February 20, 2026 • 39 mins
Guardians starters Tanner Bibee and Logan Allen join the show as they prepare for Cactus League play to commence. Plus, top prospect Travis Bazzana talks about his comeback from an injury plagued 2025, and his expectations for 2026. That's all on this edition of Guardians Weekly with Jim Rosenhaus on the Cleveland Guardians Radio Network.
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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 (01:01):
Hi, everyone, welcome to Guardian's Weekly. Jim Rosen House along
with you from Guardian Spring Training in Goodyear, Arizona, the
first of our spring training shows, as the off season
is in the rear view mirror and the team's now
in earnest getting ready for the twenty twenty six campaign.
And just a personal note, this is my favorite show
(01:25):
of the year and hopefully yours too, because it's a
short sign that baseball for reel is not too far
away and maybe the end of what has been a
rough winter back in Northeast Ohio, maybe that's coming soon
as the Guardians get ready for a new season, and
we have a great show lined up for you today.
In the second half of our show, we will visit
(01:48):
with top prospect Travis Bizana in major league camp for
the first time in his young professional career. We'll meet
the new bench coach for the Guardians, Tony Arnerich, replacing
Craig Albernas, who has moved on to become the manager
of the Baltimore, Orioles, and we will also hear from
starting pitcher Logan Allen, who's in spring training camp right now,
(02:10):
but he'll be participating in the World Baseball Classic as well.
But first, our first guest on our first show from
spring training is Tanner Biby, the Guardian starting pitcher who
has been a real strong part of that starting rotation,
especially the past three seasons. He has double figures and
wins each of the last three years, including a twelve
(02:33):
win season a year ago, and after a slow start
by his standards, he really came on down the stretch
and again one of the top pitchers in that starting
rotation for the Guardians. And when we caught up with
him earlier this week here in Goodyear, he talked about
the twenty twenty five season and his takeaways from a
(02:53):
roller coaster year for him.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Oh, I feel like towards the end of the year
he kind of look into a deep dive, made you
what was good was bad. And I feel like once
the season ended in September, ending on a good note,
I thought was super important at least for me of
kind of going into the off season to good taste
in my mouth and kind of kind of really digging
deep into like the fundamentals and kind of the basics
(03:17):
and how I was moving and stuff like that. So
I think that that's what I would say.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
No one wants to go through a tough stretch, and
and maybe your standard is higher than some then and
so it might not be a tough stretch for some,
but for you, what changed that allowed you to really
lock it in down the stretch.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
I feel like Joe Joe Torres really helped me with
simplifying it and kind of saying we're just gonna throw
these pitches in these locations and and from then on,
like we're gonna let it. We're gonna see what happens.
And I feel like because they like finding pitches where
they have performed the best, and He's like, I think
(03:58):
we just attacked these zones at in all, let's make
it as simple as possible. And I feel like that's
just that was the that was the result, honestly.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
So stuff wise, it wasn't that different. You don't think. No.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
I think I thought, I, like, my pure stuff all
year was good. It was just the how I was
moving and stuff like that, and kind of throwing certain
pitches to certain areas I think was the main thing.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
So, yeah, you come off an off season, how was
it in terms of your preparation and when you get here.
I'm sure there's some off seasons where you're like, I
think I know it okay, But how about this one?
When you got here, what did you think in terms
of your preparation.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
I mean, I thought it was definitely better than the
past couple of years. I feel like the off season
for twenty twenty four kind of trying to get my
body and shoulder back to kind of like a factory reset.
It didn't really feel like too much of an off
season because it felt like it was kind of like rolling.
I was trying to get my shoulder back to a
good spot, and as soon as I felt like I
(04:58):
finally did, it was like and we're back in the season,
and it was kind of so I don't really feel
like an off season, but this one actually felt like
an off season. And I feel like I was way
more kind of like detail oriented with like everything I
did on a day to day basis.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
Tanner Bibby joining us before we came in here, kind
of joking around about age and amount of experience and
things like that maybe it's because you've you've had a
prominent role here in the last couple of years. It
seems like you've been here longer than maybe you truly
have the age and veteran part of it. You should,
you should be in a sweet spot of your career,
(05:35):
I would think right now. And do you feel that
way in terms of a little bit of experience but
still young for sure?
Speaker 3 (05:42):
I mean I feel young as hell. I mean I
feel like I mean, I've been two not even three
full years technically, and people are calling me a veteran.
I don't know if I like it, but I mean,
I guess tech I've been up here the longest, or
I mean Logan's been up here. Actually no, I have
(06:03):
been up here the longest, but Logan's up there too, obviously, Gavin.
So yeah, I mean it's definitely different.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
So when you look around that locker room and spring
training last year, Shane Bieber was still here, obviously not
ready to go at the start of the season. But
do you feel that maybe more of a sense of responsibility,
uh to not only be at your best, but also
some leadership things and guidance for some younger pitchers.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
Yeah, definitely I mean, I'm not gonna be the guy
who kind of, like it like, sticks my nose in
no one's business. But if someone goes to me and
asked questions, like I always want to be the guy
that's very open and very helpful and stuff like that
if they want help from me. I mean, I feel
like that's I feel like at this point, like we're
kind of we're all big boys, like we can kind
of handle our business howe we want. Like if anyone
(06:56):
in that locker room or anyone in the complex was
talking about pitching or anything like, I try to be
as as much of an open book as.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
Possible starting rotation. It's been last year tremendous led the
American League in innings pitched. And how much of that
is an area of focus that just because if you're
pitching the inning is obviously you're pitching, Well, how much
do you look at that going into a season? To add,
(07:23):
if if we can get our innings, things are going
to turn out just fine for sure.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
I Mean, I feel like that's always a big time
goal because I mean I feel like, just from a
winning aspect, if you from game one to Game one
sixty two to game However, many of the playoffs, Like,
if your bullpen is throwing more innings, then they're going
to be more taxed on the stretch. But if we're
if the starters are handling the bulk and the bullpen
(07:49):
can be more fresh for October, that's a way better
recipe for winning. Especially, I feel like for how we
for how we operate, and I feel like that way
is just the best way of the warnings that we
can all we can all throw, it's just gonna be
beneficial for us down the stretch.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
And it seems like it's a Cleveland pitching tradition where
where the starters get better as the season goes along.
Anything to that and maybe a why that you notice,
I feel like.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
It's just kind of the culture that they that they
kind of breed into us. I mean, I feel like
they are so on top of everything of whether they
try not to let stuff get too deep of like
bad habits or pitch selection or anything you want to
look at. I feel like they're very on top of
(08:40):
it and they're very proactive about it. So I feel
like the bad stretches for most people don't last as long.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Dander Bibby joining US team wise postseason three. In the
last four years, you've been a big part of that. Obviously,
As you look around that clubhouse, what has you excited
about this year's team and maybe some concerns as you
head end of the season.
Speaker 3 (09:05):
I mean, I feel like I'm super excited that we
have almost the same the same group back. But for
most of the year last year, I feel like there's
a lot of I want to say, like uncertainty or
like turnover, but there's a lot of important turnover and
a lot of question marks. And I feel like coming
into this year, there's not a ton of question marks,
(09:25):
and I feel like a lot of guys have gotten
more comfortable in their roles. I would say, like, I
feel like you have guys like Shneman and Manzardo who
hadn't pitched in a full season, or even like Slater
or Joey, and Joey still technically hasn't pitched in a
full season, but he's kind of been around enough to
know of what he has to do to succeed and
(09:49):
what he has to do to kind of help everyone
else succeed. And I feel like it's kind of the same.
It's the same thing, and I feel like that's the one.
That's what I'm really excited about seeing everyone kind of
get a little more comfortable, and usually comfort usually means
that successes is followed.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
That's starting pitcher Tanner. Bobby always fun to visit with. Tanner,
always honest about what he's working through and trying to
get to in terms of performance and man, he seems
to be in a good place at this point in
time in the spring. Stay with us when we come back.
