​Here we go again.At the All-Star break, the Cleveland Guardians are in the thick of the race both for the American League Central Division title and a playoff spot.It seems like every season the Guardians are counted out before the season starts.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis season, Detroit and Kansas City were the popular choices to win the AL Central crown, with the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins at the bottom.That’s why the games are played.The White Sox, after three years of 100-loss seasons, have been the story of Major League Baseball thus far.Chicago’s young players may be developing before our eyes.At the All-Star break, the Guardians, who swept the Miami Marlins over the weekend, and White Sox are virtually tied atop the AL Central. Chicago is 50-45, while Cleveland checks in at 51-26.Overall, just about every AL team is in contention for either the division title or wild card spot. There’s a long way to go this season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSix teams from each league — the three division winners and three Wild Card teams — advance to the postseason.How have the Guardians been able to be in this position thus far?Pitching has been and continues to be the team’s strength.Gavin Williams, Parker Messick, Joey Cantillo, Tanner Bibee and Slade Cecconi have turned into a solid, reliable starting rotation, which is rare nowadays.The quintet have combined to go 33-28 at the All-Star break.Gavin Williams leads the way with a 10-8 mark and 134 strikeouts.The 10 wins are tied for fifth in the majors and strikeouts is third in the AL.Messick and Cantillo each have eight wins. Messick, an All-Star selection, ranks fifth in the AL with a 2.73 ERA.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBibee, with just three wins, checks in with an a 3.90 ERA, including 1.89 in June.One of the keys is reliability, as all five have at least 19 starts.The bullpen of primarily righties Colin Holderman, Hunter Gaddis, Shawn Armstrong and Matt Festa and lefties Tim Herrin and Erik Sabrowski each have their role in setting up for closer Cade Smith, an All Star who leads the majors with 28 saves.Has there been meltdowns with the pitching staff? Yes, that happens in baseball.The offense … well that’s continues to be the main question.The Guardians decided to stick to the process, going mostly with the players who contributed to a second-straight American League Central Division title last season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe only significant offseason acquisition was signing first baseman Rhys Hoskins.Chase DeLauter, who was promoted in the 2025 playoffs against the Detroit Tigers, has taken over right field.He started strong with five home runs from March 26-April 3. Not surprisingly, that has leveled off, but his 11 home runs are tied with Angel Martinez for the team lead.DeLauter also paces the Guardians 46 RBIs, and ranks second at 16 doubles.Second baseman Travis Bazzana has provided a jolt in the lineup si