MESA, Ariz., Feb. 27 \u2014 What a difference seven years can make.<\/p>\n
What a bigger difference having Chris Antonetti and Terry Francona<\/a><\/strong> making key decisions throughout that same era of Cleveland baseball.<\/p>\n The Cleveland Guardians<\/a> played the Chicago Cubs<\/a> at Sloan Park Monday in a matchup of the two World Series clubs from 2016.<\/p>\n Entering 2017, the Cubs’ future shone brightly after beating Cleveland in seven games. Chicago had young stars Kris Bryant<\/a><\/strong>, Anthony Rizzo<\/a><\/strong>, Jorge Soler<\/a><\/strong>, Kyle Schwarber<\/strong><\/a>, Javier Baez<\/a><\/strong>, Willson Contreras<\/a><\/strong>, Aroldis Chapman<\/a><\/strong> and others.<\/p>\n Guess how many players from that team are still with the Cubs. One. Pitcher Kyle Hendricks<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n For that matter, how many players are still with Cleveland?\u00a0One. Jose Ramirez<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Yet these two ballclubs have not traveled anywhere near the same path. Since then, Cleveland has made the post-season five times; the Cubs three, including the Covid half-season of 2020.\u00a0 The Cubs are in the midst of a major rebuild that has seen them go 71-91 and 74-88 the past two seasons.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Antonetti and his staff of scouts and numbers crunchers along with Francona and his coaches have won three AL Central titles and finished second three times. That’s sustained excellence despite fiscal restraints coupled with losing such stalwarts as Corey Kluber<\/a><\/strong>, Francisco Lindor<\/a><\/strong>, Carlos Santana<\/a><\/strong>, Trevor Bauer<\/a><\/strong>, Carlos Carrasco<\/a><\/strong>, Mike Clevinger<\/a><\/strong> and others.<\/p>\n The difference is in the Guardians’ uncanny ability to plan for the future.<\/p>\n Chicago lost staff ace Jake Arrieta<\/a><\/strong> to free agency and got nothing in return. Cleveland’s ace was due for free agency, but Antonetti traded Kluber to Texas. They got back Emmanuel Clase<\/a><\/strong>, now one of the most dominating closers in the game.<\/p>\n When Lindor was about to bolt, he and Carrasco were sent to the New York Mets for infielders Amed Rosario<\/a><\/strong> and Andres Gimenez<\/a><\/strong> and two minor-leaguers who still may help down the road.<\/p>\n The Cubs dealt slugger Rizzo to the Yankees for two minor-leaguers who have not helped; NL MVP Bryant went to the Giants for two more minor-leaguers; Baez to the Mets for a minor-leaguer; for Soler they did get closer Wade Davis<\/a><\/strong> from the Royals, but they got nothing in return for free agents Chapman, Schwarber and Contreras.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Bauer was dealt for five players including Franmil Reyes<\/a><\/strong>, who had a couple of nice years in Cleveland. Clevinger brought back six guys including current key pieces Cal Quantrill<\/a><\/strong> and Josh Naylor<\/a><\/strong> along with still-developing Gabriel Arias<\/a><\/strong> and Joey Cantillo<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n What does it mean for Cleveland fans?<\/p>\n Have faith in two of baseball’s best leaders. Despite hurdles and roadblocks that stymies most teams, Antonetti and Francona are proven winners. Chances are that the Guardians once again will compete for the AL Central title.<\/p>\nCleveland Guardians Plan for the Future<\/h3>\n
Roman Candles Going Off Again<\/h3>\n