August 30, 2025 • 39 mins
Recapping a crucial week for the Guards that saw two last at bat wins at the corner of Carnegie and Onterio. Plus we'll talk to Parker Messick following his MLB debut, and also Nolan Jones who's bat has suddenly gotten red hot at the perfect time. Also, it's the weekly Farm Report with V.P. of Player Development Stephen Osterer from the Dominican Republic this week. That's all on this edition of Guardians Weekly with Jim Rosenhaus on the Cleveland Guardians Radio Network.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Guardians Radio Network.
Guardians Weekly is brought to you by Progressive, helping Guardians
fans save hundreds on car insurance.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Hi everyone him Rose in house with you with Guardians Weekly.
We welcome you to Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland, where
the Guardians are taking on the Seattle Mariners this weekend.
Dramatic win on Friday night. More on that in a
moment in our weekend review, but first we can tell
you that coming up on this week's show, outstanding rookie
picture Parker Messick will join us along with suddenly hot
(01:15):
hitting Nolan Jones, and we'll also have a minor league
report with Vice President of player Development Steven Osterer. That's
all coming up shortly, but first I'll look back at
the week that was, and well, things were not going
well for the Guardians following Monday night's nine to nothing
lost to Tampa Bay in the opener of the home stand,
the Guardians were fading from the playoff hunt. But they
(01:38):
have turned things around dramatically, and it began with a
three to nothing win over Tampa Bay on Tuesday night.
The Guardians were trying to snap what turned out to
be a six game losing skid after that loss on
Monday night, and they found some much needed early offense
in the first inning, as the first two batters reached,
then Kyle Manzardo delivered to bring home the games first.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Here's the set. Manzardo hits a ground ball toward first, diving,
It glances off the glove of Diaz, rolls in the
right center. Kwan's coming home to score. Stopping at second
is Cafus at Cleveland takes a one nothing leaid and
there will not be a fourth consecutive shutout.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
David Fry followed and he drew a walk to load
the bases for Bone Nailor.
Speaker 3 (02:25):
Faces loaded one out. The pitch swung on hip high
in the air, deep right center, low back low in
front of the track. Right fielder grabs it, tagging scoring
Capus tagging going to third Manzardo two nothing, Cleveland sagfly
Bone Nailor thirtyeth Arbi.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
And then Brian Rochio capped off the big first inning.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
That pitch swung out broken bat, liner base head and
right field. That old score man Zardo motoring the third
is Fry Ambryan Rochio with a broken bat Arby. I
single to round and the Guardians have a three nothing
league and they're not letting Shane Boz off the hook.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Didn't know it at the time, but that would be
it for the scoring in this one. As race starter
Shane boss settled in. But the big story was the
youngster Parker Messick, making just his second major league start
for the Guardians. He put on a show in his
first outing in front of the home fans in Cleveland.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Two and two. The count three nothing Cleveland third inning.
Here's the pitch strike three call licking at a fastball
point Tampa Bay doesn't know what to look for. Parker Messick,
three strikeouts perfect through three.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
Here's the one two pitch sway and I miss strike three.
Messick strikes out the side and he keeps right on
rolling shut out baseball through five. As we add to
the bottom of the fifth, three nothing Cleveland.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
The left tander out of Florida State University lets it fly,
swung on, lifted in the air, not deep right capas
makes the Cats. What a job by Messic. He gives
a fist pump coming off them on to the third
base dugout and they're on their feet here at the
corner of Carnegie in Ontario. What a job by Parker
(04:16):
Messic stretch time here in Cleveland. Three nothing Guardians.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
What a night it was for Messic And we'll talk
to him about it coming up in our next segment.
But first, Hunter Gatis worked a scoreless eighth inning on
Tuesday night. Then Kate Smith was on in the ninth
to try and complete the shutout.
Speaker 3 (04:34):
All right handers ready, here it comes swinging in a
mass ball game. Kate Smith, no drama in the ninth
and Cleveland gets a shutout. They end their six game skid.
And how about the kid, Parker Messik in his second
ever major league start when seven shutout innings for his
(04:58):
first major league win. What a pick me up by
the young man from Planned City, Florida. Cleveland a winter tonight,
three to nothing over Tampa Bay.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
So a nice way to get back in the win
column for the Guardians. Even nicer on Wednesday, a dramatic
win in ten innings over Tampa Bay. The Rays got
the scoring started with a run in the top half
of the second inning, but the Guardians came back in
the bottom of the inning with two men on for
Will Wilson. Mose Ramirez getting a day off. Wilson right handed,
(05:31):
hitting third baseman, safety squeeze is on. He laid down
a perfect bunt to first, nobody covering. First run scores
Everybody's safe RBI bunt single by will Wilson on a
safety squeeze ties the game at one. And that was
a hard pitch to bunt. It was in on his thumbs.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
Wilson got it down first baseline about thirty feet. Arius
broke for the plate first baseman. The Diaz had one
play that was sent first. The problem was nobody covered
the bag.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
In the third, a two run home run from Tampa's
Brandon Lowe put the Rays back on top three to one,
and it stayed that way until the fifth. That's when
Wilson got it started with a base hit. He stole
second to get into scoring position for Stephen Kwan. Here's
the two to two swung on and he lines it
to left. Simpson moving over, can't get to it, plays
(06:26):
it on a hop, grounding third heading for home and
scoring is Wilson HiT's a two out RBI single for
Kwan and the Guardians had got the lead to one.
It's now Tampa Bay three in Cleveland two on the
RBI single back kan. It still didn't look good though,
as Tampa maintained that one run lead through eight innings.
(06:48):
Then a strikeout to start the ninth, and the Guardians
were down to their last two outs when Nolan Jones
came to the plate.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
Now the one one swung un hit high, deep to
right center. It is gone Nolan Jones. Oh is he
long for that home run? And he's tied the game
at three? And that was a majestic blast to right center.
(07:20):
And for Nolan Jones, that's his first home run since
June thirteen.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Wow, boy, that was just the start of a big
two games for Jones. More on that in the moment,
but it was onto extra innings, tied at three. Great
work by Kate Smith kept the Rays off the board
in the top half of the tenth. Then to the
bottom of the tenth inning, bow Naylor with a sack
bunt moved up the runner who started at second base,
and that set the stage for Kyle Manzardo trying to
(07:49):
end it.
Speaker 3 (07:49):
Martinez in third quantit second, two down in the tenth.
Two strikes on Manzarto trying to end it. Here the
pitch one guy light drive base head center game winner
Kyle Mansarto with his third walkoff game winning hit of
the year. Griffin Techs got ahead two on sliders, throw
(08:15):
them a fastball at Mansardo ripped it into center field
for Cleveland's six walkoff win of the year in ten innings.
Cleveland beats Tampa Bay by a final score of four
to three.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Boy when it was for the Guardians, and again it
keeps those playoff hopes alive with Seattle coming in for
the weekend after Thursday's off day, and well, it didn't
look great for the Guardians early, as the Mariners put
four on the board in the top half of the
first inning off of Logan Allen, and it looked like
the route was on. But Allen steadied himself through shutout
(08:54):
baseball into the sixth inning after that four run first
and the Guardians would begin to chip away at the Mariners.
Kyle Manzardo first up in the sixth inning.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Now the two to one pinch swung on hit high
day to right center. Forget about it. Kyle Manzardo hits
number twenty two shutout is over and man Zardo with
twenty two homers down fifty eight rby eyes on a
(09:26):
towering drive to right center. Then we told you Nolan
Jones with that big home run on Wednesday, and we'll
hear from him in a little bit. But it was
like a weight lifted off his shoulders and he came
up big again this time in the seventh. In Friday
night's game, Kirby the three to one swung on This
is pounded deep center field Roderiguez back track.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
Near the wall.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
It's gone. Nolan Jones, back to back games with home runs. Hey,
maybe he's founded. He tied the game Wednesday in the
ninth and he just drilled one the dead center four
hundred and two feet. Then in the eighth, the Guardians
added another run. This time it was on hell Martinez
(10:11):
with the infield RBI single. Now the two to two
hits a Q shot to.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
Third in the hole.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
It'll be an infield single fielded by Crawford the shortstop.
