Guardians blindsided by ESPN in recent MLB Power Rankings

Entering the season, the expectations for the Cleveland Guardians were relatively mixed. Some believed the down year in 2023 was their true form, while others believed 2022 to be more indicative of their overall capabilities. So, when it came to MLB Power Rankings before games were played, it was somewhat understandable to see the Guardians ranked toward the bottom of the list. But now, with a week-plus worth of games played, a power rankings list appearing on ESPN flat-out disrespected the Guardians for what seems like no apparent reason.

Coming in ranked 21st with a 5-2 record at the time of publication is Cleveland. This is actually down from the previous ranking, which had them at 20th overall. It appears being successful against the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners has worked against them for some reason.

It would be one thing if the Guardians lost more games than they won or if they only beat teams ranked lower than them. But it must be noted that the Mariners were ranked 10th in the previous ranking and actually moved up to ninth. To quote Mugatu from Zoolander, "I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!".

The math is just not adding up here. The Guardians are one of the better offensive teams in the early going. Ranking eighth in batting average (.271), third in hits (77), third in doubles (18), tied for first in triples (3), and tied for fourth in stolen bases (9). The only real area in which they are lacking is home runs (5), but there is not a single soul on this planet who realistically expected Cleveland to be at or near the top of this category this season. 

Yes, it is still very early in the season, but this Guardians team looks and feels different from last year's squad. This team has won their first two series of the season and is one more win in Minnesota away from making it three straight. With performances like this, it will not be too long before they are moving their way up power rankings lists rather than being the recipient of a slap in the face from the so-called worldwide leader.