We'll hear from left Tander Logan Allen. That's next the
Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Mibe frocks into his delivery and the two to two
swims curveball got him, so Tanner Baby brilliant through three
runner stay.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
The pitch strike three called he knew it?
Speaker 1 (10:44):
What a curveball?
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Wow?
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Mine two looks to second the pitch swinging NMS change
up get him thanks to offering is swung on and
miss fastball in on his hands. Folks, Tanner Baby is pounding,
I mean pounding both sides of the plate with this
fastball and the curve. The slider and the change up
(11:06):
are also outstanding.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
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Speaker 5 (11:18):
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Speaker 6 (11:19):
At least seats for the game.
Speaker 5 (11:20):
Wow, they must be pretty high up here. I think
my ears just popped. Yes, put this on.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Is that an oxygen mask?
Speaker 7 (11:26):
An official team oxygen mask?
Speaker 3 (11:28):
Well, I can kind of see the field.
Speaker 1 (11:31):
Is still sharp.
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Speaker 2 (11:53):
The pitch swaying.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
Ms Beck is a strikeout victim the third for Logan
Allen and Logan al Here we go again. All he
does is goes out there now every fifth day and
gives you six solid innings and keeps giving you a
chance to win every night.
Speaker 2 (12:13):
Welcome back, It's Guardians Weekly. Jim Rosenhause, back with you
from Goodyear, where the exhibition slate Cactus League play starts
later this afternoon. If you're listening to this on the radio,
A three to zero to five first pitch Hammy and
I will be on the air right around three o'clock
on most of our Cleveland Clinic Guardians stations. Logan Allen
(12:34):
had a solid season a year ago, career highs in
starts with twenty nine innings pitched with one hundred and
fifty six, finished eight and eleven with an EER just
to shade over four. He's in spring training camp right
now with the Guardians, but he'll be leaving next week
for Puerto Rico. That's where Panama is playing in the
first round of the World Baseball Classic. He's on the
(12:57):
Panama team, and he explains how well that came about
and his family background that he's very proud to represent.
Speaker 8 (13:05):
Yeah, definitely a point of pride for myself and my family.
My mom is from Panama, originally born and raised there,
came to the United States in her twenties, so I
kind of always thought this would be an opportunity to
represent Panama, represent my family. So yeah, very excited for
the opportunity. Almost played last time around when the WBC
a few years backs. But now I think I'm in
(13:27):
a little bit of a better position, you know, in
my career to you know, take advantage of this opportunity.
So I'm really really excited, really really proud to represent
my family.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
And you mentioned that, and I'm sure the fans look
at it differently depending on who they are, but especially
for pictures. How does that that part of representing your
family and a country kind of outwigh some of the
things of just getting ready for a season.
Speaker 8 (13:49):
Yeah, it's definitely a little different, you know, kind of
thrust it into games a little bit early and playing
competitive baseball this early in the year. But yeah, I
think it's so it's cool to just play for something
so much bigger than yourself, so I think it's easy
to kind of fall into the competition aspect of it.
And yeah, I'm really excited to meet the team and
to get out get after it with the guys.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
So you're pitching for Panama the games early round, Your
early round is in Puerto Rico. How much you're looking
forward to that scene?
Speaker 8 (14:14):
That's gonna be awesome. I've heard someself that all the
games already all sold out, so that should be a
lot of fun. And then my family, of course, being close,
the flight shouldn't be too bad, so have quite a
bit of family out there.
Speaker 5 (14:24):
So really excited about all that.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
So what have you done it to make sure that
you're healthy and ready to go for some key games
early in the spring.
Speaker 8 (14:32):
Yeah, you know, I got out to camp a little
bit earlier than I probably otherwise would have came out
probably two or three weeks early, and.
Speaker 5 (14:39):
Just kind of ramping up it.
Speaker 8 (14:40):
I would say, probably just getting ready for games about
a week or two early than I would have in
another spring training. But yeah, it doesn't feel like it's
too different of a build up, just kind of accelerated
a little bit. So I just got out here early
and kind of hit the ground running once I got
out here.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
Logan Allen joining us pitching in a WBC and gets
that first spring training start. Terms of coming off of
last season, what a breakthrough year for you and when
you had a chance to kind of sit back and
look at it, what were your takeaways from last year?
Speaker 8 (15:08):
The biggest thing was, you know, coming into camp into
a competition aspect. Making the team obviously first and foremost
was a big accomplishment, but just being able to stay
up the whole year. It was the first year has
they've been able to stay there from start to finish,
So that was a huge goal of mine. So definitely,
you know, proud to be able to accomplish that, and
then you know, continue to build off that and continue
to help the team have success and you know, hopefully
make a deep, deeper playoff push this time around.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
So what do you do to make sure you can't?
Because availability such as everyone knows, that's a huge key
in this game. What did you do this offseason to
continue along that path?
Speaker 5 (15:40):
I feel like just kind of hitting training right away.
Speaker 8 (15:41):
I feel like I came into camp probably ten to
fifteen pounds heavier, trying to put on a little bit
of muscle, you know, just in the hopes of being
able to you know, last throughout the season, kind of
stay at tip top shape and being able to hold
my stuff throughout the entirety of the year. So yeah,
just trying to come to a camp a little bigger
and stronger, and then you know, pair that with some
of the experience from on the field and try to
you know, map that together to have some more success.
Speaker 2 (16:02):
All Right, fans listening, they hear you gained weight at
ten to fifteen pounds, How fun is that? What did
you have to do to gain weight? And for some
I know, it's difficult. Talking to former pitcher Tristan McKenzie,
it was always a challenge, But how about.
Speaker 8 (16:15):
For you, Yeah, it definitely sometimes can be a challenge.
But I feel like I just I never really was
a big breakfast guy, and I feel like that was
such a big change, as being able to get that
third meal in mixing and some protein shakes. So just
kind of getting to those calorie goals. But yeah, more
than anything's just trying to get better about eating breakfast.
Speaker 5 (16:32):
I was never really a big breakfast guy.
Speaker 8 (16:33):
And you know, when you go from training in the morning,
you your first meal at two o'clock, it's just kind
of hard to put weight on and keep weight on.
So just trying to get some more meals in. So
what's on the breakfast menu? Oh man, some eggs and
eggs and hashbrows and pancakes, all the good stuff.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
Last year, I know you kind of tinkered with some
different pitch mixes and some different pitches that you thought
would help you, especially to right handed hitters. Anything new
there that you're working on to try and stay that
one step ahead.
Speaker 8 (17:00):
Now, I feel like this is a kind of a
fun off season of being able just to come into
camp with the same stuff and just hone everything in
and have an entire offseason to work with my stuff
and try to get to the best place it can
be to kind of come out ready to go and compete.
But yeah, no new arsenal changes just yet. Hopefully we
don't have to worry about that this year. But it's
a long year and I'm sure we'll mix them in
a long.
Speaker 2 (17:20):
Way and team wise, a lot of familiar faces in here,
maybe more than a lot of years. And how nice
is that though, sometimes to be around a team that
has stayed together and it is growing together.
Speaker 8 (17:32):
Yeah, I feel like that's a big point of you know,
what Voter said when he addresses today, is like, we
played a really good ball down the stretch, and we brought
back a lot of the guys in this clubhouse hour
part of it, and obviously added some new reinforcements to
bolster the team a little bit.
Speaker 5 (17:43):
But it's really cool to.
Speaker 8 (17:44):
Have that experience of what we did last year and
a lot of the guys coming back and knowing what
we're capable of and just kind of hitting the ground
running and hopefully not put ourselves behind the eight ball
a little bit.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
Well, good luck in Puerto Rico for Panama. Have fun
with that.
Speaker 5 (17:57):
Thank you so much, Rosie, appreciate you.
Speaker 2 (17:59):
It's Logan Allen who really had a solid season a
year ago, a part of a deep rotation for the
Guardians last year, and they looked for much of the
same again this season. Stay with us when we come back.
