told you to check into a rehab facility. We never REALLY know what’s going to happen with this squad and if we go in with low expectations, we usually come out on the other side with at least our dignity.
So, there ya have it. It’s not all gloom and doom, even if our exciting offseason move was paying way too much money for Austin Hedges. At the very least, we will have a new uni, some promising young talent on the mound, and a worry-free environment to enjoy it in. Turn that frown upside down, it’s almost time for Guardian’s Baseball.