The Cleveland Guardians have been completely wonderful in 2022.
They exceeded preseason expectations, profitable 92 video games.
They even received a playoff sequence.
If we needed to title a weak spot, nonetheless, we must say that they lacked some punch or energy in the midst of their lineup.
It isn’t that they lacked energy hitters, it is that at one level it appeared like they have been one or two dwelling run hitters wanting mounting a critical problem for the American League pennant.
They went to work within the offseason, bringing in first baseman Josh Bell and catcher Mike Zunino in an try to provide the lacking energy.
It is solely spring coaching, however the early returns on the Bell funding are extraordinarily thrilling.
Take a look at this blast:
Josh Bell oh my god 😳 pic.twitter.com/juflP4IfWe
— MLB (@MLB) February 28, 2023
Bell welcomed starter Jordan Lyles to Kansas Metropolis with a mammoth two-run shot to provide the Guardians the lead within the first inning.
It was a dangling breaking ball that Bell had no downside driving to his pull aspect.
Bell, an enormous man who generally appears to underplay his uncooked energy, actually put all of the wooden on this one.
He hit simply 17 dwelling runs in 156 video games final 12 months with the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres, however had 27 the 12 months earlier than and 37 in 2019.
He is unlikely to return to his 2019 complete, because it got here with the “juicy” ball, nevertheless it’s not unrealistic to count on 25-30 lengthy balls from the proficient slugger.
If something, he’ll carry on-base capacity to a lineup that wants it.
NEXT:
Terry Francona had a tough begin to spring coaching