We'll visit with Travis Bazana, the young prospect for the
Guardians in his first major league camp. That comes your
way next on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 9 (18:48):
Well, as you know, we selected Travis Bazana with the
first overall pick and then Major League Baseball Draft, and
we are thrilled to welcome Travis into the organization. We
view him to be a dynamic player. He was a
guy that makes really good swing decisions, controls the strike
zone really well, rarely swings and misses, and can really
impact the baseball And we think he's got a chance
(19:09):
to impact the game in a variety of ways. But
as impressive as he is as an athlete and as
a player, he's just as impressive or more impressive as
a person. He has been relentless, I think from the
time he was three years old to take advantage of
every resource available to him to become the best baseball
player he can possibly be. And I think if you've
(19:30):
heard him speak, he's very passionate about the opportunity he
has to help us win games and through that platform,
elevate the profile of baseball in Australia.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Himro was announced back with you from Goodyear, Arizona Guardian
spring training. The weather's been been great by Cleveland standards,
but they're looking for things to warm up a little
bit out here as it was in the sixties most
of the week and oh a little chili for VOTs
around here. Funny to hear them talk about that after
the winter that we had back in northeast Ohio. Our
(20:07):
next guest, he's been a lot of his winter in
Australia as well as here in Goodyear at second baseman.
Travis Bizana the first overall pick in the twenty twenty
four amateur draft in all of baseball, and he had
an injury played twenty twenty five season, limited to just
eighty four games in the minor leagues, but fully healthy
now and he's in his first major league camp and
(20:30):
we asked him about that. The excitement that surrounds. Being
around the major leaguers for that first time.
Speaker 10 (20:36):
It's been awesome the resources here, being around the coaching staff,
and then I mean being around the guys that laid
this group, you know, Hosey Kwan, Hedges all the rest.
He's great for the quality of work we all put in,
and I'm learning from them every day and really enjoying it.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
You mentioned learning, and I feel like that's such a
key part of what makes you the player you are.
What did you learn from last year with some ups
and downs, especially you know, trying to get on the
field as often as you could.
Speaker 10 (21:05):
Yeah, I think you learn how much your passion and
love for the game shows through when it gets taken
away from you, and sometimes you need that remind us. So,
I mean, it made all the games I got back
out there after the injury, the first one a little
more I took. I was grateful for being back on
(21:28):
the field, but just got to continue to take care
of my body every single day so I can play
full seasons because that's what I want to do.
Speaker 6 (21:36):
And yeah, I say that's the main thing.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
And I know you went home for the off season.
Why was that important to you at this stage? Of
your career to get back home for a little bit
in the off season.
Speaker 10 (21:46):
Yeah, I've kind of always head home for a month
during the off seasons.
Speaker 6 (21:52):
It's just nice.
Speaker 10 (21:52):
I mean it's hard to spend a lot of time
with family if they have to come to the US
because it's a long trip, but they get out here,
so me going back is nice to just be around,
be grounded with where I grew up, training and hanging
out with family and just kind of decompressing and.
Speaker 6 (22:15):
Before I prepare for the season.
Speaker 11 (22:17):
Over you, Yeah, we talked so much about the the
physical side of the game, but I would think that
mental side for you is very important, especially considering the
distance to family.
Speaker 10 (22:28):
Definitely, it always it's kind of a good reset and
you see see everything from the right perspective when you
get kind of grounded back at home, I guess, and
I enjoy that.
Speaker 2 (22:42):
Travis Bizana joining us the World Baseball Classic, You're playing
in it for Australia. You've been an international competition at
different levels before. What makes it exciting and why was
it important for you this year to do that?
Speaker 6 (22:56):
Yeah?
Speaker 10 (22:56):
For me, it's I have an opportunity to really impact
baseball's community in Australia and grow it. There's a lot
of room for growth, and there's a lot of room
for people to understand that you can kind of get
into American sports and explore outside of basic Australian sports
(23:19):
and every chance to play on the world stage, whether
that be in the MLB and future in the World
Baseball Classic, chances to have success in those will help
the game of baseball back home and that's special to
me and I've kind of always wanted to play in
this tournament.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
Can you give us a scout and report on Team Australia.
How are they looking in their bracket?
Speaker 5 (23:40):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (23:40):
Strong?
Speaker 10 (23:41):
I mean, I feel like we're going to do a
really good job at winning the close ball game. That's
what tournament baseball is all about. It's what playoff baseball
is all about. Is can the players have the mental
two get the job done? The one percent is execute
the little things when it matters most. And I think
we have a really good group for that. I like
how our offense looks, and I think we're going to
(24:03):
have a lot of success in.
Speaker 2 (24:05):
Your opening round games or in Japan. You've been there before.
Why do you like it so much?
Speaker 4 (24:11):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (24:11):
I love being in Japan. It's a something about it.
Speaker 10 (24:16):
There's just an atmosphere being in Japan, whether that comes
from the culture, such a strong culture. People are lovely
and the baseball environment is top notch. They care so
much about the game of baseball and love it, so
all of it is great, And I just enjoy the time.
Speaker 2 (24:37):
The Travis Bizana joining US off season, people talking about
the roster, and and your name always comes up. And
in today's day and age, top prospects know that people
are talking about them. How do you handle that? The
expectations and when is he going to be here and
all that kind of stuff.
Speaker 10 (24:54):
Yeah, I mean, at some point it's like it's not
really anything to handle it. It's more just like going
about my business and caring about that the right way.
Speaker 6 (25:04):
I think.
Speaker 10 (25:06):
Yeah, everyone has the right to their opinions and how
what they think of players. But all I can control
is going out there and getting better every day and
putting myself in a position to really help this team
win at some point soon enough, And I'm doing everything
I can to be the best player I can be,
and I think soon enough, I'll be hopefully helping this
(25:29):
team in Cleveland. And yeah, the pressure expectations goes away
once you're kind of in the white lines.
Speaker 6 (25:36):
And I've been doing this a long long time.
Speaker 10 (25:39):
I feel like I get into the right state to
play and that stuff's kind of left behind.
Speaker 2 (25:45):
And I would think one of the fun things that's
spring training for you as an infielder, A good part
of your day you're spending with Jose Ramirez and what's
that like with one of the best players in the game.
Speaker 10 (25:57):
It's I can't kin't of over state what it's like
to do the work with Hosey.
Speaker 5 (26:06):
Man.
Speaker 10 (26:06):
Just he makes it so fun for everyone around them
while working so hard, and he's rubbing off on me
the right way, and I just can't wait to continue
to learn from him and understand why and what he's
done to be so great for so long. But he's
He's incredible.
Speaker 2 (26:28):
It's Travis Bizana. Be interesting to see his route to
the major leagues and how quickly he's able to make
that push and start to be under consideration for a
spot on the major league roster. Be fun to watch
him this spring. Stay with us. We'll have our final
segment of Guardians Weekly with new bench coach Tony Arnerich.
That's next don the Cleveland Clinic. Guardians Radio that will.
Speaker 4 (27:00):
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Speaker 5 (27:44):
Thanks again for taking me to the game. Man, I
can't wait to get in there. By the way, what's
in the bag?
Speaker 2 (27:49):
Oh? I bring my own hot dog and peanuts saves
a ton, oh, Sammy? And what about the beach chairs?
Why buy seats when you can save big and bring
your own.
Speaker 5 (27:56):
We can't get in without tickets. Tickets?
Speaker 2 (27:58):
What do you think the portable teas don't save money?
Speaker 4 (28:01):
Pretending to go to the game, you could save one hundreds.
Vice witching to Progressive got a quote at Progressive dot com.
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Speaker 2 (28:18):
Welcome back to Guardian's Weekly Jim Rosenhouse along with you
from Goodyear Arizona Guardians Spring training, and our last guest
is new bench coach Tony Arnerich, taking over a spot
vacated by Craig Albernas, who did great work in his
two seasons as the Guardian's bench coach, and that earned him,
in large part the Baltimore Orioles manager's job, and he's
(28:40):
now across the country in Florida for spring training with
the Orioles, and Tony Arneritz takes over in that spot
right next to Steven Vote in the dugout. And obviously
there's so many other things that are a part of
the bench coach position. Nine years with the Seattle Mariners,
five years in pro ball as a player prior to that,
(29:00):
And when we caught up with Tony just prior to
spring training beginning, one of the things we talked about
was the facial similarities to his manager, Steven Votes. But no,
it's funny.
