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With less than a week to go Spring training begins, let’s take one last look at your off-season questions in another Guardians inbox:
Are positions really up for grabs? If yes, which ones? — @FranmilsEyebrow
Maybe some who appear to be, really aren’t. For example: shortstop. The story is that the Guardians have yet to determine who their starting shortstop will be, but it would really be surprising if they gave anyone other than Gabriel Arias the first chance to win the job. Still, all other infielders will be evaluated closely to determine what the next options might be. I wouldn’t say Arias is a lock by any means, but I also don’t think the job is completely up for grabs.
Center field is similar. Myles Paille will likely be the starter on opening day, and the Guardians can respond later if that doesn’t work out.
The closest we can get right now is probably right field. Ramon Laureano could attract the majority of representatives. He could be part of a platoon with Will Brennan. But the Guardians have Estevan Florial, George Valera And John Rodriguez to watch too. The team needs some hitters, and maybe the younger guys can prove they deserve a chance right away.
Finally, the final two spots in the bullpen are likely up in the air. Carlos Carrasco And Xzavion Curry likely considering a battle for a long-term relief role. James Karinchak will have to prove he can regain the confidence to command the strike zone at the Major League level, given that the Guardians have a handful of other relievers competing for a spot.
How much playing time can we expect Straw to get this season? — @PurpleHatKid
It seems safer to assume that he will be the first to demonstrate that his offseason work can pay off, but manager Stephen Vogt mentioned during the winter meetings that they would look at all options at center field .
“We would love to see him in the center of the field,” Vogt said. “We also have other options. So we’ll see what happens when we get to spring training. And I’m looking forward to seeing, having some competition during camp, and we’ll see where we go from there.
How likely is Kyle Manzardo to make the Opening Day roster? — @Cle_Guardian22
Do you see Deyvison De Los Santos on the opening day roster? — @Michael45871618
Let’s put these questions together, because they really clash with each other.
Starting with De Los Santos, it’s hard to believe the Guardians would have selected him in the Draft Rule 5 if they were trying to determine in just six weeks whether the 20-year-old cornerback could succeed over the next few seasons. However, keeping him on the Opening Day roster also doesn’t make much sense, given that he’s never played above Double-A and is so young. Determining what the Guardians will do with De Los Santos impacts their decision with Manzardo.
Manzardo is ready for the big leagues and showed late last season and in the Arizona Fall League that his bat can bring some much-needed life to the Guardians’ middle order. But if De Los Santos and Josh Naylor are on the roster, does it make sense to have a third first baseman? Maybe Naylor and Manzardo could go back and forth between first and DH, but De Los Santos still needs to develop this season and be behind two first basemen and Jose Ramirez at third base leaves him little playing time.
My answer will change a million times before camp ends, but for now let’s go with De Los Santos making the Opening Day roster and Manzardo starting the year in Triple-A Columbus .
When is the best time to visit Goodyear? — @Michael4dadogs
It depends on what you’re looking for. The first week of spring training is fun to see the players put in extra work on the practice fields since there are no games. The first few weeks of camp are also good for hiking, as temperatures are cooler. But if you’re looking for a Cactus League game with starters in the lineup for most of the game, come near the end of Arizona’s six-week stint.