Ramirez scores on a ball that was so weakly hit
nobody could make a play on it. Just a Q
shot that rolled between third and short and Martinez says,
I'll take it anyway I can get it. RBI single
(10:40):
and it's a one run game.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
Man in the ninth first, Brian Rochio came up big
with a runner at second base. Now the set by
Munos and the pitch swung on blue.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Job shallow left to get down the base ht Jones
being wife call a rose Aren the throat of the
play goes to the backstop. Jones scars going to third.
Rochio in standing what in the world is going on tonight?
(11:16):
Couldn't get a bunt down, a little blooper and a
left Eurozarena throwing on the run off balance to the plate,
threw it wide of the plate all the way to
the backstop and Rochio easily got to third. He'll get
(11:37):
credit for an RBI single and goes to third on
the throwing air. Came tight at.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Four and then it was Stephen Kwan trying to win it.
Speaker 3 (11:50):
Now the one two to Kwan swung in, lifted in
the air, medium deep center Rodriguez. He'll make the catch
coming home is Rokio throw out of the plate pet
first sight two games over pass saint on the second,
fly to center by Stephen Klod and a mob seen
(12:11):
out at first and improbable five to four. Cleveland win,
scoring two in the night and for the second game
in a row, Cleveland is able to either tie it
or win it in the night, and they get a
walk off win here tonight in what is basically must
(12:36):
win territory Fort Cleveland. When you're playing teams ahead of
you in the playoff race and the Guardians get it
five to four tonight over Seattle.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
What a night for the Guardians and they pull closer
to the Mariners in the standings. That's the team they're
chasing for that third and final wild card playoff spot.
Stay with us when we come back. We'll hear from
the rookie Parker Messick. That's next the Cleveland Clinic, Guardians
Radio Network.
Speaker 4 (13:09):
A progressive home and auto bundle can protect you around
the clock, but we can't protect you from those painful
moments in sports.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
I can't believe they're moving the team to another city.
Speaker 4 (13:17):
True, but you'll never forget all the joy they brought
into your life. Joy.
Speaker 3 (13:21):
They made the playoffs twice in fifty years.
Speaker 5 (13:23):
Gosh, those two times were pretty great, aren't they.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
How would I know?
Speaker 6 (13:26):
I wasn't even born yet.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
Just think of all the free time you'll have on
game days.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
Those games were the highlight of my week, well at.
Speaker 4 (13:33):
Least you're homanaudo or protected with a bundle from Progressive
Progressive Casual Game Terns Company affiliate to in.
Speaker 5 (13:37):
Other intur it's not available in those stags a situations.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
Welcome back to Guardians Weekly, and what a week it
has been for Parker Messig. Last week made his major
league debut in Arizona against the Diamondbacks no decison, despite
pitching well this time around, absolutely terrific in his home debut,
as he recorded his first major league win with seven
scoreless innings, and when we caught up with him earlier
(14:11):
this week, he talked about the keys to his great
start in the major leagues.
Speaker 6 (14:16):
Yeah, just trusting my stuff. I know, you kind of
get all that energy out in the debut and all
the craziness that comes with throwing in your debut that
first big game, and you know you kind of got
to settle back down really quick after that and realize
you got to get ready for your next start. And
that's what I tried to do. I tried to, you know,
enjoy the moment. We had an off day in Texas
after that where I was kind of able to rest
(14:37):
and relax and respond to everyone and really enjoy it
and then just after that day, I was like, all right,
got to prepare for this next one. And that's what
I did, got ready to throw against tamping, got my
body in the right spot and threw a good bullpen
and just felt good going out there.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
I know it's a small sample size, just two starts.
What have you noticed about major league hitters and the
two teams you've faced that that might be different from
the minor.
Speaker 6 (15:00):
Yeah, they're they're all really good. I mean, they they
adjust to you as a as a pitcher, and and
they know the zone very well. So that that's my
been my biggest emphasis is, you know, I just want
to come in and throw strikes because they do know
the zone so well, so I know they're not gonna
if If I'm gonna get them to chase, I got
to earn those chases. I got to be in the zone,
you know, to be able to make them expand and
(15:22):
and reach for pitches that are slightly out of the zone.
And that that's been the biggest adjustment for me. And
it's fun to see how hitters of that level, you know,
they they really hate your mistakes and and you can't
make a lot of them, and you know, I just
just got to keep filling up the zone and and
see how they adjust to me and then make my
game plan from that moving forward.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
Uh, how is post game after that for you?
Speaker 7 (15:44):
It was awesome.
Speaker 6 (15:45):
The guys are great, family, family was super happy and
you know, the the warm welcome in the locker room
was what's what's special?
Speaker 7 (15:52):
It was.
Speaker 6 (15:52):
It was a lot of fun. It's it's fun to
win games. And I love playing on teams where we're
winning really matters, and it's it's apparent that it matters here.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
And you touched on that when we talked to you
after your first start. The difference here where in the
major leagues, it's all about winning and that's been a
challenge for this team. And what was the vibe going
into the game last night knowing that that a win
would would really help this team out.
Speaker 6 (16:13):
Yeah, I mean obviously everyone here wants to win. I mean,
there's no doubt about it. And you know, sometimes you
just go through rough stretches as a team, and you know,
I don't think it changed the demeanor of this team
at all. When when we came in today and you know,
or yesterday and we got those runs in the first inning,
it kind of flipped the switch right everyone where it's like,
all right, you know, we got it now and now
we just got to hold it. And you know that
(16:36):
kind of kind of put the pressure back on me.
It's like, all right, you know, I have a chance
as a young guy to step up and you know,
give this team a chance to win today. And you
know it's it's not about me, but at that point,
it's about the team. And you know, I was fortunate
enough to get my first win. You know, Gatison Kate
through really well last night and we're able to you know,
hold the game, close it out, and it was just
(16:56):
an awesome team win. Defense played great, guys, got to
the starter early and and the pitching staff did the
rest the rest of the way.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Your manager Steven Bolt was saying that maybe more so
in today's game, you see pictures come up here prepared
to do well. But what did this organization do and
if there's one or two things that really prepared you
to have success right out of this year.
Speaker 6 (17:16):
Yeah, I mean everything that they've done as far as
development and me from the time they drafted me to now,
I mean working on my body, working on pitch shapes,
strike throwing, ability with all all the different pitches, adding
new pitches to the arsenal. You know when I feel
like I could have been ready early early in this
year in Triple A, but they knew better, and you know,
they knew there were still some things I had to learn,
(17:37):
and I'm grateful for that now, knowing that I spent
that time in Triple A this year and learn the
things that I needed to learn about myself and what
I needed to do to attack hitters, to where when
I came up here it was just I could be myself,
I didn't have to do too much, and I was
able to go out there next que.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
It's been fun to watch for sure, and congratulations first
major league win.
Speaker 6 (17:54):
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
Parker Messik just tremendous in his first two Big Leagues arts,
and the young man certainly pitching with a lot of
confidence heading into start number three early next week. Stay
with us when we come back. We'll hear from suddenly
hot hitting Nolan Jones. That's next on the Cleveland Clinic
Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
Jacob Juni is facing the top of the order and
Randy Arose Herena drills one down the right fee a line.
It'll take one bounce, go up against the wall and
a rose herena, we'll make the turn a second. He'll
go for three to throw the slide. He went in
head first and Nolan Jones with a rocket throw There
(19:05):
ain't Andrews ready. Here it comes. Slider ripped up the
alley and right center of base and Nolan Jones heads
cut off by can Zones going for two head first
slide throw tag safe. Nolan Jones with a fist puff
from his belly. Oh, Nolan Jones ain't got a slider
(19:32):
and got a gamper the right center man. Just maybe
Nolan Jones is really turning the corner.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
Welcome back to Guardians Weekly. Jim Rosen House along with
you from Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland, where the Guardians
are hosting Seattle this weekend, a seven to fifteen start
on Saturday night and then day baseball on Sunday. A
one forty first pitch against the Mariners. Olden Jones had
the biggest hit of his season on Wednesday, a ninth
(20:03):
inning game tying home run against the Rays, with the
Guardians later winning it in the tenth. We caught up
with him before Friday night's game, when he again proved
to be a key hitter in a late rally for
the Guardians to win a ballgame, this time against Seattle.