Speaker 7 (29:11):
We've been joked about it ever since he was with
the A's and I was a hitting coach with the Mariners.
Some of our guys even call me Tony Votes. So
and then and then the comments on the hiring on
social media and saying, you know, the voter hire himself
and is that his uncle? And so it's always fun
and people people always give us, you know, a hard
(29:31):
time about it.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
And you had a chance to work with him on
the staff in Seattle the year prior to his being
named manager. Here is only yours as a coach in
the major leagues and how closely did you guys work together,
and what did you see then that that maybe indicated
some future success as a major league manager.
Speaker 7 (29:49):
You know, we both were former catchers. He obviously played
longer and higher up than I ever did, and so
we hit it off right away, like a lot of
catchers do, just talking shop. And then our work with
Cal we collaborated a lot with him on the catching
side of things. But you know the person that he is,
He's just so infectious and he and I got along
great from the start. We spent the All Star Break
(30:11):
together that year, so it really was it was just
right away we had a connection and we see things
I would say pretty similar, and just both being catchers,
we just love to talk shop and talk to game
and I think that's where the connection started. And then
we've just kept in touch ever since, and things like
(30:31):
this kind of come up and they move fast, and
all of a sudden, we're teammates again. So I'm excited
to be by his side, that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (30:38):
New Guardians bench coach Tony Arnerich is joining us, and
Tony I think the role is different depending on who
fills it with Craig Albernas. Certainly the back and forth
during games discussing strategy things like that, just a tip
of the iceberg on some of the things that he
brought for you in terms of the role. And for
(30:59):
fans who don't know what a bench coach does, what
do you anticipate as we get closer to the season
and then during the season, Well.
Speaker 7 (31:06):
I think it's just a combination of things. It's relationship building,
it's connecting, you know, different departments, connecting players and coaches
and making sure everybody's informed, and then helping Voter understand
and you know, be able to brainstorm different options and
help him make an educated decision.
Speaker 8 (31:23):
Night in, a night out, whatever that may be.
Speaker 7 (31:26):
But there's a lot of that goes into pregame where
where a lot of decisions are discussed pregame and so
hopefully you have a decent game plan going in each night.
And then from there it's about feel and gut and
you know, just talking it through with each other and
with the different coaches, and it's just a collaboration. And
I see myself as just how can I support Voter
(31:47):
and the other and the other staff members and how
can I just give them the best information so that
we can all make good decisions night in and night out.
You know, I really pride myself on just connection, and
that's where I hope I can add a lot of
values just to can acting with the players, the staff,
the medical staff, the strength staff, you know, everybody that's
involved on the day to day. Can I be that
(32:08):
conduit and help people get better each day and hopefully
keep us all kind of pulling on the same rope
and going down the lane and not get too far
off what our plan is. And so I'm just excited
to get those relationships going and then and then get
started here in a few weeks down in Arizona.
Speaker 2 (32:27):
And you mentioned those relationships and maybe sticking specifically with
with those player relationships. I'm sure you're trying to get
up to speed as best you can as quickly as possible.
Eight seasons in a couple of different roles with the Mariners.
How do you do it here with players that maybe
you haven't come across before to make sure you can
hit the ground running.
Speaker 7 (32:48):
Well, I think you just have to go down and
learn about the player and what makes them tick, and
what their wives are and who they are as a person.
I think you know, starting point is can I get
to know them and who they are and what makes
them tick? And then from there you know what do
they need and what are their goals and what did
(33:08):
they want to achieve in their career? And then from
from there it's okay, how can.
Speaker 2 (33:12):
I help them?
Speaker 7 (33:13):
And it's hard over the phone. I'll be honest, and
then to get a job and then work remotely basically
for two months, it's hard to develop those relationships. But
knowing how the clubhouse is, you know, a couple of
weeks into spring training, I'm sure we're gonna be probably
giving each other a hard time and joking around, and
it'll feel like we've known each other for you know,
(33:33):
years maybe, But that's the beauty of the clubhouse. You're
around each other so much, and then it just becomes
learning about each guy and putting the effort in the
time to get to know everybody. And I think that's
one of my strengths. And so that's why I'm excited
to get down in person, because it's a lot different
when you sit across the table from somebody than it is,
you know, on a telephone call. So just excited to
(33:55):
get down there and introduce myself and and just get
get to work.
Speaker 2 (34:00):
New Guardians bench coach Tony Arnerich is joining us. Got
a chance in your role on the catching side of
things for a while with Seattle to work with Cal Raley,
who put together a season for the Ages a year ago.
We see that. But to get to that point that
the work that goes in for him and some of
(34:22):
the things that you and the staff there and Seattle
were able to do, what were some of the keys
to helping him have the type of season that he
had a year ago.
Speaker 7 (34:31):
Yeah, I think it started back when we drafted him,
and I think it was twenty eighteen. So Cal and
I were together for the length of his career as
so far as a Mariner and being the catching coach
for all those years. He and I got close, and
I think the biggest thing with Cal is just he
learned how to manage one hundred and sixty two game
(34:53):
season when you're going to catch a lot of those games,
and so it's just managing his day. He's a switch hitter,
so he's got her left hand swing, a right hand
and swing. He's got meetings about game planning, he's got
meetings for just as a catcher, to our catcher's meetings,
and so just managing his day but also managing his body.
I think was one of the biggest keys the last
(35:15):
couple of years of just learning how to be a
major league baseball player and what it takes to be
consistent over over a whole season, because it's a long
season and the game can kind of eat you up
a little bit. And you know, Cal's success was definitely
not linear. He had multiple stints where he got sent
down to the minor leagues and it's just been a
continuous learning process for him. And that's part of why
(35:38):
I'm excited about this Cleveland group too, is you know,
especially the position players, there's so many young guys that
are learning how to not only get to the big leagues,
but just exist and be a consistent performer. And so
I'm hoping I can be of help for that. You know,
nothing better than seeing what Cal did. He's a great person,
great leader, and he continues to grow, and just like
anything in life, guys that are continuing to want to
(36:00):
better and put in the work, he's it's paying off.
So just a tribute to who he is as a
person and a worker and couldn't be happy for happier
for the year, for him for the year.
Speaker 2 (36:10):
He had and staying on that catching front, the Guardians
have a good young catcher and bow Naylor as part
of their catching corps. What have you learned about him
early on that has you excited to see how he develops?
Speaker 7 (36:22):
Well, I mean he's just he's a good athlete and
he continues to get better. I've you know, been able
to watch being in the bullpen the last two years.
We're pretty close, especially in Cleveland where we're right above
each other, and just watching him work in the bullpen,
pregame with his starter and the attention to detail, like
he's not going through the motions, like he is engaged,
(36:43):
giving feedback and just talking to him. The type of
person he is, very similar to Cal seems like he
wants to continue to get better. You know, he's twenty
five years old. And then and then to have Hedgy
next to him, you know, and Fry. I mean that's
a good group of catchers, and but you know, learning
from Hedgy as well. He's been around the league for
a long time and I know that he's had a
(37:06):
big impact on Bo and he even had a big
impact on Cal as well, and so that just says
a lot about who Hedgy is as a leader. But
with Bo, just continue to learn how to be a
consistent player and the big leagues again is similar to Cal,
so I'm excited to get to work with him as well.
Speaker 2 (37:25):
That's Tony Arnerich, the new bench coach for the Guardians,
a varied background and that will come in handy as
he navigates his first season with the Cleveland Guardians in
that dugout and that's going to do it for our
show this week. Again, if you're listening on the radio
on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network, Baseball Cactus League
Style this afternoon will be on the air shortly before
(37:48):
three three to zero five. First pitch, Hammy, you'll have
the call for you at the beginning, and we'll be
happy to bring you Guardians Baseball against the Reds this
afternoon from Goodyear Ballpark until next week. Thanks to Brian
Matze has always for putting together our show each and
every week until then. This is Jim Rosenhouse reminding you
that you've been listening to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland
(38:11):
Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 1 (38:19):
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 (01:01):
Hi, everyone, welcome to Guardian's Weekly. Jim Rosen House along
with you from Guardian Spring Training in Goodyear, Arizona, the
first of our spring training shows, as the off season
is in the rear view mirror and the team's now
in earnest getting ready for the twenty twenty six campaign.
