April 4, 2026 • 39 mins
The Guardians finally return home after a seven game trip out West to start the season, we'll recap all of the highlights from a great series in Los Angeles and an exciting home opener at Progressive Field. Plus, Austin Hedges joins the show to talk about reaching the ten year milestone in his big league career. Also, young starter Parker Messick talks about his successful spring that led to a spot in the starting rotation. 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. Hi, everyone, welcome Guardian's Weekly.
(01:01):
Jim Rosen House along with you from Progressive Field in
downtown Cleveland, where the Guardians have opened their home schedule
after a week on the road to begin the year,
and they did so in style on Friday with a
fun home opening win over the Chicago Cups. Good show
lined up for you today, as in just a little
(01:22):
bit we will get into our weekend review and what
a start to the season it has been for Cleveland.
We'll also here from catcher Austin Hedges, who celebrated ten
years of service time in the major leagues. That is
a milestone for any player. Doesn't happen often, but it
has happened for Austin Hedges. We'll also hear from Parker Messick,
(01:43):
who got off to a great start in his first
start of the season, as well as relief pitcher Eric Sabrowski,
and we'll talk to Sandy Alabarm about opening day memories
at Jacob's and then Progressive Field. That's all coming up
as Guardians Weekly gets rolling on the Cleveland Clinic, Guardians
Radio Edworth and everybody on their feet here and downtown Cleveland.
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Speaker 1 (02:56):
Welcome back to Guardians Weekly, Jim Rosenhouse along with you,
Ressive Field in downtown Cleveland, and it's great to be
home again. After the season started on the road with
a challenging road trip, first to Seattle, where the team
split four games, and then on to Dodgers Stadium in
Los Angeles against the two time defending world champion Los
(03:19):
Angeles Dodgers saw a real battle for the Guardians, but
they played well, including on Monday night. As we picked
things up in the third inning of the series opener,
the game was still scoreless and Austin Hedges was leading
it off with his first at bat of the season.
Now the one two pitch, swinging a little looping liner
to right near the line. Fair ball, it'll score down
(03:42):
that corner. On his way a second tucker up, throwing
head first, slide in a double, and everybody in that
first base dugout, up standing and cheering for Austin Hedges.
First a band of the year, and he slices a
double into the right field corner. Next time on hell
Martinez laid down a sack bunt, moving Hedges to third,
(04:04):
and then Stephen Kwan delivered down the two zero pitch.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Swinging a line drive basin down the right field line.
This will go all the way to the wall. Hedges
can walk home.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Stephen Kwan in standing with an RBI double, his first
extra mason, his second RBI of the season, and it's
one nothing. Cleveland on a couple of doubles here off
Roki Sasaki from Austin Hedges and Stephen Kwan. Meanwhile on
the mound for the Guardians, Parker Messik made his first
(04:37):
start of the season, and he was dazzling against the
powerful Dodgers lineup. Now the three to two to Otani
before it's made through a second almost got him. Arius says, challenge,
Rojas almost got picked off. He dove back in on
that timing play between Messeic and Arius and Cleveland's challenging
(05:00):
the call boy. This is a big challenge early on
to fill his overturn the runners out Cleveland with retainers.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
The one with a great challenge.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
Great job by Gunner Wilhelmi making that call from the
video replay room in the Cleveland Clubhouse, and Rojas has
been picked off runner at first two down.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Messig's ready, here it comes swinging.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
NMSC struck out Tucker and worked out of that jam
with a great pickoff. In the seventh, three straight singles
from Hedges, Martinez and Kwan loaded the bases, but Los
Angeles would get the next two hitters and it was
up to Rehys Hoskins to keep the inning going. Fulld
count from an O two to a three to two count,
(05:50):
traveling time for Hedges, Martinez and Kwan the payoff pitch.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
Before he missed with a slider. They're inside.
Speaker 1 (06:01):
Guardians taken to nothing lead on a basis loaded walk
to Rese Hoskins, and that's at the table for Daniel
Sneaman to cap off the big seventh inning rally. The
three to one delivery to Schneeman, swung on trill piece
hit in the left center. It's in the Capital'll go
(06:21):
near the warning track, scoring our Martinez and Kwan throw
the second in sliding with a double at Sneaman. Hoskins
stops at third and Daniel Schneaeman with a game breaking
out two run double the left center and Cleveland finally
gets that crooked number. The Dodgers did get on the
(06:43):
scoreboard with two runs in the ninth, but the Guardians
four runs were plenty as Kate Smith finished things up.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Here's the payoff.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Pinch swung On grounded the third, Ramirez gobbles throws ball game.