But he says, while it's been a frustrating season, it
felt great to come through on Wednesday in such a
(20:26):
clutch spot.
Speaker 7 (20:27):
Yeah, I mean huge, obviously. I feel like, you know,
I haven't, like you said, I've been struggling this year,
haven't been able to help this team as much as
I had planned on when I got traded over here,
and you know, to take a good swing and give
us a chance to win a game there and tie
it up for us, it felt amazing.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
It seems like despite the ups and downs results wise,
you've you've maintained consistency in your work. And how hard
is that to do sometimes when when you're not seeing
the results right away.
Speaker 7 (20:56):
Yeah, it's really hard. I mean, you know, I think
for me, it's just trusting the people that are around me,
our staff are and hitting coaches, voter like all these
guys have been you know, uh, and still in confidence
in me and working with me and and trusting in
those things. And then when I get on the field,
trying to just just have some fun and let it go.
I think it's the hard part when you're struggling is
(21:16):
to not too much put too much thought into each
I bat, but just trying to try to enjoy.
Speaker 2 (21:21):
This and that you're in there again tonight. And and
for a while you were playing every day and then
playing timeless sporadic, but it seemed like you handle that well.
Could that have maybe helped you a little bit to
take some of the pressure off or is it still
something that you have some challenges to deal with there?
Speaker 7 (21:36):
Yeah, I mean it's something I've never done in my
life before. You know, I've never not played every day,
So it's something that I'm I'm getting used to and
you know, just trying to trying to do my part.
I've talked to some former guys who have been in
my role, former middle leaguers that have been in my role.
I talked to guys here, you know, Hedgie and Fry
have done this for a couple of years and not
played every day, and just how can I be a
(21:57):
good team and how can I be there for the guys,
stay out of people's way, and you know, how can
I not put too much weight in my opportunities and
so it's something I'm working on, and you know, hopefully
things keep keep rolling my way, in our way, and
you keep getting out there and.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
The team's kind of hanging around. How big ohin was
that on Wednesday? You think just from trying to hang
in there and make something of this season here down
the stretch.
Speaker 7 (22:18):
Yeah, I mean, I think every every win is huge
when you're fighting for a playoff spot. I've never had
the opportunity to play in the playoffs, and so I
think this is like, you know, this is the fun
environment that I want to be around. I want to
win the win the important games, and you know, hopefully
it comes down to the wire and we get an
opportunity to play some postseason baseball.
Speaker 2 (22:36):
I'm guessing you know by now that was home run
number fourteen thousand, enfranchise history. Have you throw any perspective
on that because it's such a huge number.
Speaker 7 (22:48):
No, you know, I mean, I got to write my
name in the history books. I guess you know, you'd
think that it'd be a guy like Jose Ramirez, But
you know, I think it's a it's a cool uh,
it's a thing to have on my under my belt,
I guess, and I want.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
To finish on this Chess Club again today and you
got out there on the field with the kids after chess.
What was going on there and how did that make
their day?
Speaker 7 (23:13):
Yeah? I mean they asked if the one you could
ask He brought a ball and asked if he beat me,
if he could throw a pitch on the mound. And
I did beat him. I'm not going to give him
credit for that, but he asked if he could throw
a pitch. So we went out there and then all
the guys were taking videos and throwing a pitch. So
it's a cool moment for them to get out there
on the field and cool moment for us to be
(23:33):
able to come out here and provide that for them
and play some chess form.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
And this is your first season part of the Chess Club.
But how enjoyable has that been to meet these kids?
Speaker 7 (23:40):
Yeah, it's been a lot of fun. They teach me
a lot. I just started playing chess this year and
to be involved in that and get to meet these
kids and play with them, it's been a lot of fun.
It's challenging and they teach me something, you know, not
just about chess, about myself and how they think and stuff.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
So it's been a lot of fun. Nice going on
that today and nice going the other day too. Thanks
no long, Hiks j having has some great stuff there
from Nolan Jones early in that interview, just talking about
how it felt like a weight lifted off his shoulders
and boy, he looked good on Friday night again. And
we'll see if he can keep it going. And if
he can, he's a left handed power bat that certainly
(24:16):
could be a big factor for the Guardians in the
month of September. Stay with us when we came back.
It's a minor league report with Vice president of Player
Development Steven Osterer. That's next pet.
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Speaker 2 (25:22):
Welcome back to Guardians Weekly. Jim Rosenhouse back with you
from Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland, where the Guardians are
taking on the Mariners this weekend, to try and catch
up with Stephen Oster each week. He's the vice president
of player development for the Guardians. Our minor league. Report
took him to the Dominican Republic recently and the facility there,
(25:43):
and he says it's a great spot for the youngsters
to get their first taste of pro ball.
Speaker 7 (25:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 9 (25:48):
I mean, the Dominican Academy that we have down here,
first of all, is outstanding and a really impressive extension
of our organization. We've got up to eighty players in
here at a time. We've got two teams of really
young players that you know, like you mentioned before, for
the first time they're getting into some real, real professional action.
(26:12):
But in some cases real competitive action. You know, the
landscape and the environment of you know, how we get
international players means that we're signing them really young, and
we're bringing them in at times at sixteen years old.
So we've got some sixteen year olds who you know,
in a lot of ways of practiced and trained for
most of their baseball careers and haven't played a ton
(26:33):
of actual gameplay. And then you know, in other instances
we have seventeen year olds who have a little bit
more experience, but you know, we're still incredibly young and
you know, learning how to navigate, you know, what it
means to play consistent baseball. So yeah, our Dominican Academy
is incredible. We've got great staff and great players down here,
and it's great to be here.
Speaker 2 (26:54):
And I know in years past we've talked about how
it's more than just baseball, and over the years several
players from Latin America have earned their high school degrees.
And how much of the off field component is there
still in the in the Dominican Complex there as these
guys go through their day.
Speaker 9 (27:12):
Yeah, that's a you know, a great thing to mention.
You know, these are these are young men and there's
a lot that goes on outside of just baseball. They
live at the complex and their days are jam packed,
not just stuff on the field, but you know, learning
in the classrooms. And again we've got amazing staff and
amazing process down here to help them, you know, learn
(27:33):
English and complete a high school education and you do
a lot of the things and learn a lot of
things that are going to transfer over not just now
as baseball players, but you know, for the rest of
their lives. So it's a big emphasis that we placed
on that. You know, we've got a great department and
a great group of people who are integrated with our
staff here to help these players go from young men
to uh, you know, professionals both.
Speaker 10 (27:55):
On the field and off the field down the line.
So yeah, it's a really jam pack day.
Speaker 9 (28:00):
I mean, they're in class, they're on the field bright
and early, and they're in class right after. So you know,
these these kids work really hard and you know it's
an all inclusive thing for them here, and.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
That you touched on it earlier, just how how raw
some of these young men are in terms of playing
the game of baseball. So coaching wise, the coaches who
are there, how much teaching is going on just about
the game and trying to get them to a level
where they can think the game as well as play
the game.
Speaker 10 (28:29):
Yeah, i mean, we've got again, we've.
Speaker 9 (28:32):
Got really great staff down here in the mix of
younger staff and way more experienced staff who have a.
Speaker 10 (28:38):
Lot to share with these players. And yeah, to your point, there's.
Speaker 9 (28:41):
A lot of the basic fundamentals of baseball that you
know that go on day to day and getting them
to understand what that means, and that means a lot
of you know, additional review and game review.
Speaker 10 (28:53):
And practicing that you know is really important.
Speaker 9 (28:56):
But you know, at the same time, there's the all
the other things that go into being a complete baseball
player and what it means to you know, get through
a professional season.
Speaker 10 (29:04):
You're doing this every single day, so it's.
