5 reasons the Cleveland Guardians could make a deep playoff run
By Kevin Devine
![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) 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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fawaybackgone-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1431464103-850x560-0483f425db0b099f927c5a84d830c0b2.jpg)
We all know that managers are overrated, right? They are just middlemen and don’t impact the game. Not Terry Francona. He has led teams on improbable runs and huge comebacks in big spots, providing stability and creating a consistent winning culture in his decade-long run in Cleveland. Managing on an expiring contract, Francona is anything but a lame duck, and as clichéd as it may sound, the “win one for the Gipper” factor cannot be ruled out.