Guardians win the first day, the Dodgers four to two.
Game two of the series was Tuesday night at Dodger
Stadium and with shohey Otani on the mound, a tall
order for the Guardians, and the Dodgers won it by
(07:12):
a score of four to one, So that set up
the rubber game of the series and the road trip
finale on Wednesday night. The Guardians got things started in
the third Daniel Schneman with a leadoff double, and then
he found a way to manufacture the game's first run.
Taking off from second, Schneman pitched down and in throw
the third goes into left field. Sneaming with a head
(07:33):
first slide. Now gets up and Trot's home. What nothing,
Cleveland and the Guardians make something happen. Sneaming with a
leadoff double, got a great break and stole third, and
Will Smith threw the ball aerrodly in the left field
as he short hopped Munsey at third, and the Guardians
(07:54):
laid one to nothing and they'll take a run anyway
they can.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
Then Gabrielarius showed some power.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Now the three to one pitch to Gabrielarius and he
hits one high in the air to deep center pa
he is back on the.
Speaker 3 (08:08):
Track at the wall leaps it is gone.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
Gabriel Larius with his second hit of the year, a
towering home run to center and Cleveland with a two
nothing lead as Gabrielarius got a curveball.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
And wasn't fool.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Meanwhile on the mound, Gavin Williams was dazzling in his
second start of the new season. One and two the
count on the Dodger catcher Will Smith, the only two
hit singles by Andy Poe has nine strikeouts for Gavin
Williams now at eighty four pitches, here's the kick in
the delivery.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Swinging and a mess got him of the heater.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Still throwing ninety five miles per hour, and Gavin Williams
with his fifth career double digit strikeout game. In the eighth,
with a runner on and two outs, Jose Ramirez stepped
in again the O two swing on.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Hit high, hit deep to left, down the line, it goes.
It is a fair ball, a two run homer.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
Jose Ramirez with his first bomb of the year. It
is four nothing Cleveland. Dave Roberts turned Jose around and
let him ben right handed. That's his strong suit and
he got down in the count oh two to Tanner Scott.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
And still made him pay.
Speaker 4 (09:38):
Ow.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
What a bomb down the line and left by Jose Ramirez.
Speaker 3 (09:44):
Four nothing Cleveland.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
In the eighth, the Dodgers broke up the shutout bid
in the ninth inning with a solo home run off
the bat of Freddie Freeman, but that would be it,
as once again Kate Smith got the job done.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
The three to two pitch swung on head high deep
to center.
Speaker 4 (10:03):
Back of Sneeman on the.
Speaker 3 (10:05):
Track at the ball makes the catch.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
Bowl Game and the Guardians go four and three to
Seattle and Dodger Stadium. They take the series here in
La beating Los Angeles.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Four to one.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
So it was a happy flight back to Cleveland for
the Guardians. An off day Thursday and then the home
opener on Friday, late afternoon. And what a great day
it was. Festivities all around downtown Cleveland, a beautiful day
weatherwise for the most part. And let's listen in before
the game as Tom Hamilton was down on the field
announcing the Guardians starting lineup.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
Are you folks ready for a little baseball?
Speaker 5 (10:51):
Well, we welcome you to one hundred and twenty five
seasons of Cleveland Baseball, a legacy that began in nineteen
oh one on and still thrives here on the.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Shores of Lake Erie.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Throughout the years, our story has unfolded, written by every player,
every team, every fan, and every unforgettable moment. As we
reflect on the last one hundred and twenty five years,
it's those unforgettable moments that have shaped what Cleveland baseball
is and what it means to this city. Please turn
(11:26):
your attention to the scoreboard and we take a look
back at some of those great and unforgettable moments. Baseball
is one of Cleveland's oldest traditions, and this year we're
celebrating our one hundred and twenty five seasons as a
charter member of the American League, dating back to nineteen
oh one. We are home to a rich baseball history,
(11:49):
passionate fans, and commitment to teamwork. Over the decades, Cleveland
has built its reputation on resilience and breaking barriersby shattered
the American League's color barrier in nineteen forty seven, just
weeks after Brooklyn Dodgers legend Jackie Robinson's debut. In nineteen
(12:10):
forty eight, Satchel Paige becomes the first black pitcher in
American League history, and twenty eight years later, Frank Robinson
made history here as well, serving as Major League Baseball's