Speaker 9 (29:06):
Not just you know what happens on the field too,
it's preparing your body and your behind to be able
to go out there and you know, get through the
one hundred degree weather days and the humidity and you know,
the temperatures that are really challenging for young players to
do on a consistent basis. So it's all of those
things and the fundamentals of baseball. You know, I'd like
to say they start here, but you know, they continue
(29:29):
on for the rest of their careers as well.
Speaker 10 (29:31):
But it's definitely a huge emphasis and they.
Speaker 2 (29:34):
Keep score in the Dominican summer league. So obviously there's
championships on the line. And I know at the higher
levels of the minor league system Columbus Akron, Lake County
and Lynchburg, they're playing for league championships and I know
that's important to a certain extent. And how are the
teams doing down there as they get close to the
(29:54):
end of their season.
Speaker 9 (29:56):
Yeah, yeah, I mean winning baseball is great. We want
to win regardless, you know the constraints on the system.
But yeah, we've got two teams down here. One of
them is trying to win out for the next couple
of days as the season ends, to make a chance
at getting into the playoffs. Again, this is like something
(30:16):
that is important for our players. But ultimately, you know,
getting better is the.
Speaker 10 (30:20):
Number one goal and learning and developing.
Speaker 9 (30:22):
But you know, winning here over the next couple of
days would be really exciting for that group to get
into the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (30:28):
Astin you're in the Dominican Republic. But you wanted to
touch on on some players in the Arizona Complex who
had just finished up their seasons in the Arizona Summer League.
And before we get to that, though, how big a
jump is it to go from the Dominican Summer League
if some of them have been there to playing stateside
(30:49):
out in Arizona for the first time.
Speaker 9 (30:51):
Yeah, it's I mean, it's a transition, you know, and
you know, some of these players, I mean just doping
out on this it's the first time getting on a
plane when they're heading from you know, our Dominican Academy
to Arizona, let alone, Uh, you know, the first time
being in America. So we do things down here to
prepare them for that. You know, we we had sessions
(31:11):
and programs here to you know, basically walk through what
exactly it would look like as you go through security
and you know, board the plane, and just to get
them comfortable and prepared because you know, as you noted,
the transition from where they are here to being stateside
in America and you know, the process to get there
(31:32):
in the differences. As much as we want to say,
our academies in those two places are the same, and
our complex and in Arizona is just an extension of
our Dominican Academy here, it may be, but there's a
you know, a big life change that happens too. So yeah,
I think the transition is is largely around that, but
you know, the jump from a baseball perspective is still there.
(31:54):
Of course, you know you're playing a little bit older
competition and better competition. And you know, I think I
think our strength as an org is, you know how
much the transition or how much we hear about the transition,
but how integrated our processes in our days and how
deliberate we are in setting up the development plan so
(32:15):
that when players come from the Dominican Academy to Arizona
that it feels very similar from a baseball perspective. And
navigating the life part of it is something that we support,
but maybe is the harder part.
Speaker 2 (32:30):
Well, let's get to some players, and these are all
players that are very highly regarded prospect wise, and we'll
start in the outfield with Robert Arius, who's a center fielder.
And what do you see in him very early in
his career.
Speaker 10 (32:44):
Yeah, an exciting outfielder for us.
Speaker 9 (32:46):
He made his DSL debut here last year in the
Dominican and then transferred over to Arizona at the beginning
of this year, and he's posted some really good numbers
over the last two years. Offensively, I mean, he's got
a really on contact skills. He makes great swing decisions
and has great pitch recognition. He's just been a production
(33:06):
machine at the plate, doesn't doesn't strike out very often,
I mean near elite, and his walk.
Speaker 10 (33:12):
Races are really high.
Speaker 9 (33:13):
So there's lots of room physically to go for Robert,
and he plays a really good center field. You know,
there's a high ceiling on this kid, and you have
to go with that. He's an exceptional human being and
a really strong worker. So it's it's been really exciting
to have him in Arizona and to see the development
over the last year. And there's still a long ways
(33:33):
to go from a skill standpoint and and ceiling standpoint.
Speaker 2 (33:38):
And I always feel like there's a never ending supply
of middle infielders coming up through the system. And let's
go with Gabriel Rodriguez, a shortstop, and where does he
fit in that long line of middle infield prospects.
Speaker 9 (33:52):
Yeah, We've we've got a good one here too, another
young he's a left handed hitter, short stout primarily, and
you know it's similar to the areas.
Speaker 10 (34:02):
Just really good contact skills.
Speaker 9 (34:04):
And back to ball skills. You know, he's got a
lot of physicality left to him. I mean, if you
look at him, it's obvious of you know, you have
to project on what that that physicality could be and
you know how much strength and power there are is
left to add on, So projecting him to hit the
ball really hard down the line and tack on to
(34:24):
the already impressive bat to ball skills. He's an above
average athlete and you know he's playing shortstop primarily right
now and has really strong fundamentals as a fielder. I
think the the note here too is he's just a
really good baseball player. He's one of those guys he's
he's got a really good iq for the game and
(34:44):
situational awareness and he studies it and he loves learning
about baseball, and you know he's a leader in that group.
So Gaby's been been awesome this year, again similar to Robert,
has had a nice transition over and you know, we're
excited about what the long term development of his infield
looks like as well as the physicality and what that
does to the offensive profile.
Speaker 2 (35:06):
And another middle infielder, dari Fernandez, a similar profile or
a little bit different than Rodriguez.
Speaker 9 (35:13):
Similar but yeah, maybe a tick different where we saw
a little bit more pop out of him this year.
He's plays a little bit more over all over the
diamond on the infield, you know, mixed in a lot
of second base and third base on top of short stuff.
And you know, there is the similarity and the Bath
Toball skills and his ability to not strike out, But
(35:34):
we also had a little bit more pop in the
bat and you know, a little bit more damage at
the plate. So there's, yeah, some similarities to your point,
but there's potentially a little bit more juice there too,
and you know, similar to the other guys though, there's
just still so much physicality left for him. And I
think as he gets older, the bat speed is going
to take up a little bit more and you know,
(35:54):
the quality of impact that we see that leads to
the you know, the doubles and the occasion home run,
we'll probably continue to get better and better over time.
Speaker 2 (36:04):
Man, let's finish on the mound for pitchers and players
who spent a portion of their summer out in Arizona.
Chase Mobley, what are you seeing in him very early
in his career?
Speaker 9 (36:14):
Yeah, heard, throwing right hander that we drafted last year
at high school. He comes at you with some unique angles.
He's got a lower slot, there's a lot of deception
built into the delivery, and yeah, he can run that
up the fast ball up into the upper.
Speaker 10 (36:28):
Nineties at times.
Speaker 9 (36:29):
So he's just this really big, strong kid with some
nice profiles and a really high floor for what comes
out of hand. And you know, I think with these
guys that are young who throw really hard despite the
physicality and the size, you know, it takes some time
to work out the coordination and to really own your
delivery and the repeatability of that versus renting it as
(36:51):
we like to say. So Chase has gotten a lot
of reps that going through that and understanding what it
takes day to day to be ready to take the mound.
You know, how the consistency of the week can lead
to consistency on the mound. And there's been some delivery
changes well mixed in there that you know, we've seen
over the last few weeks now, he's been a lot
stronger on the strike throwing, and you know, the outcomes
(37:13):
have been have been better and more in line of
where we think he can go in the future. So
Chase has done a nice job of, you know, taking
on some ownership of what it means to be a
professional pitcher, and you know it's really exciting what he's
been doing the last few weeks.
Speaker 2 (37:30):
Well, Austy, I know your travels have taken you a
long way from home, but always great to have you on.
I appreciate you carving out some time today.
Speaker 10 (37:38):
Of course, Thanks Rosie.
Speaker 2 (37:40):
That is Stephen Ostro, the vice president of player Development
for the Guardians, and that's going to do it for
this week's edition of Guardians Weekly. Thanks as always to
Brian Matsee for helping to put together our show each
and every week until next week when we join you
from Tampa where the Guardians will be taking on the
Tampa Bay Rays. This is your rosen House. You're finding
(38:01):
you that you've been listening to Guardians Weekly on the
Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio at Word.