And just a personal note, this is my favorite show
(01:25):
of the year and hopefully yours too, because it's a
short sign that baseball for reel is not too far
away and maybe the end of what has been a
rough winter back in Northeast Ohio, maybe that's coming soon
as the Guardians get ready for a new season, and
we have a great show lined up for you today.
In the second half of our show, we will visit
(01:48):
with top prospect Travis Bizana in major league camp for
the first time in his young professional career. We'll meet
the new bench coach for the Guardians, Tony Arnerich, replacing
Craig Albernas, who has moved on to become the manager
of the Baltimore, Orioles, and we will also hear from
starting pitcher Logan Allen, who's in spring training camp right now,
(02:10):
but he'll be participating in the World Baseball Classic as well.
But first, our first guest on our first show from
spring training is Tanner Biby, the Guardian starting pitcher who
has been a real strong part of that starting rotation,
especially the past three seasons. He has double figures and
wins each of the last three years, including a twelve
(02:33):
win season a year ago, and after a slow start
by his standards, he really came on down the stretch
and again one of the top pitchers in that starting
rotation for the Guardians. And when we caught up with
him earlier this week here in Goodyear, he talked about
the twenty twenty five season and his takeaways from a
(02:53):
roller coaster year for him.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Oh, I feel like towards the end of the year
he kind of look into a deep dive, made you
what was good was bad. And I feel like once
the season ended in September, ending on a good note,
I thought was super important at least for me of
kind of going into the off season to good taste
in my mouth and kind of kind of really digging
deep into like the fundamentals and kind of the basics
(03:17):
and how I was moving and stuff like that. So
I think that that's what I would say.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
No one wants to go through a tough stretch, and
and maybe your standard is higher than some then and
so it might not be a tough stretch for some,
but for you, what changed that allowed you to really
lock it in down the stretch.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
I feel like Joe Joe Torres really helped me with
simplifying it and kind of saying we're just gonna throw
these pitches in these locations and and from then on,
like we're gonna let it. We're gonna see what happens.
And I feel like because they like finding pitches where
they have performed the best, and He's like, I think
(03:58):
we just attacked these zones at in all, let's make
it as simple as possible. And I feel like that's
just that was the that was the result, honestly.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
So stuff wise, it wasn't that different. You don't think. No.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
I think I thought, I, like, my pure stuff all
year was good. It was just the how I was
moving and stuff like that, and kind of throwing certain
pitches to certain areas I think was the main thing.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
So, yeah, you come off an off season, how was
it in terms of your preparation and when you get here.
I'm sure there's some off seasons where you're like, I
think I know it okay, But how about this one?
When you got here, what did you think in terms
of your preparation.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
I mean, I thought it was definitely better than the
past couple of years. I feel like the off season
for twenty twenty four kind of trying to get my
body and shoulder back to kind of like a factory reset.
It didn't really feel like too much of an off
season because it felt like it was kind of like rolling.
I was trying to get my shoulder back to a
good spot, and as soon as I felt like I
(04:58):
finally did, it was like and we're back in the season,
and it was kind of so I don't really feel
like an off season, but this one actually felt like
an off season. And I feel like I was way
more kind of like detail oriented with like everything I
did on a day to day basis.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
Tanner Bibby joining us before we came in here, kind
of joking around about age and amount of experience and
things like that maybe it's because you've you've had a
prominent role here in the last couple of years. It
seems like you've been here longer than maybe you truly
have the age and veteran part of it. You should,
you should be in a sweet spot of your career,
(05:35):
I would think right now. And do you feel that
way in terms of a little bit of experience but
still young for sure?
Speaker 3 (05:42):
I mean I feel young as hell. I mean I
feel like I mean, I've been two not even three
full years technically, and people are calling me a veteran.
I don't know if I like it, but I mean,
I guess tech I've been up here the longest, or
I mean Logan's been up here. Actually no, I have
(06:03):
been up here the longest, but Logan's up there too, obviously, Gavin.
So yeah, I mean it's definitely different.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
So when you look around that locker room and spring
training last year, Shane Bieber was still here, obviously not
ready to go at the start of the season. But
do you feel that maybe more of a sense of responsibility,
uh to not only be at your best, but also
some leadership things and guidance for some younger pitchers.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
Yeah, definitely I mean, I'm not gonna be the guy
who kind of, like it like, sticks my nose in
no one's business. But if someone goes to me and
asked questions, like I always want to be the guy
that's very open and very helpful and stuff like that
if they want help from me. I mean, I feel
like that's I feel like at this point, like we're
kind of we're all big boys, like we can kind
of handle our business howe we want. Like if anyone
(06:56):
in that locker room or anyone in the complex was
talking about pitching or anything like, I try to be
as as much of an open book as.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
Possible starting rotation. It's been last year tremendous led the
American League in innings pitched. And how much of that
is an area of focus that just because if you're
pitching the inning is obviously you're pitching, Well, how much
do you look at that going into a season? To add,
(07:23):
if if we can get our innings, things are going
to turn out just fine for sure.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
I Mean, I feel like that's always a big time
goal because I mean I feel like, just from a
winning aspect, if you from game one to Game one
sixty two to game However, many of the playoffs, Like,
if your bullpen is throwing more innings, then they're going
to be more taxed on the stretch. But if we're
if the starters are handling the bulk and the bullpen
(07:49):
can be more fresh for October, that's a way better
recipe for winning. Especially, I feel like for how we
for how we operate, and I feel like that way
is just the best way of the warnings that we
can all we can all throw, it's just gonna be
beneficial for us down the stretch.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
And it seems like it's a Cleveland pitching tradition where
where the starters get better as the season goes along.
Anything to that and maybe a why that you notice,
I feel like.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
It's just kind of the culture that they that they
kind of breed into us. I mean, I feel like
they are so on top of everything of whether they
try not to let stuff get too deep of like
bad habits or pitch selection or anything you want to
look at. I feel like they're very on top of
(08:40):
it and they're very proactive about it. So I feel
like the bad stretches for most people don't last as long.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Dander Bibby joining US team wise postseason three. In the
last four years, you've been a big part of that. Obviously,
As you look around that clubhouse, what has you excited
about this year's team and maybe some concerns as you
head end of the season.
Speaker 3 (09:05):
I mean, I feel like I'm super excited that we
have almost the same the same group back. But for
most of the year last year, I feel like there's
a lot of I want to say, like uncertainty or
like turnover, but there's a lot of important turnover and
a lot of question marks. And I feel like coming
into this year, there's not a ton of question marks,
(09:25):
and I feel like a lot of guys have gotten
more comfortable in their roles. I would say, like, I
feel like you have guys like Shneman and Manzardo who
hadn't pitched in a full season, or even like Slater
or Joey, and Joey still technically hasn't pitched in a
full season, but he's kind of been around enough to
know of what he has to do to succeed and
(09:49):
what he has to do to kind of help everyone
else succeed. And I feel like it's kind of the same.
It's the same thing, and I feel like that's the one.
That's what I'm really excited about seeing everyone kind of
get a little more comfortable, and usually comfort usually means
that successes is followed.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
That's starting pitcher Tanner. Bobby always fun to visit with. Tanner,
always honest about what he's working through and trying to
get to in terms of performance and man, he seems
to be in a good place at this point in
time in the spring. Stay with us when we come back.
We'll hear from left Tander Logan Allen. That's next the
Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Mibe frocks into his delivery and the two to two
swims curveball got him, so Tanner Baby brilliant through three
runner stay.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
The pitch strike three called he knew it?
Speaker 1 (10:44):
What a curveball?
