Former Guardians Making Waves in Spring Training
As spring training unfolds, baseball fans are getting that familiar feeling of surprise seeing players don new uniforms. It's the time of year when journeymen and fresh faces alike aim to make their mark. Let's dive into the stories of three former Guardians hitters who are off to impressive starts with their new teams.
Willi Castro, Rockies
Willi Castro might not have suited up for a game with the Guardians, but his journey is a tale of potential realized elsewhere. After a stint with the Twins where he shone as an All-Star utility player, Castro's performance dipped, leading him to sign with the Rockies.
Now, he's turning heads with a blazing .714 batting average, including a double, two RBIs, and a stolen base in just eight at-bats. Castro's speed on the basepaths is something to watch, as he plans to ramp up his aggressiveness this season.
He once swiped 33 bases in a single season with the Tigers, and his sprint speed remains elite. While he may fly under the radar in Colorado, Castro could quietly have a standout season.
Ben Gamel, Braves
Ben Gamel's brief 11-game tenure with the Guardians in 2021 might be a distant memory, but he's making sure his name is remembered this spring. After bouncing around the league and dealing with injuries, Gamel is looking to carve out a spot with the Braves.
Atlanta's outfield is packed with talent like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II, but injuries have plagued them in the past. Gamel's strong spring performance has likely boosted his standing, and he could be a valuable depth piece for the Braves as the season progresses.
Jhonkensy Noel, Orioles
Jhonkensy Noel's power potential was always evident, even if consistency was elusive during his time with the Guardians. Now with the Orioles, Noel is making a strong case for himself, going 3-for-7 with a double and an RBI in his first few games.
The Orioles offer a promising environment for Noel, especially with former Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz now managing the team. Even if Noel starts the season in the minors, his power could see him making an impact in Baltimore before long.
As these former Guardians continue to impress in spring training, keep an eye on their journeys. Each player brings a unique story and potential to their new teams, and their performances could be pivotal as the regular season approaches.