first black manager in nineteen seventy five, yet another testament
to Cleveland's role in making the game more inclusive. On
(12:31):
the field, Cleveland has delivered unforgettable moments. The team has
won two World Series Championships in nineteen twenty and nineteen
forty eight. From the power pack teams of the nineteen
nineties to the electrifying twenty two game win streak in
twenty seventeen, the longest in American League history. Cleveland Baseball
(12:52):
has always stood for drama and excellence. Our players and
legends are immortalized throughout progressive feel. Statues honor Hall of
famers Bob Feller, Lou Boudreaux, Larry Doby, Frank Robinson, and
Jim Tomey. Their numbers, along with those of Earl April,
mel Harder, Bob Lemon, and Early Win are retired in
(13:14):
recognition of their singular impact. Cleveland has produced MVPs, Cy
Young Award Winners, Gold Clovers, Silver Sluggers, and Rookies of
the Year. The city has sent more than thirty five
players and managers to the Hall of Fame, with Jose
Ramirez knocking on the door to be next. Few stories
(13:37):
capture the loyalty of Cleveland fans better than the incredible
four hundred and fifty five games sellout streak during the
nineteen nineties and early two thousands of then major League
record that showcased the city's on wavering support no matter
the score. In fact, since its construction in nineteen ninety four,
(13:59):
Progressive Field has provided the city and its fans with
more walk off wins than any other active ballpark in
Major League Baseball. Welcome to the one hundred and twenty
fifth anniversary of Cleveland Baseball. And as always that had
the crowd fired up and on the mound, Joey Cantillo
(14:21):
got off to a nice start. Cantilla does not use
the wind up left hander works from the set. Nico
Horner steps in the set and today's first pitch swung
on rolled a short gobbled up by Arius Plants.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
Throws one pitch, one out, and we're underway.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Here at the corner of Carnegiean, Ontario, the one hundred
and twenty fifth season of Cleveland's Major League baseball team.
The Cup struck first with a run in the third
inning to take the early lead, but in the fifth
the Guardians responded with a couple of men on and
chased the latter at the plate. Here's the one to oh.
(14:57):
It swung outline the left ped'll get down for a pay,
he said, what run is in? They're gonna try and
score Arias that throws a beauty. He slides and he
is out. So the tying run comes in on the
base hit by de Laughter. The go ahead run is
thrown out at the plate. Really nice throw by the
left fielder, hap, and we'll head to the sixth tied
(15:19):
at one. The game remained tied at one until the
seventh inning. That's when gabriel Arius stepped in.
Speaker 3 (15:27):
It's just a.
Speaker 1 (15:28):
Glorious day in Cleveland's seventy degrees at game time, shadows
covering the infield, down the pitch.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
Swinging and dry deep right field. Shaw going back track,
wolf Don.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
Gabriel Arius stayed on that pitch away and drove it
into the lower deck and right his second home run
of the campaign, and he'll enjoy that jog around the bases.
Has just put Cleveland on top two to one. Here
in the seventh inning, looked like he got a slider
(16:08):
away and he didn't chase.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
He stayed on it and hammered it.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Two batters later, Stephen Kwan drew a walk to keep
the inning going, and then Chase the Latter sent the
home crowd into a frenzy. Now the three to one
to the latter, and he drives.
Speaker 6 (16:26):
It to deep right way out of hair way deepen
of the.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
Lower deck, a missile a right the fifth home run
off the bat of Chase the Latter.
Speaker 3 (16:42):
How did he hammer that one deepen of.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
The lower deck in right and the Guardians laid it
by a score, now four to one. The Guardian's bullpen
was off to another great start. They kept the Cubs
off the board through the eighth inning and then is
Kate Smith on trying to save it in the ninth,
everybody on their feet at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.
(17:08):
Four to one, Cleveland two down a runner at first
the one two pitch.
Speaker 3 (17:13):
Sway NMS ball game.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
They went dad red and blew it away on Dansby
Swanson and Kate Smith strikes out the side and Cleveland
wins its home opener to go to five and three,
and they rode the outstanding pitching and the seventh inning
long balls from Gabriel Larius and Chase the Latter. Guardians
(17:39):
a winner today by a final score of four to one.
So a really fun week to get the season going
with the season opening road trip to Seattle in Los
Angeles and then by just a festive home opener, good
play by the Guardians and a winning game against the Cubs.
All in all, a great week to start the year.
(18:00):
And it continues on Saturday night at seven fifteen at
Progressive Field and then Sunday the series finale at one
before the Royals come to town early next week. Stay
with us when we come back. We'll visit with Guardians
catcher Austin Hedges. He reached the milestone this week and
we'll talk to him about it.
