The Cleveland Indians organization caused quite the stir earlier this summer when the team announced it was changing its name to the “Guardians” before the start of next season.
Many applauded the move, while others overreacted and attached the change to issues with society.
Ultimately, it is just a baseball team and the new name is fine.
The Indians name is attached to a team that owns a title drought dating back to 1948.
Wrapping up the current era with a World Series win would have been ideal, but that is simply not going to happen in 2021.
The team is extremely average, just like they have been so often in franchise history.
A Quiet Year
The Indians enter Saturday with a record of 67-65, which is truly a bit of a miracle considering the pitching staff has not been whole for months.
Shane Bieber and Aaron Civale have missed months and that led the team to slot in rookies in the starting rotation.
While the group had issues at first, the process has allowed the team to see great things from Triston McKenzie, Cal Quantrill, Eli Morgan, and even Logan Allen as of late.
The Indians were not true contenders in 2021 and the injuries have allowed young guys to shine.
The same is true on offense, where Amed Rosario has emerged as a legitimate star and players like Yu Chang and Austin Hedges are actually providing highlights.
But there is nothing tougher to watch than a truly average baseball team, and that is what the Indians are this year.
Perfect Time For A Rebrand
The “Indians” have not won a World Series since 1948.
While the “Guardians” will retain all the franchise’s history, it is a fresh start in a way to carve out a new path for professional baseball in Cleveland.
Fans still don’t even know if Terry Francona will be healthy enough to return in 2022.
A new manager would add to the idea of a new era, and there are positives that could come from that.
The team had an amazing run to the World Series in 2016 and remained a contender several years after.
Yet the ultimate goal is a championship and the rebrand should be big, in your face, and really putting the organization on the map in MLB again.
Ownership doesn’t want to make the switch and stink.
So maybe that means an extension is coming for Bieber, or even Jose Ramirez.
Change can be good and another average finish for fans should mean the rebrand at least spices things up next year.
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