Speaker 1 (38:21):
Guardians Weekly has been brought to you by Progressive helping
Guardians fans save hundreds on car insurance
Welcome to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Guardians Radio Network.
Guardians Weekly is brought to you by Progressive, helping Guardians
fans save hundreds on car insurance.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Hi everyone him Rose in house with you with Guardians Weekly.
We welcome you to Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland, where
the Guardians are taking on the Seattle Mariners this weekend.
Dramatic win on Friday night. More on that in a
moment in our weekend review, but first we can tell
you that coming up on this week's show, outstanding rookie
picture Parker Messick will join us along with suddenly hot
(01:15):
hitting Nolan Jones, and we'll also have a minor league
report with Vice President of player Development Steven Osterer. That's
all coming up shortly, but first I'll look back at
the week that was, and well, things were not going
well for the Guardians following Monday night's nine to nothing
lost to Tampa Bay in the opener of the home stand,
the Guardians were fading from the playoff hunt. But they
(01:38):
have turned things around dramatically, and it began with a
three to nothing win over Tampa Bay on Tuesday night.
The Guardians were trying to snap what turned out to
be a six game losing skid after that loss on
Monday night, and they found some much needed early offense
in the first inning, as the first two batters reached,
then Kyle Manzardo delivered to bring home the games first.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Here's the set. Manzardo hits a ground ball toward first, diving,
It glances off the glove of Diaz, rolls in the
right center. Kwan's coming home to score. Stopping at second
is Cafus at Cleveland takes a one nothing leaid and
there will not be a fourth consecutive shutout.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
David Fry followed and he drew a walk to load
the bases for Bone Nailor.
Speaker 3 (02:25):
Faces loaded one out. The pitch swung on hip high
in the air, deep right center, low back low in
front of the track. Right fielder grabs it, tagging scoring
Capus tagging going to third Manzardo two nothing, Cleveland sagfly
Bone Nailor thirtyeth Arbi.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
And then Brian Rochio capped off the big first inning.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
That pitch swung out broken bat, liner base head and
right field. That old score man Zardo motoring the third
is Fry Ambryan Rochio with a broken bat Arby. I
single to round and the Guardians have a three nothing
league and they're not letting Shane Boz off the hook.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Didn't know it at the time, but that would be
it for the scoring in this one. As race starter
Shane boss settled in. But the big story was the
youngster Parker Messick, making just his second major league start
for the Guardians. He put on a show in his
first outing in front of the home fans in Cleveland.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Two and two. The count three nothing Cleveland third inning.
Here's the pitch strike three call licking at a fastball
point Tampa Bay doesn't know what to look for. Parker Messick,
three strikeouts perfect through three.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
Here's the one two pitch sway and I miss strike three.
Messick strikes out the side and he keeps right on
rolling shut out baseball through five. As we add to
the bottom of the fifth, three nothing Cleveland.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
The left tander out of Florida State University lets it fly,
swung on, lifted in the air, not deep right capas
makes the Cats. What a job by Messic. He gives
a fist pump coming off them on to the third
base dugout and they're on their feet here at the
corner of Carnegie in Ontario. What a job by Parker
(04:16):
Messic stretch time here in Cleveland. Three nothing Guardians.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
What a night it was for Messic And we'll talk
to him about it coming up in our next segment.
But first, Hunter Gatis worked a scoreless eighth inning on
Tuesday night. Then Kate Smith was on in the ninth
to try and complete the shutout.
Speaker 3 (04:34):
All right handers ready, here it comes swinging in a
mass ball game. Kate Smith, no drama in the ninth
and Cleveland gets a shutout. They end their six game skid.
And how about the kid, Parker Messik in his second
ever major league start when seven shutout innings for his
(04:58):
first major league win. What a pick me up by
the young man from Planned City, Florida. Cleveland a winter tonight,
three to nothing over Tampa Bay.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
So a nice way to get back in the win
column for the Guardians. Even nicer on Wednesday, a dramatic
win in ten innings over Tampa Bay. The Rays got
the scoring started with a run in the top half
of the second inning, but the Guardians came back in
the bottom of the inning with two men on for
Will Wilson. Mose Ramirez getting a day off. Wilson right handed,
(05:31):
hitting third baseman, safety squeeze is on. He laid down
a perfect bunt to first, nobody covering. First run scores
Everybody's safe RBI bunt single by will Wilson on a
safety squeeze ties the game at one. And that was
a hard pitch to bunt. It was in on his thumbs.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
Wilson got it down first baseline about thirty feet. Arius
broke for the plate first baseman. The Diaz had one
play that was sent first. The problem was nobody covered
the bag.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
In the third, a two run home run from Tampa's
Brandon Lowe put the Rays back on top three to one,
and it stayed that way until the fifth. That's when
Wilson got it started with a base hit. He stole
second to get into scoring position for Stephen Kwan. Here's
the two to two swung on and he lines it
to left. Simpson moving over, can't get to it, plays
(06:26):
it on a hop, grounding third heading for home and
scoring is Wilson HiT's a two out RBI single for
Kwan and the Guardians had got the lead to one.
It's now Tampa Bay three in Cleveland two on the
RBI single back kan. It still didn't look good though,
as Tampa maintained that one run lead through eight innings.
(06:48):
Then a strikeout to start the ninth, and the Guardians
were down to their last two outs when Nolan Jones
came to the plate.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
Now the one one swung un hit high, deep to
right center. It is gone Nolan Jones. Oh is he
long for that home run? And he's tied the game
at three? And that was a majestic blast to right center.
(07:20):
And for Nolan Jones, that's his first home run since
June thirteen.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Wow, boy, that was just the start of a big
two games for Jones. More on that in the moment,
but it was onto extra innings, tied at three. Great
work by Kate Smith kept the Rays off the board
in the top half of the tenth. Then to the
bottom of the tenth inning, bow Naylor with a sack
bunt moved up the runner who started at second base,
and that set the stage for Kyle Manzardo trying to
(07:49):
end it.
Speaker 3 (07:49):
Martinez in third quantit second, two down in the tenth.
Two strikes on Manzarto trying to end it. Here the
pitch one guy light drive base head center game winner
Kyle Mansarto with his third walkoff game winning hit of
the year. Griffin Techs got ahead two on sliders, throw
(08:15):
them a fastball at Mansardo ripped it into center field
for Cleveland's six walkoff win of the year in ten innings.
Cleveland beats Tampa Bay by a final score of four
to three.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Boy when it was for the Guardians, and again it
keeps those playoff hopes alive with Seattle coming in for
the weekend after Thursday's off day, and well, it didn't
look great for the Guardians early, as the Mariners put
four on the board in the top half of the
first inning off of Logan Allen, and it looked like
the route was on. But Allen steadied himself through shutout
(08:54):
baseball into the sixth inning after that four run first
and the Guardians would begin to chip away at the Mariners.
Kyle Manzardo first up in the sixth inning.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Now the two to one pinch swung on hit high
day to right center. Forget about it. Kyle Manzardo hits
number twenty two shutout is over and man Zardo with
twenty two homers down fifty eight rby eyes on a
(09:26):
towering drive to right center. Then we told you Nolan
Jones with that big home run on Wednesday, and we'll
hear from him in a little bit. But it was
like a weight lifted off his shoulders and he came
up big again this time in the seventh. In Friday
night's game, Kirby the three to one swung on This
is pounded deep center field Roderiguez back track.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
Near the wall.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
It's gone. Nolan Jones, back to back games with home runs. Hey,
maybe he's founded. He tied the game Wednesday in the
ninth and he just drilled one the dead center four
hundred and two feet. Then in the eighth, the Guardians
added another run. This time it was on hell Martinez
(10:11):
with the infield RBI single. Now the two to two
hits a Q shot to.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
Third in the hole.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
It'll be an infield single fielded by Crawford the shortstop.