Speaker 3 (18:35):
Now.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
The one two pitch, swinging a little looping liner to
right near the line, fair ball, It'll squirt down that corner, honest,
Wait a second, tucker up throwing head first, slide in
a double, and everybody in that first base dugout upstanding
and cheering for Austin Hedges. First a band of the year,
(18:56):
and he slices a double into the right field corner.
The pitch swing on drill the left. There's a Mason.
Speaker 3 (19:03):
How about that?
Speaker 1 (19:04):
Austin Heads just celebrating ten years in the Major League
saying mammoth milestone for any major leaguer has doubled the
right and now drill to single the left. Jim Rosanow's
back with you. It's Guardians Weekly. We're in downtown Cleveland,
a progressive field. Honestly, it is great to be able
to say that it has been a long time since
(19:25):
we've been here spring training and then that first week
on the road, So it's great to be home. And
what a fun time on Friday for the home opener.
But some highlights from the road included Austin Hedges on
Monday reaching ten years of major league service time. That
is a huge milestone for most It means he's fully
(19:45):
vested in the pension program, and there's a lot of
other things that make it worthwhile for a player who
can last that long in Major League Baseball. And one
of the keys is not many do. Less than ten
percent of the players who have played this great game
in history have reached ten years of major league service time.
Hegi did it on Monday, had a couple of hits
(20:07):
in the game, helping the Guardians to a four to
two win over the Dodgers, and we caught up with
him the next day. And he talked about why that
ten year mark means so much to him.
Speaker 7 (20:18):
I mean, it's you know, everybody's everybody's dream as a
kid is to get to the big leagues, and that
right there is really really.
Speaker 8 (20:25):
Hard to do.
Speaker 7 (20:26):
And then once you make it, it's then everybody's dream
to make ten years. And you know, throughout the whole
journey of my career wasn't clear that that was going
to happen, and took some really hard work and some
ups and downs, a little luck involved, but to be
able to accomplish that is one of the proudest moments
(20:47):
in my life.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
You mentioned that the challenges. Is there a point early
on where you say, hey, I'm going to be doing
this forever and ten years that'll be easy.
Speaker 7 (20:57):
Of course, right when you get to the big leagues,
like I'm gonna get ten years, I'm gonna hit five
million homers, I'm gonna win twenty World Series, you know,
all the all the things that you you dream of,
that you want. And my career took a different path
and I wouldn't change it for the world because it
brought me to you know where I am right now
in this organization, and I couldn't be any more grateful.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
So the game last night, you get in there and
you have two heads, You're a key contributor to the game.
Is it funny how baseball works sometimes where you get
that opportunity and come through on a special day.
Speaker 7 (21:29):
Yeah, there's definitely some some divine presence out there last
night that was looking down on me, I think, rewarding
me for continuing.
Speaker 9 (21:37):
To just keep going.
Speaker 7 (21:38):
You know, as hard as it was, just I just
kept going. And you know, whoever's up there upstairs was
definitely looking down on me and rewarded me for some
of that. And that was pretty cool.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
And mom and Dad were here, and what does that
mean to have them here and what are some of
the things maybe that they were a help able to
help you push through as a youngster or when you
even got into Pro Bowl.
Speaker 7 (22:00):
I mean, I'm an only child. I grew up in
southern California, my dad grew up in La so we
came to Dodger games all the time as a kid.
So to have them here kind of like it's almost
like where it all started, all full circle. And I
mean they were there for every step of the journey.
And I mean the amount of things that they've helped
me with that they continue to help me with are countless,
(22:22):
but just to be able to share the moment with
them made it even more special.
Speaker 1 (22:26):
Tom brought up a great point during the game of
how few make it to ten years who actually play
in the major leagues and it's under ten percent. Were
you aware of that and does it make it even
more appreciative of of what you've been able to do?
Speaker 3 (22:40):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (22:41):
Yeah, very aware.
Speaker 7 (22:41):
I mean that's one of the reasons why it's kind
of the pinnacle of the sports to get to that
ten years, because it's so rare, so hard to do,
and I'm aware that not a whole lot of people
have done it, And once again, it just makes me
extremely proud.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
And we're doing this at your locker, which is decorated
with all kinds of great stuff. Some we can talk about,
some we can't. But your teammates obviously a big part
of it. And what was it like to share it
with them either before or after the game?
Speaker 7 (23:06):
I mean, that was probably the biggest thing. Is you know,
I show up every day with a smile on my
face looking forward to seeing all these guys. I can't
wait to go to war with them for one sixty two,
and you know, in this group is really really, really special,
and the love that they showed me, you know, I
knew they loved me, but they really they went overboard
(23:26):
and just it was quite emotional, and I'm so grateful.
