What the Guardians managed to accomplish in 2022 is remarkable

[Auggie]

The youngest team in baseball, with one of the lowest total team payrolls, won their division, swept the wild card, and took the divisional series to five games ... against a team spending slightly over three times more.

[luvs2sing]

1. You're right..

but I’m still gutted.

[JT45242]

2. Unbalanced schedule helps

The teams in their division don't spend money either.

If the had to play in the AL east, they wouldn't be a playoff team. It's the little secret to make people think that small market teams can do it, out of the two central division yes, out of the east or nl west, no way.

Once you get to the playoffs in baseball, it's luck not the best team.

Hot pitchers and wonky strike zoned of some umps.

[Auggie]

3. Had the Yankees swept Cleveland you'd have a better argument

This series was closer than it looked.

[Diamond_Dog]

4. You're right on all counts

I’m proud of them, and had convinced myself that maybe just MAYBE we could get past the Yanks, but oh well. Just wasn’t meant to be.

Nobody thought last spring we’d even finish higher than third place in the division. We were “rebuilding with a bunch of green kids”.

All in all, it’s been an incredible ride.

[we can do it]

5. Yes they are awesome.

[True Dough]

6. You're right

but as a fan, do you want those limitations to continue, knowing that the chances of having a season as successful as this one are very limited?

Yes, Cleveland is a small-market team. They're never going to be a top payroll like the Yankees or Dodgers, but wouldn't you like to see the front office spring for a couple of quality free agents during the off-season?

Even though the locked up Jose Ramirez long-term, there's never any end to the talk that he'll be traded.

[Auggie]

8. Dolan added a new minority member this year with some deep pockets

LINK: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimingraham/2022/06/27/cleveland-guardians-officially-welcome-new-minority-owner-david-blitzer/?sh=7d486f0b7458

Also, the Guardians are done with their 10-year, $400 million media contract with Bally Sports.* Expect the new contract to be worth more. Actually, the timing couldn't be better.

So yes, I do expect them to spring for some free agents, especially as they did in 1995 when they acquired Eddie Murray, Dennis Martinez and Orel Hershiser -- veteran players who wanted to play in Cleveland knowing the team could win in postseason. Signings could come with a caveat, like for only a year or two, but enticing enough for veterans in their prime or twilight years to make one last push for a ring.

I expect them to go for it in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

As for Ramirez, I don't see him traded until 2026 or 2027, or, until enough of the roster nears free agency and the team begins to rebuild again. Just think back to Sabathia, Lee, (Victor) Martinez, Bauer, Kluber, and, most recently, Lindor.

*https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylersmall/2022/04/15/how-the-cleveland-guardians-escape-spending-shame/?sh=69b91e6e3a5a

[True Dough]

9. Maybe your optimism is warranted

Only time will tell.

[Auggie]

10. Indeed

[JT45242]

7. Was in Cleveland area mid 90s...enjoy the ride

Was in Jacob's field for the first playoff game. The town was rocking with Hershiser, Thome, and the roid brothers Belle and Ramirez. The best defensive shortstop of all time was a joy to watch.

It might not last in a small market team (unless baseball shares revenue), but it is fun while it's here.

Moved back to Cincinnati, enjoyed the ride with them before the fire sales too. Just need to wait for a new owner in southern ohio so we might get another ride to enjoy.