5 reasons the Cleveland Guardians could make a deep playoff run

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 07: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians hits a two RBI home run in the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game one of the Wild Card Series at Progressive Field on October 07, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – MAY 29: Starting pitcher Triston McKenzie #24 of the Cleveland Guardians is greeted by pitcher Shane Bieber #57 after getting relieved during the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on May 29, 2022, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Pitching plays in October. Dominant starting pitching is the way that MLB teams typically try to build their teams. The classic template for an unexpected run to a World Series victory is the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks, who rode Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling to ultimately defeat the favored New York Yankees. For a small or mid-market club, the window to win the World Series depends on healthy, dominant starting pitching. The Oakland A’s tried this path for years with Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder and Barry Zito, ultimately coming up short and proving that the formula does not always work.

The Guardians, however, have the pieces to make it work. Ace Shane Bieber and 2022 breakout star Triston McKenzie form a 1-2 punch that can match up with any other team in the playoffs.