Speaker 1 (23:31):
For all of them. It's been a pleasure to have
some of those ten years here in Cleveland with us.
And Hedging, congratulations, thank you, Thanks Versing. That's Guardians catcher
Austin Hedges, and good for him. We'll see how much
longer he's able to go on this game, but it
is a challenge just to get to ten years, and
he has done that, and he's had a lot of
fun along the way too and been part of some
(23:52):
really good teams, and certainly the Guardians value what he
brings here. Left handed pitcher Parker Messik made the club
in this starting rotation coming out of spring training, and
he was terrific in his first start of the season
on Monday at Dodger Stadium. He got the win, pitching
six shutout innings five strikeouts against that dangerous Los Angeles lineup.
(24:15):
We had a chance to visit with him prior to
the start, and he talked about how good it felt
to have a great spring training that allowed him to
make the opening day roster for the first time in
his young career.
Speaker 8 (24:26):
Yeah, this is definitely up there. It's honestly almost almost
a little cooler because you know, it's more of a
team thing, and you know, you kind of get a
pitcher out of the season when you get the debut,
and you're kind of waiting on one opportunity. But this
is something that you know, you've kind of collectively earned
over a long process, you know, over spring training, and
it's just one of those another cool milestone that I
(24:47):
get across off the list, and you know, I'm super
pumped for it.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
And you mentioned over spring training, but I know you
were saying earlier in the spring things really went well.
In the offseason went well that landed you in a
good spot by the time you got to Good Year.
Speaker 4 (25:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 8 (25:01):
I think everything that I work on at the Florida
Baseball Armory compared with what Cleveland gave me to work
on in the off season. I mean I just attacked
some you know, specific things, added a new pitch that's
you know, I think it's going to be a big
plus in the arsenal whenever I you know, however, I
decide to use it, and just working on a consistent
delivery that's allowed me to throw strikes and I've done
a pretty good job of that this spring training. I
(25:22):
feel comfortable throwing you know, all six pitches in the
zone at any given time. So I feel like I'm
just in a really good spot to go out there
and compete, you know, when the when of the flights
are on.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
One of the things that that the coaching staff has
said about you is your routines are impeccable. That Baseball armory,
you've been going there a long time. How have they
prepared you to be in a spot where you can
have the type of routines that matter.
Speaker 4 (25:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 8 (25:45):
I everything I do I want to have a purpose
to it. And I think that the stuff that they do,
whether it's you know, your prep, you're warm up, you're
stretching along with you know what Cleveland's been able to
help me out to do, it's just it all has
a purpose and it all is, you know, specified to me.
So I'm able to go out there and do something
that it's actually going to help me in the game
instead of just loosening up something that doesn't need to
(26:07):
be loosened or working on something that.
Speaker 1 (26:09):
I really need to be working on.
Speaker 8 (26:11):
Everything is specific to me, and it's just helped me
pave a way to have a good routine throughout the season.
I'm always able to change it as needed, so it's
just really helped me out and you know, hopefully I'll
be able to continue the rest of the year.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
Parker Messik joining us going into spring training.
Speaker 3 (26:25):
Six pictures for five spots, and you have to know that, how.
Speaker 8 (26:28):
Did you handle that mental side of it competing for
a spot? Yeah, you just try not to think about it.
Just you know, it was my first big league camp,
so I wanted to take everything a day at a
time and just you know, go out there and do
my thing. I was more interested in seeing how everything
you know, I worked on the off season was going
to apply to spring training. So that was my biggest
focus and you know, let the Lord handle the rest
whatever happens after that.
Speaker 1 (26:48):
And with that said, when you get the news late
in the spring, your reaction and how did they deliver
that news to.
Speaker 8 (26:55):
You, Yeah, I'm all glory to God. Reaction was just
purely thankful and you know, full of gratitude, just thankful
that I'm able to be in this position, and you know,
they did a good job of, you know, keeping it
kind of nonchalant, like, hey, you earned it, let's go now,
let's go to work, and then at the same time made.
Speaker 1 (27:09):
It pretty special.
Speaker 8 (27:10):
You know, Voter and Carl pulled me aside separately and
congratulated me, you know, told me I worked hard, earned
it basically, So you know, it's just cool thing to
hear that from you know, those guys, and you know
know that they have confidence in me going into the season.
Speaker 1 (27:23):
And oh, by the way, you're a part of a
really good starting rotation. What do you learn from them?
And what's it like being a part of that.
