It’s the weekend before the All-Star break, and the Cleveland Guardians are .500 this season with a record of 44-44.

Despite the slow start this season the Guardians, are only one game behind the first place Minnesota Twins, in the American League Central Division. For the most part, has been a very down year in the AL Central, with a overall worst combined record of all the six divisions in Major League Baseball.

Despite the injuries to starting pitchers Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill, along with starting ace, Shane Bieber, being inconsistent, along with the 27th ranked offense in runs scored per game, and in addition ranked 30th, in home runs.

Despite the injuries and offensive shortcomings the Cleveland Guardians are still in contention in the AL Central Division.

In the 2nd half of the season let’s hope the Guardians remain true to form, usually starting off slow, figuring things out throughout April, May, and June.

This team usually catches fire, and rise like the phoenix in the months of July, August, and September, and in 2023 hopefully go all the way in October.

For the ultimate goal to be accomplished a few task must be done.

First and foremost the Guardians are going to have to win the AL Central Division, flat out. This year most likely will not have two teams getting in the playoffs, from the AL Central, especially with all the teams in the AL East, are all above the .500 mark, and in the AL West, both the Houston Astros,and Texas Rangers are playing very well this season.

Secondly, the Guardians can’t by any means trade their ace, Shane Bieber. If the Guardians want to trade him in the off-season, I’m fine with that.

Third, package some prospects for a established hitter that immediately contribute to their lineup.

Guardians have to many automatic outs in their batting order.

Fourth, bring back up, Right Fielder Oscar Gonzalez, and make either, Myles Straw or Will Brennan the fourth outfielder. Straw is great defensively, but leaves little to be desired swinging the bat. Brennan has been okay, and if it was my choice he or Steven Kwan would be starting in Center Field.

Fifth, the Guards first base position, defensively, is very shaky, with either Josh Naylor or Josh Bell. I don’t know really what can be done this season.

Long story short, all the Guardians have to do is win the AL Central and get in the playoffs where anything can possibly happen.

-Keith Allen

@K_Allen569

*Photo courtesy of Getty Images*