3 problems holding upstart 2022 Cleveland Guardians back

It’s June, but the Cleveland Guardians are in the mix at 32-27, trailing the Central division leading Minnesota by two games. Factoring in rain delays, the Guards a game better than the Twins (37-28) in the loss column.

If you haven’t checked Cleveland out, yet. You should. The Guardians are a young team, younger than some Triple-A clubs. The organization has placed a heavy emphasis on contact, rather than trying to hit every pitch for a home run.

The approach results in more balls in play, obviously more optimal for fan viewing. The starting pitching is coming along and the bullpen has some nice arms (Clase, Stephan, Morgan, Sandlin).

Cleveland will face a huge test in the coming weeks, though, as the club propelled above .500 by beating some bad teams. Not anymore. The Dodgers, those pesky Twins, the Red Sox and the Twins, again, will look to knock Cleveland down a peg.

Here’s three concerns holding the Guardians back as Terry Francona’s bunch tries to track down the Twins in the Central.