Speaker 8 (27:30):
Yeah, I've been able to learn from them, I mean
all the way from the time that I debuted, and
it's just super cool. Like, you know, we're all joking
around the dugout, but half the time we're talking about
pitches or what this guy hits, what this guy doesn't hit.
So you're just always learning from each other. And you know,
when you're a part of a really talented young rotation,
you know we're we just always get to piggyback off
each other learn you know, from each other's mistakes, successes,
(27:51):
all the above. So it's just really cool and I'm
blessed to be a part of it.
Speaker 1 (27:54):
Congratulations, thanks for coming by.
Speaker 4 (27:56):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (27:57):
That is picture Parker Messik and man feel like there's
some big things ahead for him as he gets deeper
into this first full major league season. Another pitcher who
was on the opening day roster for the first time
in his career is reliever Eric Sabrowski the left. He
was off to a really good start this year and
he's expected to be a big part of the Guardian's
(28:18):
bullpen again. And as that first time making a team
out of spring training, he talked about why that's a
big deal, despite in his case, being with the team
parts of the last two seasons.
Speaker 4 (28:29):
Oh, it's great. It's a new experience.
Speaker 6 (28:33):
Some of the veterans recognize some of the guys who
are making their first opening day and that always feels good.
Speaker 4 (28:39):
This is a cool experience. And you know, another thing
I get to check off.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
And obviously because you're on an opening day roster, that
means a couple of things. You're healthy and you're throwing
well the spring for you. Tell us about it and
why you feel good going into the season.
Speaker 6 (28:54):
That was another new experience for me my first big
league spring, like missed some time last spring, and then
and then the year before I wasn't even part of camp.
So there's a learning curve of you know, when you're
in the minor leagues, you feel like every outing matters.
You're trying to put up numbers, you're trying to post
so you can make a team. It's a little different
when you're you're in big ley camp. Obviously you're still
(29:15):
trying your your best and trying to make a team,
but you have the leeway to work on a few
more things, or or if an outing doesn't really go
the way you wanted to, it's okay, you get another
one in a couple of days.
Speaker 4 (29:24):
Things like that.
Speaker 1 (29:25):
And did you feel that that that you could work
on some things and there wasn't necessarily that that day
to day pressure of trying to make a club.
Speaker 4 (29:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (29:34):
I think the coaching staff they made it clear it's like, hey,
don't just if you have a bad outing, don't abandon
what you worked on all winter.
Speaker 1 (29:41):
Things like that. It's know that you had some time
to let things click working on things in the winter.
I think we saw you in December and Cleveland the
rest of the winter. What were you able to work
on that maybe you noticed taking shape during the spring.
Speaker 6 (29:56):
Just some aspects of my delivery that I think we
can clean up, help me a little more consistent. There's
we have some data that shows if I hit these
certain points in the way I move, velocity goes up,
effectiveness goes up, strike zone percentage goes up, And it's
just trying to maximize those movements and make sure I
have them on a day to day basis.
Speaker 1 (30:16):
You mentioned that, and that's such a It seems like
a new part of the game where they can give
you data what you should be doing. How hard is
it to put that into effect and how much refinement
can there be as you go about your day to day.
Speaker 4 (30:29):
I think for me, the hardest part is you see
that data.
Speaker 6 (30:34):
You try and but you don't have it actively available
when you're pitching, right like, you try and sync up
what the data says versus what you feel, and then
it's trying to get those feels and kind of maintain
those routines to make sure you're in a good spot.
Once your name's called, you're on the mound that you
don't think about that stuff and you're just throwing.
Speaker 1 (30:54):
You're one of two lefties in the pen. You and
Tim Herron could form a really good combo from that
left side. Can you guys help each other or is
it still just your part of the bullpen not necessarily
tighter with the other left hander.
Speaker 6 (31:07):
Well, some guys are joking the other night we got
fastball lefty and breaking ball lefty. I think you can
figure out who's who. So but yeah, I mean we're
always learning from each other. I'd love to throw a
curveball like he does, and I'm sure there's some things
I do that he'd like to do.
Speaker 4 (31:22):
It's we're a team, right, you know.
Speaker 6 (31:25):
I think that's what makes us bullpen good is no
one really has a defined role other than Kate of course, right.
Anyone can throw in any situation to any hand is
batter and I think we're looking forward to a good
year of doing that.
Speaker 1 (31:37):
And there's some different names down there this year, which
is the nature of bullpens. I think, what have you
seen over the course of the spring that has you
really confident it could be dominant again?
