New name, same expectations at CLE

CLEVELAND — The name inscribed above the giant scoreboard at Progressive Field is new. The same as the hats and jerseys, a sign of the new beginning for baseball in Cleveland this 2022.

Everything else looks pretty much the same.

It’s not so much of a repositioning. It is a repetition.

Not being known as the Indians for the first time in 107 years, the Guardians enter the season with hopes as low as their payroll.

Cleveland didn’t throw money at free agents — the club rarely does — like big-market teams or make any big trades, so the Guardians will once again have to rely on their strong starting rotation led by Shane Bieber and the wood of third baseman José Ramírez. They also expect the youngsters to emerge quickly to be competitive in the AL Central.

That is the plan and it has worked for them before.

“We need the guys to take advantage of the opportunities that are in front of them,” team president Chris Antonetti said during camp in Arizona. “And in that sense they can do it, I think it could be an exciting year.”

Something has to happen to get things going with the Guardians, who had an uneventful offseason.

Although the name change was finalized at the end of last season, it has yet to be accepted by some Cleveland fans.

It also won’t go away that the team isn’t very active in improving the roster this winter after its first losing season in nine years fueled criticism of owner Paul Dolan.

Antonetti says the team hit in free agency, but missed.

In addition to their fans, the Guardians were criticized by Giants outfielder Joc Pederson – who was on Cleveland’s radar – and White Sox pitcher Dallas Keuchel, who spoke of teams not spending.

Antonetti is familiar with this rejection.

“I probably shouldn’t be in this place if I was sensitive to criticism,” he said. “It doesn’t really impact us. I think we’re focused on what’s best for us as an organization.”

The situation seems to be improving with Cleveland. Manager Terry Francona is back after missing much of the past two seasons with a serious health issue.

As they acclimate to the new name, the Guardians will have to deal with initial difficulties in 2022 – perhaps a lot of difficulties.

Another bright spot is Bieber, the 2020 Cy Young winner. He made a full recovery after only starting in 16 games last season because of a sore shoulder.

The 26-year-old pitcher leads a group that includes Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac, Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill, the latter of whom is 7-1 in the second half of the season.

Bieber has a contract with the Guardians until 2024. The team would like to tie the right-hander for the long term, but it seems unlikely.

Ramírez has made it clear that he is one of the best players in all aspects and it is time for him to receive a corresponding salary. The Dominican has expressed his interest in following his entire career with Cleveland and his agents have spoken with the Guardians about it. He will earn $26 million over the next two years, a steal for a three-time All-Star.

Steven Kwan is a contact hitter and Francona appreciates that.

“In an era of baseball where swinging is prevalent, it doesn’t miss much,” Francona said. “It really is refreshing.”

The 24-year-old outfielder had an impressive spring. He hit .328 between Double-A and Triple-A last season, and the Guardians believe he can help them now.