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Wow?
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Mine two looks to second the pitch swinging NMS change
up get him thanks to offering is swung on and
miss fastball in on his hands. Folks, Tanner Baby is pounding,
I mean pounding both sides of the plate with this
fastball and the curve. The slider and the change up
(11:06):
are also outstanding.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
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Speaker 5 (11:18):
I can't believe the deal we got.
Speaker 6 (11:19):
At least seats for the game.
Speaker 5 (11:20):
Wow, they must be pretty high up here. I think
my ears just popped. Yes, put this on.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Is that an oxygen mask?
Speaker 7 (11:26):
An official team oxygen mask?
Speaker 3 (11:28):
Well, I can kind of see the field.
Speaker 1 (11:31):
Is still sharp.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
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Speaker 2 (11:53):
The pitch swaying.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
Ms Beck is a strikeout victim the third for Logan
Allen and Logan al Here we go again. All he
does is goes out there now every fifth day and
gives you six solid innings and keeps giving you a
chance to win every night.
Speaker 2 (12:13):
Welcome back, It's Guardians Weekly. Jim Rosenhause, back with you
from Goodyear, where the exhibition slate Cactus League play starts
later this afternoon. If you're listening to this on the radio,
A three to zero to five first pitch Hammy and
I will be on the air right around three o'clock
on most of our Cleveland Clinic Guardians stations. Logan Allen
(12:34):
had a solid season a year ago, career highs in
starts with twenty nine innings pitched with one hundred and
fifty six, finished eight and eleven with an EER just
to shade over four. He's in spring training camp right
now with the Guardians, but he'll be leaving next week
for Puerto Rico. That's where Panama is playing in the
first round of the World Baseball Classic. He's on the
(12:57):
Panama team, and he explains how well that came about
and his family background that he's very proud to represent.
Speaker 8 (13:05):
Yeah, definitely a point of pride for myself and my family.
My mom is from Panama, originally born and raised there,
came to the United States in her twenties, so I
kind of always thought this would be an opportunity to
represent Panama, represent my family. So yeah, very excited for
the opportunity. Almost played last time around when the WBC
a few years backs. But now I think I'm in
(13:27):
a little bit of a better position, you know, in
my career to you know, take advantage of this opportunity.
So I'm really really excited, really really proud to represent
my family.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
And you mentioned that, and I'm sure the fans look
at it differently depending on who they are, but especially
for pictures. How does that that part of representing your
family and a country kind of outwigh some of the
things of just getting ready for a season.
Speaker 8 (13:49):
Yeah, it's definitely a little different, you know, kind of
thrust it into games a little bit early and playing
competitive baseball this early in the year. But yeah, I
think it's so it's cool to just play for something
so much bigger than yourself, so I think it's easy
to kind of fall into the competition aspect of it.
And yeah, I'm really excited to meet the team and
to get out get after it with the guys.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
So you're pitching for Panama the games early round, Your
early round is in Puerto Rico. How much you're looking
forward to that scene?
Speaker 8 (14:14):
That's gonna be awesome. I've heard someself that all the
games already all sold out, so that should be a
lot of fun. And then my family, of course, being close,
the flight shouldn't be too bad, so have quite a
bit of family out there.
Speaker 5 (14:24):
So really excited about all that.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
So what have you done it to make sure that
you're healthy and ready to go for some key games
early in the spring.
Speaker 8 (14:32):
Yeah, you know, I got out to camp a little
bit earlier than I probably otherwise would have came out
probably two or three weeks early, and.
Speaker 5 (14:39):
Just kind of ramping up it.
Speaker 8 (14:40):
I would say, probably just getting ready for games about
a week or two early than I would have in
another spring training. But yeah, it doesn't feel like it's
too different of a build up, just kind of accelerated
a little bit. So I just got out here early
and kind of hit the ground running once I got
out here.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
Logan Allen joining us pitching in a WBC and gets
that first spring training start. Terms of coming off of
last season, what a breakthrough year for you and when
you had a chance to kind of sit back and
look at it, what were your takeaways from last year?
Speaker 8 (15:08):
The biggest thing was, you know, coming into camp into
a competition aspect. Making the team obviously first and foremost
was a big accomplishment, but just being able to stay
up the whole year. It was the first year has
they've been able to stay there from start to finish,
So that was a huge goal of mine. So definitely,
you know, proud to be able to accomplish that, and
then you know, continue to build off that and continue
to help the team have success and you know, hopefully
make a deep, deeper playoff push this time around.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
So what do you do to make sure you can't?
Because availability such as everyone knows, that's a huge key
in this game. What did you do this offseason to
continue along that path?
Speaker 5 (15:40):
I feel like just kind of hitting training right away.
Speaker 8 (15:41):
I feel like I came into camp probably ten to
fifteen pounds heavier, trying to put on a little bit
of muscle, you know, just in the hopes of being
able to you know, last throughout the season, kind of
stay at tip top shape and being able to hold
my stuff throughout the entirety of the year. So yeah,
just trying to come to a camp a little bigger
and stronger, and then you know, pair that with some
of the experience from on the field and try to
you know, map that together to have some more success.
Speaker 2 (16:02):
All Right, fans listening, they hear you gained weight at
ten to fifteen pounds, How fun is that? What did
you have to do to gain weight? And for some
I know, it's difficult. Talking to former pitcher Tristan McKenzie,
it was always a challenge, But how about.
Speaker 8 (16:15):
For you, Yeah, it definitely sometimes can be a challenge.
But I feel like I just I never really was
a big breakfast guy, and I feel like that was
such a big change, as being able to get that
third meal in mixing and some protein shakes. So just
kind of getting to those calorie goals. But yeah, more
than anything's just trying to get better about eating breakfast.
Speaker 5 (16:32):
I was never really a big breakfast guy.
Speaker 8 (16:33):
And you know, when you go from training in the morning,
you your first meal at two o'clock, it's just kind
of hard to put weight on and keep weight on.
So just trying to get some more meals in. So
what's on the breakfast menu? Oh man, some eggs and
eggs and hashbrows and pancakes, all the good stuff.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
Last year, I know you kind of tinkered with some
different pitch mixes and some different pitches that you thought
would help you, especially to right handed hitters. Anything new
there that you're working on to try and stay that
one step ahead.
Speaker 8 (17:00):
Now, I feel like this is a kind of a
fun off season of being able just to come into
camp with the same stuff and just hone everything in
and have an entire offseason to work with my stuff
and try to get to the best place it can
be to kind of come out ready to go and compete.
But yeah, no new arsenal changes just yet. Hopefully we
don't have to worry about that this year. But it's
a long year and I'm sure we'll mix them in
a long.
Speaker 2 (17:20):
Way and team wise, a lot of familiar faces in here,
maybe more than a lot of years. And how nice
is that though, sometimes to be around a team that
has stayed together and it is growing together.
Speaker 8 (17:32):
Yeah, I feel like that's a big point of you know,
what Voter said when he addresses today, is like, we
played a really good ball down the stretch, and we brought
back a lot of the guys in this clubhouse hour
part of it, and obviously added some new reinforcements to
bolster the team a little bit.
Speaker 5 (17:43):
But it's really cool to.
Speaker 8 (17:44):
Have that experience of what we did last year and
a lot of the guys coming back and knowing what
we're capable of and just kind of hitting the ground
running and hopefully not put ourselves behind the eight ball
a little bit.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
Well, good luck in Puerto Rico for Panama. Have fun
with that.
Speaker 5 (17:57):
Thank you so much, Rosie, appreciate you.
Speaker 2 (17:59):
It's Logan Allen who really had a solid season a
year ago, a part of a deep rotation for the
Guardians last year, and they looked for much of the
same again this season. Stay with us when we come back.