Ramirez scores on a ball that was so weakly hit
nobody could make a play on it. Just a Q
shot that rolled between third and short and Martinez says,
I'll take it anyway I can get it. RBI single
(10:40):
and it's a one run game.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
Man in the ninth first, Brian Rochio came up big
with a runner at second base. Now the set by
Munos and the pitch swung on blue.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Job shallow left to get down the base ht Jones
being wife call a rose Aren the throat of the
play goes to the backstop. Jones scars going to third.
Rochio in standing what in the world is going on tonight?
(11:16):
Couldn't get a bunt down, a little blooper and a
left Eurozarena throwing on the run off balance to the plate,
threw it wide of the plate all the way to
the backstop and Rochio easily got to third. He'll get
(11:37):
credit for an RBI single and goes to third on
the throwing air. Came tight at.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Four and then it was Stephen Kwan trying to win it.
Speaker 3 (11:50):
Now the one two to Kwan swung in, lifted in
the air, medium deep center Rodriguez. He'll make the catch
coming home is Rokio throw out of the plate pet
first sight two games over pass saint on the second,
fly to center by Stephen Klod and a mob seen
(12:11):
out at first and improbable five to four. Cleveland win,
scoring two in the night and for the second game
in a row, Cleveland is able to either tie it
or win it in the night, and they get a
walk off win here tonight in what is basically must
(12:36):
win territory Fort Cleveland. When you're playing teams ahead of
you in the playoff race and the Guardians get it
five to four tonight over Seattle.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
What a night for the Guardians and they pull closer
to the Mariners in the standings. That's the team they're
chasing for that third and final wild card playoff spot.
Stay with us when we come back. We'll hear from
the rookie Parker Messick. That's next the Cleveland Clinic, Guardians
Radio Network.
Speaker 4 (13:09):
A progressive home and auto bundle can protect you around
the clock, but we can't protect you from those painful
moments in sports.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
I can't believe they're moving the team to another city.
Speaker 4 (13:17):
True, but you'll never forget all the joy they brought
into your life. Joy.
Speaker 3 (13:21):
They made the playoffs twice in fifty years.
Speaker 5 (13:23):
Gosh, those two times were pretty great, aren't they.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
How would I know?
Speaker 6 (13:26):
I wasn't even born yet.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
Just think of all the free time you'll have on
game days.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
Those games were the highlight of my week, well at.
Speaker 4 (13:33):
Least you're homanaudo or protected with a bundle from Progressive
Progressive Casual Game Terns Company affiliate to in.
Speaker 5 (13:37):
Other intur it's not available in those stags a situations.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
Welcome back to Guardians Weekly, and what a week it
has been for Parker Messig. Last week made his major
league debut in Arizona against the Diamondbacks no decison, despite
pitching well this time around, absolutely terrific in his home debut,
as he recorded his first major league win with seven
scoreless innings, and when we caught up with him earlier
(14:11):
this week, he talked about the keys to his great
start in the major leagues.
Speaker 6 (14:16):
Yeah, just trusting my stuff. I know, you kind of
get all that energy out in the debut and all
the craziness that comes with throwing in your debut that
first big game, and you know you kind of got
to settle back down really quick after that and realize
you got to get ready for your next start. And
that's what I tried to do. I tried to, you know,
enjoy the moment. We had an off day in Texas
after that where I was kind of able to rest
(14:37):
and relax and respond to everyone and really enjoy it
and then just after that day, I was like, all right,
got to prepare for this next one. And that's what
I did, got ready to throw against tamping, got my
body in the right spot and threw a good bullpen
and just felt good going out there.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
I know it's a small sample size, just two starts.
What have you noticed about major league hitters and the
two teams you've faced that that might be different from
the minor.
Speaker 6 (15:00):
Yeah, they're they're all really good. I mean, they they
adjust to you as a as a pitcher, and and
they know the zone very well. So that that's my
been my biggest emphasis is, you know, I just want
to come in and throw strikes because they do know
the zone so well, so I know they're not gonna
if If I'm gonna get them to chase, I got
to earn those chases. I got to be in the zone,
you know, to be able to make them expand and
(15:22):
and reach for pitches that are slightly out of the zone.
And that that's been the biggest adjustment for me. And
it's fun to see how hitters of that level, you know,
they they really hate your mistakes and and you can't
make a lot of them, and you know, I just
just got to keep filling up the zone and and
see how they adjust to me and then make my
game plan from that moving forward.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
Uh, how is post game after that for you?
Speaker 7 (15:44):
It was awesome.
Speaker 6 (15:45):
The guys are great, family, family was super happy and
you know, the the warm welcome in the locker room
was what's what's special?
Speaker 7 (15:52):
It was.
Speaker 6 (15:52):
It was a lot of fun. It's it's fun to
win games. And I love playing on teams where we're
winning really matters, and it's it's apparent that it matters here.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
And you touched on that when we talked to you
after your first start. The difference here where in the
major leagues, it's all about winning and that's been a
challenge for this team. And what was the vibe going
into the game last night knowing that that a win
would would really help this team out.
Speaker 6 (16:13):
Yeah, I mean obviously everyone here wants to win. I mean,
there's no doubt about it. And you know, sometimes you
just go through rough stretches as a team, and you know,
I don't think it changed the demeanor of this team
at all. When when we came in today and you know,
or yesterday and we got those runs in the first inning,
it kind of flipped the switch right everyone where it's like,
all right, you know, we got it now and now
we just got to hold it. And you know that
(16:36):
kind of kind of put the pressure back on me.
It's like, all right, you know, I have a chance
as a young guy to step up and you know,
give this team a chance to win today. And you
know it's it's not about me, but at that point,
it's about the team. And you know, I was fortunate
enough to get my first win. You know, Gatison Kate
through really well last night and we're able to you know,
hold the game, close it out, and it was just
(16:56):
an awesome team win. Defense played great, guys, got to
the starter early and and the pitching staff did the
rest the rest of the way.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Your manager Steven Bolt was saying that maybe more so
in today's game, you see pictures come up here prepared
to do well. But what did this organization do and
if there's one or two things that really prepared you
to have success right out of this year.
Speaker 6 (17:16):
Yeah, I mean everything that they've done as far as
development and me from the time they drafted me to now,
I mean working on my body, working on pitch shapes,
strike throwing, ability with all all the different pitches, adding
new pitches to the arsenal. You know when I feel
like I could have been ready early early in this
year in Triple A, but they knew better, and you know,
they knew there were still some things I had to learn,
(17:37):
and I'm grateful for that now, knowing that I spent
that time in Triple A this year and learn the
things that I needed to learn about myself and what
I needed to do to attack hitters, to where when
I came up here it was just I could be myself,
I didn't have to do too much, and I was
able to go out there next que.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
It's been fun to watch for sure, and congratulations first
major league win.
Speaker 6 (17:54):
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
Parker Messik just tremendous in his first two Big Leagues arts,
and the young man certainly pitching with a lot of
confidence heading into start number three early next week. Stay
with us when we come back. We'll hear from suddenly
hot hitting Nolan Jones. That's next on the Cleveland Clinic
Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
Jacob Juni is facing the top of the order and
Randy Arose Herena drills one down the right fee a line.
It'll take one bounce, go up against the wall and
a rose herena, we'll make the turn a second. He'll
go for three to throw the slide. He went in
head first and Nolan Jones with a rocket throw There
(19:05):
ain't Andrews ready. Here it comes. Slider ripped up the
alley and right center of base and Nolan Jones heads
cut off by can Zones going for two head first
slide throw tag safe. Nolan Jones with a fist puff
from his belly. Oh, Nolan Jones ain't got a slider
(19:32):
and got a gamper the right center man. Just maybe
Nolan Jones is really turning the corner.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
Welcome back to Guardians Weekly. Jim Rosen House along with
you from Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland, where the Guardians
are hosting Seattle this weekend, a seven to fifteen start
on Saturday night and then day baseball on Sunday. A
one forty first pitch against the Mariners. Olden Jones had
the biggest hit of his season on Wednesday, a ninth
(20:03):
inning game tying home run against the Rays, with the
Guardians later winning it in the tenth. We caught up
with him before Friday night's game, when he again proved
to be a key hitter in a late rally for
the Guardians to win a ballgame, this time against Seattle.