Speaker 6 (31:46):
Holdy, Brogden, Armstrong. Those guys are great. They're gonna be
awesome for us. And they're great additions to the staff,
and I think with hold them in and Armstrong, especially
nice veteran presences that you know can help.
Speaker 4 (31:59):
Us get through.
Speaker 1 (32:00):
And sixty two, well, it should be fun. It starts soon.
Thanks for coming by, appreciate it. Thank you. That's Eric Sabrowski.
He makes a really good tandem with Tim Herron. As left,
he's out of that bullpen that has been off to
a really good start for the Guardians.
Speaker 4 (32:14):
Stay with us.
Speaker 1 (32:15):
We'll come back with our final segment. Well, visit with
Sandy Alamar Junior, the Guardians first base coach and most
tenured in terms of home openers in this ballpark, Progressive
Field and before that, Jacobs Field. We'll talk to Sandy
about it in some of his great memories when we come.
Speaker 3 (32:32):
Back after this.
Speaker 1 (32:34):
Hernandez a third, Pa has a second. The pitch gotten,
the swinging mess. Hey chased another curve ball that was
well outside of the strike zone. Boy, nobody ever made
so tony look that feeble Sabrowski Suir did for nothing.
Speaker 3 (32:51):
Cleveland ninth inning.
Speaker 9 (32:53):
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(33:15):
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Speaker 1 (33:36):
Back with you on Guardians Weekly, It's Jim Rosenhouse along
with you on this Saturday morning. If you're listening on
the radio on our flagship station WTAM, it comes your
way every Saturday at seven am, as well as some
of our affiliates including WMAN in Mansfield, WKBN over in Youngstown,
and WMRN and Marion, all great stations on the Cleveland
(33:58):
Clinic Guardians Radio Network. We can't catch it on the radio,
it is available the show in podcast form wherever you
download your favorite podcasts. Sandy Alomar Junior, He's been at
it a long time in this organization and in terms
of uniform personnel, has been a part of more home
openers in this ballpark than anyone on that roster, be
(34:21):
it coaches, manager Steven Vote, or players. For Sandy that
meant seven seasons as a player, and now he's in
his seventeenth year as a coach. So he's been at
most of the openers in this ballpark. And when we
caught up with them before the game on Friday, he
talked about why the home opener still means so much
(34:42):
to him after all these years.
Speaker 10 (34:45):
He is always an honor to have opening Day in Cleveland.
You know, I love the people in Cleveland, the city
and the organization. So anytime you have an opportunity to
have opening Day, you have to enjoy it to the maximum.
Speaker 4 (35:00):
Is an honor. Is an honor.
Speaker 10 (35:01):
The way that they this year and stuff like that.
I'm not expecting years, but they know that I've been
there for a long time and.
Speaker 1 (35:10):
There's not many people left who are at the first
one at this ballpark and then are still here doing it.
Tom Hamilton, of course, my broadcast partner, But for you,
what do you remember if there's anything that stands out
in particular about that first game at then Jacobs Field.
Speaker 10 (35:25):
That was unbelievable because the opening of Jago field was
something special for us, and we were in a renaissance
of having a developed and veteran and young team, guys
that help us to turn the corner.
Speaker 4 (35:41):
And that was an exciting moment for us.
Speaker 10 (35:43):
To have the chance to go to a new ballpark,
pack house and an opening day at the new ballpark.
Speaker 1 (35:49):
He was exciting and sometimes perspective is good. You had
a chance to play the old place. So what did
it mean to walk into this gleaming new place.
Speaker 10 (35:57):
Especially now that they renovated the locker rooms in some
areas in the stands. It is remarkable what they've done
with the stadium. Super excited to go in our house
and enjoy the all the amenities that we have and
I think the.
Speaker 4 (36:12):
Players have now is unbelievable. He's just like a special
place to be.
Speaker 1 (36:16):
There's a lot of ballparks that are loud, but opening
day host season, I don't know if there's any louder
than than Cleveland. And what do you think it is
that makes this place jump so much?
Speaker 10 (36:25):
It's just the decibels there are. The people are loud,
the decibels. I remember when Lindoor had that home run
against Green. They say that was one of the highest
decibel in playoff history. I feel like that the way
the stadium is designed and you know, the echoes all
over the place, the only places that could be louder
(36:46):
are don't because everything recal shares of the of the roof.
Speaker 1 (36:49):
This year's team, they opened with a difficult road trip
to Seattle and Los Angeles. What does it mean for
a team to come home after opening on the road
and finally play in front of their home fans.
Speaker 5 (37:00):
It is.