We'll visit with Travis Bazana, the young prospect for the
Guardians in his first major league camp. That comes your
way next on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 9 (18:48):
Well, as you know, we selected Travis Bazana with the
first overall pick and then Major League Baseball Draft, and
we are thrilled to welcome Travis into the organization. We
view him to be a dynamic player. He was a
guy that makes really good swing decisions, controls the strike
zone really well, rarely swings and misses, and can really
impact the baseball And we think he's got a chance
(19:09):
to impact the game in a variety of ways. But
as impressive as he is as an athlete and as
a player, he's just as impressive or more impressive as
a person. He has been relentless, I think from the
time he was three years old to take advantage of
every resource available to him to become the best baseball
player he can possibly be. And I think if you've
(19:30):
heard him speak, he's very passionate about the opportunity he
has to help us win games and through that platform,
elevate the profile of baseball in Australia.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Himro was announced back with you from Goodyear, Arizona Guardian
spring training. The weather's been been great by Cleveland standards,
but they're looking for things to warm up a little
bit out here as it was in the sixties most
of the week and oh a little chili for VOTs
around here. Funny to hear them talk about that after
the winter that we had back in northeast Ohio. Our
(20:07):
next guest, he's been a lot of his winter in
Australia as well as here in Goodyear at second baseman.
Travis Bizana the first overall pick in the twenty twenty
four amateur draft in all of baseball, and he had
an injury played twenty twenty five season, limited to just
eighty four games in the minor leagues, but fully healthy
now and he's in his first major league camp and
(20:30):
we asked him about that. The excitement that surrounds. Being
around the major leaguers for that first time.
Speaker 10 (20:36):
It's been awesome the resources here, being around the coaching staff,
and then I mean being around the guys that laid
this group, you know, Hosey Kwan, Hedges all the rest.
He's great for the quality of work we all put in,
and I'm learning from them every day and really enjoying it.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
You mentioned learning, and I feel like that's such a
key part of what makes you the player you are.
What did you learn from last year with some ups
and downs, especially you know, trying to get on the
field as often as you could.
Speaker 10 (21:05):
Yeah, I think you learn how much your passion and
love for the game shows through when it gets taken
away from you, and sometimes you need that remind us. So,
I mean, it made all the games I got back
out there after the injury, the first one a little
more I took. I was grateful for being back on
(21:28):
the field, but just got to continue to take care
of my body every single day so I can play
full seasons because that's what I want to do.
Speaker 6 (21:36):
And yeah, I say that's the main thing.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
And I know you went home for the off season.
Why was that important to you at this stage? Of
your career to get back home for a little bit
in the off season.
Speaker 10 (21:46):
Yeah, I've kind of always head home for a month
during the off seasons.
Speaker 6 (21:52):
It's just nice.
Speaker 10 (21:52):
I mean it's hard to spend a lot of time
with family if they have to come to the US
because it's a long trip, but they get out here,
so me going back is nice to just be around,
be grounded with where I grew up, training and hanging
out with family and just kind of decompressing and.
Speaker 6 (22:15):
Before I prepare for the season.
Speaker 11 (22:17):
Over you, Yeah, we talked so much about the the
physical side of the game, but I would think that
mental side for you is very important, especially considering the
distance to family.
Speaker 10 (22:28):
Definitely, it always it's kind of a good reset and
you see see everything from the right perspective when you
get kind of grounded back at home, I guess, and
I enjoy that.
Speaker 2 (22:42):
Travis Bizana joining us the World Baseball Classic, You're playing
in it for Australia. You've been an international competition at
different levels before. What makes it exciting and why was
it important for you this year to do that?
Speaker 6 (22:56):
Yeah?
Speaker 10 (22:56):
For me, it's I have an opportunity to really impact
baseball's community in Australia and grow it. There's a lot
of room for growth, and there's a lot of room
for people to understand that you can kind of get
into American sports and explore outside of basic Australian sports
(23:19):
and every chance to play on the world stage, whether
that be in the MLB and future in the World
Baseball Classic, chances to have success in those will help
the game of baseball back home and that's special to
me and I've kind of always wanted to play in
this tournament.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
Can you give us a scout and report on Team Australia.
How are they looking in their bracket?
Speaker 5 (23:40):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (23:40):
Strong?
Speaker 10 (23:41):
I mean, I feel like we're going to do a
really good job at winning the close ball game. That's
what tournament baseball is all about. It's what playoff baseball
is all about. Is can the players have the mental
two get the job done? The one percent is execute
the little things when it matters most. And I think
we have a really good group for that. I like
how our offense looks, and I think we're going to
(24:03):
have a lot of success in.
Speaker 2 (24:05):
Your opening round games or in Japan. You've been there before.
Why do you like it so much?
Speaker 4 (24:11):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (24:11):
I love being in Japan. It's a something about it.
Speaker 10 (24:16):
There's just an atmosphere being in Japan, whether that comes
from the culture, such a strong culture. People are lovely
and the baseball environment is top notch. They care so
much about the game of baseball and love it, so
all of it is great, And I just enjoy the time.
Speaker 2 (24:37):
The Travis Bizana joining US off season, people talking about
the roster, and and your name always comes up. And
in today's day and age, top prospects know that people
are talking about them. How do you handle that? The
expectations and when is he going to be here and
all that kind of stuff.
Speaker 10 (24:54):
Yeah, I mean, at some point it's like it's not
really anything to handle it. It's more just like going
about my business and caring about that the right way.
Speaker 6 (25:04):
I think.
Speaker 10 (25:06):
Yeah, everyone has the right to their opinions and how
what they think of players. But all I can control
is going out there and getting better every day and
putting myself in a position to really help this team
win at some point soon enough, And I'm doing everything
I can to be the best player I can be,
and I think soon enough, I'll be hopefully helping this
(25:29):
team in Cleveland. And yeah, the pressure expectations goes away
once you're kind of in the white lines.
Speaker 6 (25:36):
And I've been doing this a long long time.
Speaker 10 (25:39):
I feel like I get into the right state to
play and that stuff's kind of left behind.
Speaker 2 (25:45):
And I would think one of the fun things that's
spring training for you as an infielder, A good part
of your day you're spending with Jose Ramirez and what's
that like with one of the best players in the game.
Speaker 10 (25:57):
It's I can't kin't of over state what it's like
to do the work with Hosey.
Speaker 5 (26:06):
Man.
Speaker 10 (26:06):
Just he makes it so fun for everyone around them
while working so hard, and he's rubbing off on me
the right way, and I just can't wait to continue
to learn from him and understand why and what he's
done to be so great for so long. But he's
He's incredible.
Speaker 2 (26:28):
It's Travis Bizana. Be interesting to see his route to
the major leagues and how quickly he's able to make
that push and start to be under consideration for a
spot on the major league roster. Be fun to watch
him this spring. Stay with us. We'll have our final
segment of Guardians Weekly with new bench coach Tony Arnerich.
That's next don the Cleveland Clinic. Guardians Radio that will.
Speaker 4 (27:00):
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(27:42):
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Speaker 5 (27:44):
Thanks again for taking me to the game. Man, I
can't wait to get in there. By the way, what's
in the bag?
Speaker 2 (27:49):
Oh? I bring my own hot dog and peanuts saves
a ton, oh, Sammy? And what about the beach chairs?
Why buy seats when you can save big and bring
your own.
Speaker 5 (27:56):
We can't get in without tickets. Tickets?
Speaker 2 (27:58):
What do you think the portable teas don't save money?
Speaker 4 (28:01):
Pretending to go to the game, you could save one hundreds.
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Speaker 2 (28:18):
Welcome back to Guardian's Weekly Jim Rosenhouse along with you
from Goodyear Arizona Guardians Spring training, and our last guest
is new bench coach Tony Arnerich, taking over a spot
vacated by Craig Albernas, who did great work in his
two seasons as the Guardian's bench coach, and that earned him,
in large part the Baltimore Orioles manager's job, and he's
(28:40):
now across the country in Florida for spring training with
the Orioles, and Tony Arneritz takes over in that spot
right next to Steven Vote in the dugout. And obviously
there's so many other things that are a part of
the bench coach position. Nine years with the Seattle Mariners,
five years in pro ball as a player prior to that,
(29:00):
And when we caught up with Tony just prior to
spring training beginning, one of the things we talked about
was the facial similarities to his manager, Steven Votes. But no,
it's funny.
