How the Guardians turned the AL Central race into a one-team sprint

“We made some deliberate choices, even going back to the offseason, to give some of these young players opportunities to go out and contribute,” president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said. “To their credit, a lot of them have stepped forward and made a meaningful impact.”

But as Francona says, no one has a ‘crystal ball’ and it came together faster than anyone could have expected. Except maybe the Guardians’ star player himself.

“Those guys are very talented,” Ramirez said through the team interpreter. “They won a lot in the minors so they know how to win. I’m not surprised by their performance this year.”...

“Everyone is saying we’re not supposed to be doing this,” starter Shane Bieber said. “And maybe that was the story coming in early. But not now. It’s a different brand of baseball, and we’re enjoying playing it, and we’re doing it really well.”

Bieber smiled and nodded his head when Ramirez’s name came up. Clubhouse conversations often lead back to the five-tool player.

“What I find so special and invaluable about him is the way he plays the game,” Bieber said. “It’s hard to put into words. For our superstar to play the way he does, with that infectious energy, and putting his body on the line and doing it every day, with the intent to win, he really sets the tone.”