But he says, while it's been a frustrating season, it
felt great to come through on Wednesday in such a
(20:26):
clutch spot.
Speaker 7 (20:27):
Yeah, I mean huge, obviously. I feel like, you know,
I haven't, like you said, I've been struggling this year,
haven't been able to help this team as much as
I had planned on when I got traded over here,
and you know, to take a good swing and give
us a chance to win a game there and tie
it up for us, it felt amazing.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
It seems like despite the ups and downs results wise,
you've you've maintained consistency in your work. And how hard
is that to do sometimes when when you're not seeing
the results right away.
Speaker 7 (20:56):
Yeah, it's really hard. I mean, you know, I think
for me, it's just trusting the people that are around me,
our staff are and hitting coaches, voter like all these
guys have been you know, uh, and still in confidence
in me and working with me and and trusting in
those things. And then when I get on the field,
trying to just just have some fun and let it go.
I think it's the hard part when you're struggling is
(21:16):
to not too much put too much thought into each
I bat, but just trying to try to enjoy.
Speaker 2 (21:21):
This and that you're in there again tonight. And and
for a while you were playing every day and then
playing timeless sporadic, but it seemed like you handle that well.
Could that have maybe helped you a little bit to
take some of the pressure off or is it still
something that you have some challenges to deal with there?
Speaker 7 (21:36):
Yeah, I mean it's something I've never done in my
life before. You know, I've never not played every day,
So it's something that I'm I'm getting used to and
you know, just trying to trying to do my part.
I've talked to some former guys who have been in
my role, former middle leaguers that have been in my role.
I talked to guys here, you know, Hedgie and Fry
have done this for a couple of years and not
played every day, and just how can I be a
(21:57):
good team and how can I be there for the guys,
stay out of people's way, and you know, how can
I not put too much weight in my opportunities and
so it's something I'm working on, and you know, hopefully
things keep keep rolling my way, in our way, and
you keep getting out there and.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
The team's kind of hanging around. How big ohin was
that on Wednesday? You think just from trying to hang
in there and make something of this season here down
the stretch.
Speaker 7 (22:18):
Yeah, I mean, I think every every win is huge
when you're fighting for a playoff spot. I've never had
the opportunity to play in the playoffs, and so I
think this is like, you know, this is the fun
environment that I want to be around. I want to
win the win the important games, and you know, hopefully
it comes down to the wire and we get an
opportunity to play some postseason baseball.
Speaker 2 (22:36):
I'm guessing you know by now that was home run
number fourteen thousand, enfranchise history. Have you throw any perspective
on that because it's such a huge number.
Speaker 7 (22:48):
No, you know, I mean, I got to write my
name in the history books. I guess you know, you'd
think that it'd be a guy like Jose Ramirez, But
you know, I think it's a it's a cool uh,
it's a thing to have on my under my belt,
I guess, and I want.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
To finish on this Chess Club again today and you
got out there on the field with the kids after chess.
What was going on there and how did that make
their day?
Speaker 7 (23:13):
Yeah? I mean they asked if the one you could
ask He brought a ball and asked if he beat me,
if he could throw a pitch on the mound. And
I did beat him. I'm not going to give him
credit for that, but he asked if he could throw
a pitch. So we went out there and then all
the guys were taking videos and throwing a pitch. So
it's a cool moment for them to get out there
on the field and cool moment for us to be
(23:33):
able to come out here and provide that for them
and play some chess form.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
And this is your first season part of the Chess Club.
But how enjoyable has that been to meet these kids?
Speaker 7 (23:40):
Yeah, it's been a lot of fun. They teach me
a lot. I just started playing chess this year and
to be involved in that and get to meet these
kids and play with them, it's been a lot of fun.
It's challenging and they teach me something, you know, not
just about chess, about myself and how they think and stuff.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
So it's been a lot of fun. Nice going on
that today and nice going the other day too. Thanks
no long, Hiks j having has some great stuff there
from Nolan Jones early in that interview, just talking about
how it felt like a weight lifted off his shoulders
and boy, he looked good on Friday night again. And
we'll see if he can keep it going. And if
he can, he's a left handed power bat that certainly
(24:16):
could be a big factor for the Guardians in the
month of September. Stay with us when we came back.
It's a minor league report with Vice president of Player
Development Steven Osterer. That's next pet.
Speaker 8 (24:31):
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Speaker 2 (25:22):
Welcome back to Guardians Weekly. Jim Rosenhouse back with you
from Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland, where the Guardians are
taking on the Mariners this weekend, to try and catch
up with Stephen Oster each week. He's the vice president
of player development for the Guardians. Our minor league. Report
took him to the Dominican Republic recently and the facility there,
(25:43):
and he says it's a great spot for the youngsters
to get their first taste of pro ball.
Speaker 7 (25:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 9 (25:48):
I mean, the Dominican Academy that we have down here,
first of all, is outstanding and a really impressive extension
of our organization. We've got up to eighty players in
here at a time. We've got two teams of really
young players that you know, like you mentioned before, for
the first time they're getting into some real, real professional action.
(26:12):
But in some cases real competitive action. You know, the
landscape and the environment of you know, how we get
international players means that we're signing them really young, and
we're bringing them in at times at sixteen years old.
So we've got some sixteen year olds who you know,
in a lot of ways of practiced and trained for
most of their baseball careers and haven't played a ton
(26:33):
of actual gameplay. And then you know, in other instances
we have seventeen year olds who have a little bit
more experience, but you know, we're still incredibly young and
you know, learning how to navigate, you know, what it
means to play consistent baseball. So yeah, our Dominican Academy
is incredible. We've got great staff and great players down here,
and it's great to be here.
Speaker 2 (26:54):
And I know in years past we've talked about how
it's more than just baseball, and over the years several
players from Latin America have earned their high school degrees.
And how much of the off field component is there
still in the in the Dominican Complex there as these
guys go through their day.
Speaker 9 (27:12):
Yeah, that's a you know, a great thing to mention.
You know, these are these are young men and there's
a lot that goes on outside of just baseball. They
live at the complex and their days are jam packed,
not just stuff on the field, but you know, learning
in the classrooms. And again we've got amazing staff and
amazing process down here to help them, you know, learn
(27:33):
English and complete a high school education and you do
a lot of the things and learn a lot of
things that are going to transfer over not just now
as baseball players, but you know, for the rest of
their lives. So it's a big emphasis that we placed
on that. You know, we've got a great department and
a great group of people who are integrated with our
staff here to help these players go from young men
to uh, you know, professionals both.
Speaker 10 (27:55):
On the field and off the field down the line.
So yeah, it's a really jam pack day.
Speaker 9 (28:00):
I mean, they're in class, they're on the field bright
and early, and they're in class right after. So you know,
these these kids work really hard and you know it's
an all inclusive thing for them here, and.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
That you touched on it earlier, just how how raw
some of these young men are in terms of playing
the game of baseball. So coaching wise, the coaches who
are there, how much teaching is going on just about
the game and trying to get them to a level
where they can think the game as well as play
the game.
Speaker 10 (28:29):
Yeah, i mean, we've got again, we've.
Speaker 9 (28:32):
Got really great staff down here in the mix of
younger staff and way more experienced staff who have a.
Speaker 10 (28:38):
Lot to share with these players. And yeah, to your point, there's.
Speaker 9 (28:41):
A lot of the basic fundamentals of baseball that you
know that go on day to day and getting them
to understand what that means, and that means a lot
of you know, additional review and game review.
Speaker 10 (28:53):
And practicing that you know is really important.
Speaker 9 (28:56):
But you know, at the same time, there's the all
the other things that go into being a complete baseball
player and what it means to you know, get through
a professional season.
Speaker 10 (29:04):
You're doing this every single day, so it's.