Speaker 7 (29:11):
We've been joked about it ever since he was with
the A's and I was a hitting coach with the Mariners.
Some of our guys even call me Tony Votes. So
and then and then the comments on the hiring on
social media and saying, you know, the voter hire himself
and is that his uncle? And so it's always fun
and people people always give us, you know, a hard
(29:31):
time about it.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
And you had a chance to work with him on
the staff in Seattle the year prior to his being
named manager. Here is only yours as a coach in
the major leagues and how closely did you guys work together,
and what did you see then that that maybe indicated
some future success as a major league manager.
Speaker 7 (29:49):
You know, we both were former catchers. He obviously played
longer and higher up than I ever did, and so
we hit it off right away, like a lot of
catchers do, just talking shop. And then our work with
Cal we collaborated a lot with him on the catching
side of things. But you know the person that he is,
He's just so infectious and he and I got along
great from the start. We spent the All Star Break
(30:11):
together that year, so it really was it was just
right away we had a connection and we see things
I would say pretty similar, and just both being catchers,
we just love to talk shop and talk to game
and I think that's where the connection started. And then
we've just kept in touch ever since, and things like
(30:31):
this kind of come up and they move fast, and
all of a sudden, we're teammates again. So I'm excited
to be by his side, that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (30:38):
New Guardians bench coach Tony Arnerich is joining us, and
Tony I think the role is different depending on who
fills it with Craig Albernas. Certainly the back and forth
during games discussing strategy things like that, just a tip
of the iceberg on some of the things that he
brought for you in terms of the role. And for
(30:59):
fans who don't know what a bench coach does, what
do you anticipate as we get closer to the season
and then during the season, Well.
Speaker 7 (31:06):
I think it's just a combination of things. It's relationship building,
it's connecting, you know, different departments, connecting players and coaches
and making sure everybody's informed, and then helping Voter understand
and you know, be able to brainstorm different options and
help him make an educated decision.
Speaker 8 (31:23):
Night in, a night out, whatever that may be.
Speaker 7 (31:26):
But there's a lot of that goes into pregame where
where a lot of decisions are discussed pregame and so
hopefully you have a decent game plan going in each night.
And then from there it's about feel and gut and
you know, just talking it through with each other and
with the different coaches, and it's just a collaboration. And
I see myself as just how can I support Voter
(31:47):
and the other and the other staff members and how
can I just give them the best information so that
we can all make good decisions night in and night out.
You know, I really pride myself on just connection, and
that's where I hope I can add a lot of
values just to can acting with the players, the staff,
the medical staff, the strength staff, you know, everybody that's
involved on the day to day. Can I be that
(32:08):
conduit and help people get better each day and hopefully
keep us all kind of pulling on the same rope
and going down the lane and not get too far
off what our plan is. And so I'm just excited
to get those relationships going and then and then get
started here in a few weeks down in Arizona.
Speaker 2 (32:27):
And you mentioned those relationships and maybe sticking specifically with
with those player relationships. I'm sure you're trying to get
up to speed as best you can as quickly as possible.
Eight seasons in a couple of different roles with the Mariners.
How do you do it here with players that maybe
you haven't come across before to make sure you can
hit the ground running.
Speaker 7 (32:48):
Well, I think you just have to go down and
learn about the player and what makes them tick, and
what their wives are and who they are as a person.
I think you know, starting point is can I get
to know them and who they are and what makes
them tick? And then from there you know what do
they need and what are their goals and what did
(33:08):
they want to achieve in their career? And then from
from there it's okay, how can.
Speaker 2 (33:12):
I help them?
Speaker 7 (33:13):
And it's hard over the phone. I'll be honest, and
then to get a job and then work remotely basically
for two months, it's hard to develop those relationships. But
knowing how the clubhouse is, you know, a couple of
weeks into spring training, I'm sure we're gonna be probably
giving each other a hard time and joking around, and
it'll feel like we've known each other for you know,
(33:33):
years maybe, But that's the beauty of the clubhouse. You're
around each other so much, and then it just becomes
learning about each guy and putting the effort in the
time to get to know everybody. And I think that's
one of my strengths. And so that's why I'm excited
to get down in person, because it's a lot different
when you sit across the table from somebody than it is,
you know, on a telephone call. So just excited to
(33:55):
get down there and introduce myself and and just get
get to work.
Speaker 2 (34:00):
New Guardians bench coach Tony Arnerich is joining us. Got
a chance in your role on the catching side of
things for a while with Seattle to work with Cal Raley,
who put together a season for the Ages a year ago.
We see that. But to get to that point that
the work that goes in for him and some of
(34:22):
the things that you and the staff there and Seattle
were able to do, what were some of the keys
to helping him have the type of season that he
had a year ago.
Speaker 7 (34:31):
Yeah, I think it started back when we drafted him,
and I think it was twenty eighteen. So Cal and
I were together for the length of his career as
so far as a Mariner and being the catching coach
for all those years. He and I got close, and
I think the biggest thing with Cal is just he
learned how to manage one hundred and sixty two game
(34:53):
season when you're going to catch a lot of those games,
and so it's just managing his day. He's a switch hitter,
so he's got her left hand swing, a right hand
and swing. He's got meetings about game planning, he's got
meetings for just as a catcher, to our catcher's meetings,
and so just managing his day but also managing his body.
I think was one of the biggest keys the last
(35:15):
couple of years of just learning how to be a
major league baseball player and what it takes to be
consistent over over a whole season, because it's a long
season and the game can kind of eat you up
a little bit. And you know, Cal's success was definitely
not linear. He had multiple stints where he got sent
down to the minor leagues and it's just been a
continuous learning process for him. And that's part of why
(35:38):
I'm excited about this Cleveland group too, is you know,
especially the position players, there's so many young guys that
are learning how to not only get to the big leagues,
but just exist and be a consistent performer. And so
I'm hoping I can be of help for that. You know,
nothing better than seeing what Cal did. He's a great person,
great leader, and he continues to grow, and just like
anything in life, guys that are continuing to want to
(36:00):
better and put in the work, he's it's paying off.
So just a tribute to who he is as a
person and a worker and couldn't be happy for happier
for the year, for him for the year.
Speaker 2 (36:10):
He had and staying on that catching front, the Guardians
have a good young catcher and bow Naylor as part
of their catching corps. What have you learned about him
early on that has you excited to see how he develops?
Speaker 7 (36:22):
Well, I mean he's just he's a good athlete and
he continues to get better. I've you know, been able
to watch being in the bullpen the last two years.
We're pretty close, especially in Cleveland where we're right above
each other, and just watching him work in the bullpen,
pregame with his starter and the attention to detail, like
he's not going through the motions, like he is engaged,
(36:43):
giving feedback and just talking to him. The type of
person he is, very similar to Cal seems like he
wants to continue to get better. You know, he's twenty
five years old. And then and then to have Hedgy
next to him, you know, and Fry. I mean that's
a good group of catchers, and but you know, learning
from Hedgy as well. He's been around the league for
a long time and I know that he's had a
(37:06):
big impact on Bo and he even had a big
impact on Cal as well, and so that just says
a lot about who Hedgy is as a leader. But
with Bo, just continue to learn how to be a
consistent player and the big leagues again is similar to Cal,
so I'm excited to get to work with him as well.
Speaker 2 (37:25):
That's Tony Arnerich, the new bench coach for the Guardians,
a varied background and that will come in handy as
he navigates his first season with the Cleveland Guardians in
that dugout and that's going to do it for our
show this week. Again, if you're listening on the radio
on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network, Baseball Cactus League
Style this afternoon will be on the air shortly before
(37:48):
three three to zero five. First pitch, Hammy, you'll have
the call for you at the beginning, and we'll be
happy to bring you Guardians Baseball against the Reds this
afternoon from Goodyear Ballpark until next week. Thanks to Brian
Matze has always for putting together our show each and
every week until then. This is Jim Rosenhouse reminding you
that you've been listening to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland
(38:11):
Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 1 (38:19):
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