Speaker 9 (29:06):
Not just you know what happens on the field too,
it's preparing your body and your behind to be able
to go out there and you know, get through the
one hundred degree weather days and the humidity and you know,
the temperatures that are really challenging for young players to
do on a consistent basis. So it's all of those
things and the fundamentals of baseball. You know, I'd like
to say they start here, but you know, they continue
(29:29):
on for the rest of their careers as well.
Speaker 10 (29:31):
But it's definitely a huge emphasis and they.
Speaker 2 (29:34):
Keep score in the Dominican summer league. So obviously there's
championships on the line. And I know at the higher
levels of the minor league system Columbus Akron, Lake County
and Lynchburg, they're playing for league championships and I know
that's important to a certain extent. And how are the
teams doing down there as they get close to the
(29:54):
end of their season.
Speaker 9 (29:56):
Yeah, yeah, I mean winning baseball is great. We want
to win regardless, you know the constraints on the system.
But yeah, we've got two teams down here. One of
them is trying to win out for the next couple
of days as the season ends, to make a chance
at getting into the playoffs. Again, this is like something
(30:16):
that is important for our players. But ultimately, you know,
getting better is the.
Speaker 10 (30:20):
Number one goal and learning and developing.
Speaker 9 (30:22):
But you know, winning here over the next couple of
days would be really exciting for that group to get
into the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (30:28):
Astin you're in the Dominican Republic. But you wanted to
touch on on some players in the Arizona Complex who
had just finished up their seasons in the Arizona Summer League.
And before we get to that, though, how big a
jump is it to go from the Dominican Summer League
if some of them have been there to playing stateside
(30:49):
out in Arizona for the first time.
Speaker 9 (30:51):
Yeah, it's I mean, it's a transition, you know, and
you know, some of these players, I mean just doping
out on this it's the first time getting on a
plane when they're heading from you know, our Dominican Academy
to Arizona, let alone, Uh, you know, the first time
being in America. So we do things down here to
prepare them for that. You know, we we had sessions
(31:11):
and programs here to you know, basically walk through what
exactly it would look like as you go through security
and you know, board the plane, and just to get
them comfortable and prepared because you know, as you noted,
the transition from where they are here to being stateside
in America and you know, the process to get there
(31:32):
in the differences. As much as we want to say,
our academies in those two places are the same, and
our complex and in Arizona is just an extension of
our Dominican Academy here, it may be, but there's a
you know, a big life change that happens too. So yeah,
I think the transition is is largely around that, but
you know, the jump from a baseball perspective is still there.
(31:54):
Of course, you know you're playing a little bit older
competition and better competition. And you know, I think I
think our strength as an org is, you know how
much the transition or how much we hear about the transition,
but how integrated our processes in our days and how
deliberate we are in setting up the development plan so
(32:15):
that when players come from the Dominican Academy to Arizona
that it feels very similar from a baseball perspective. And
navigating the life part of it is something that we support,
but maybe is the harder part.
Speaker 2 (32:30):
Well, let's get to some players, and these are all
players that are very highly regarded prospect wise, and we'll
start in the outfield with Robert Arius, who's a center fielder.
And what do you see in him very early in
his career.
Speaker 10 (32:44):
Yeah, an exciting outfielder for us.
Speaker 9 (32:46):
He made his DSL debut here last year in the
Dominican and then transferred over to Arizona at the beginning
of this year, and he's posted some really good numbers
over the last two years. Offensively, I mean, he's got
a really on contact skills. He makes great swing decisions
and has great pitch recognition. He's just been a production
(33:06):
machine at the plate, doesn't doesn't strike out very often,
I mean near elite, and his walk.
Speaker 10 (33:12):
Races are really high.
Speaker 9 (33:13):
So there's lots of room physically to go for Robert,
and he plays a really good center field. You know,
there's a high ceiling on this kid, and you have
to go with that. He's an exceptional human being and
a really strong worker. So it's it's been really exciting
to have him in Arizona and to see the development
over the last year. And there's still a long ways
(33:33):
to go from a skill standpoint and and ceiling standpoint.
Speaker 2 (33:38):
And I always feel like there's a never ending supply
of middle infielders coming up through the system. And let's
go with Gabriel Rodriguez, a shortstop, and where does he
fit in that long line of middle infield prospects.
Speaker 9 (33:52):
Yeah, We've we've got a good one here too, another
young he's a left handed hitter, short stout primarily, and
you know it's similar to the areas.
Speaker 10 (34:02):
Just really good contact skills.
Speaker 9 (34:04):
And back to ball skills. You know, he's got a
lot of physicality left to him. I mean, if you
look at him, it's obvious of you know, you have
to project on what that that physicality could be and
you know how much strength and power there are is
left to add on, So projecting him to hit the
ball really hard down the line and tack on to
(34:24):
the already impressive bat to ball skills. He's an above
average athlete and you know he's playing shortstop primarily right
now and has really strong fundamentals as a fielder. I
think the the note here too is he's just a
really good baseball player. He's one of those guys he's
he's got a really good iq for the game and
(34:44):
situational awareness and he studies it and he loves learning
about baseball, and you know he's a leader in that group.
So Gaby's been been awesome this year, again similar to Robert,
has had a nice transition over and you know, we're
excited about what the long term development of his infield
looks like as well as the physicality and what that
does to the offensive profile.
Speaker 2 (35:06):
And another middle infielder, dari Fernandez, a similar profile or
a little bit different than Rodriguez.
Speaker 9 (35:13):
Similar but yeah, maybe a tick different where we saw
a little bit more pop out of him this year.
He's plays a little bit more over all over the
diamond on the infield, you know, mixed in a lot
of second base and third base on top of short stuff.
And you know, there is the similarity and the Bath
Toball skills and his ability to not strike out, But
(35:34):
we also had a little bit more pop in the
bat and you know, a little bit more damage at
the plate. So there's, yeah, some similarities to your point,
but there's potentially a little bit more juice there too,
and you know, similar to the other guys though, there's
just still so much physicality left for him. And I
think as he gets older, the bat speed is going
to take up a little bit more and you know,
(35:54):
the quality of impact that we see that leads to
the you know, the doubles and the occasion home run,
we'll probably continue to get better and better over time.
Speaker 2 (36:04):
Man, let's finish on the mound for pitchers and players
who spent a portion of their summer out in Arizona.
Chase Mobley, what are you seeing in him very early
in his career?
Speaker 9 (36:14):
Yeah, heard, throwing right hander that we drafted last year
at high school. He comes at you with some unique angles.
He's got a lower slot, there's a lot of deception
built into the delivery, and yeah, he can run that
up the fast ball up into the upper.
Speaker 10 (36:28):
Nineties at times.
Speaker 9 (36:29):
So he's just this really big, strong kid with some
nice profiles and a really high floor for what comes
out of hand. And you know, I think with these
guys that are young who throw really hard despite the
physicality and the size, you know, it takes some time
to work out the coordination and to really own your
delivery and the repeatability of that versus renting it as
(36:51):
we like to say. So Chase has gotten a lot
of reps that going through that and understanding what it
takes day to day to be ready to take the mound.
You know, how the consistency of the week can lead
to consistency on the mound. And there's been some delivery
changes well mixed in there that you know, we've seen
over the last few weeks now, he's been a lot
stronger on the strike throwing, and you know, the outcomes
(37:13):
have been have been better and more in line of
where we think he can go in the future. So
Chase has done a nice job of, you know, taking
on some ownership of what it means to be a
professional pitcher, and you know it's really exciting what he's
been doing the last few weeks.
Speaker 2 (37:30):
Well, Austy, I know your travels have taken you a
long way from home, but always great to have you on.
I appreciate you carving out some time today.
Speaker 10 (37:38):
Of course, Thanks Rosie.
Speaker 2 (37:40):
That is Stephen Ostro, the vice president of player Development
for the Guardians, and that's going to do it for
this week's edition of Guardians Weekly. Thanks as always to
Brian Matsee for helping to put together our show each
and every week until next week when we join you
from Tampa where the Guardians will be taking on the
Tampa Bay Rays. This is your rosen House. You're finding
(38:01):
you that you've been listening to Guardians Weekly on the
Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio at Word.
Speaker 1 (38:21):
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