Speaker 10 (37:01):
It is when you start with against Seattle, which is
one of the best pishing staff in the American League,
if not the best, and you start and you come
to the second part of the trip with the LA
which is the best team in the National League. I
feel like we have accomplished a lot and we can't
get discouraged or the way the offense is going.
Speaker 4 (37:20):
We have faith the elite of the elite.
Speaker 10 (37:23):
So it's almost like playout, almost fear the first road
trip that we have played, So going home is gonna
be something special for us, something that we know hope
field advantage.
Speaker 1 (37:32):
Sandy, I know you always enjoy the day, enjoy this
one as always, Thank you, always will, Thank you very much.
Always great to visit with Sandy Alamar Junior, an absolute
gem that the Guardian's treasure as part of this organization
for a long long time. But I's gonna do it
for our show. This week's fun things to talk about
for sure is the season is off and running and
(37:53):
the home stand continues with a couple more against the
Cups and then three against the Royals.
Speaker 3 (38:00):
Think Brian Matse has always, for.
Speaker 1 (38:01):
All of his help, been putting together our show each
and every week until we join you again next week
from Atlanta. This is Jim rosen House reminding you that
you've been listening to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Clinic
Guardians Radio Network. Guardians Weekly has been brought to you
(38:24):
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. Hi, everyone, welcome Guardian's Weekly.
(01:01):
Jim Rosen House along with you from Progressive Field in
downtown Cleveland, where the Guardians have opened their home schedule
after a week on the road to begin the year,
and they did so in style on Friday with a
fun home opening win over the Chicago Cups. Good show
lined up for you today, as in just a little
(01:22):
bit we will get into our weekend review and what
a start to the season it has been for Cleveland.
We'll also here from catcher Austin Hedges, who celebrated ten
years of service time in the major leagues. That is
a milestone for any player. Doesn't happen often, but it
has happened for Austin Hedges. We'll also hear from Parker Messick,
(01:43):
who got off to a great start in his first
start of the season, as well as relief pitcher Eric Sabrowski,
and we'll talk to Sandy Alabarm about opening day memories
at Jacob's and then Progressive Field. That's all coming up
as Guardians Weekly gets rolling on the Cleveland Clinic, Guardians
Radio Edworth and everybody on their feet here and downtown Cleveland.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
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Speaker 3 (02:25):
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Speaker 2 (02:26):
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Speaker 1 (02:56):
Welcome back to Guardians Weekly, Jim Rosenhouse along with you,
Ressive Field in downtown Cleveland, and it's great to be
home again. After the season started on the road with
a challenging road trip, first to Seattle, where the team
split four games, and then on to Dodgers Stadium in
Los Angeles against the two time defending world champion Los
(03:19):
Angeles Dodgers saw a real battle for the Guardians, but
they played well, including on Monday night. As we picked
things up in the third inning of the series opener,
the game was still scoreless and Austin Hedges was leading
it off with his first at bat of the season.
Now the one two pitch, swinging a little looping liner
to right near the line. Fair ball, it'll score down
(03:42):
that corner. On his way a second tucker up, throwing
head first, slide in a double, and everybody in that
first base dugout, up standing and cheering for Austin Hedges.
First a band of the year, and he slices a
double into the right field corner. Next time on hell
Martinez laid down a sack bunt, moving Hedges to third,
(04:04):
and then Stephen Kwan delivered down the two zero pitch.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Swinging a line drive basin down the right field line.
This will go all the way to the wall. Hedges
can walk home.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Stephen Kwan in standing with an RBI double, his first
extra mason, his second RBI of the season, and it's
one nothing. Cleveland on a couple of doubles here off
Roki Sasaki from Austin Hedges and Stephen Kwan. Meanwhile on
the mound for the Guardians, Parker Messik made his first
(04:37):
start of the season, and he was dazzling against the
powerful Dodgers lineup. Now the three to two to Otani
before it's made through a second almost got him. Arius says, challenge,
Rojas almost got picked off. He dove back in on
that timing play between Messeic and Arius and Cleveland's challenging
(05:00):
the call boy. This is a big challenge early on
to fill his overturn the runners out Cleveland with retainers.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
The one with a great challenge.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
Great job by Gunner Wilhelmi making that call from the
video replay room in the Cleveland Clubhouse, and Rojas has
been picked off runner at first two down.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Messig's ready, here it comes swinging.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
NMSC struck out Tucker and worked out of that jam
with a great pickoff. In the seventh, three straight singles
from Hedges, Martinez and Kwan loaded the bases, but Los
Angeles would get the next two hitters and it was
up to Rehys Hoskins to keep the inning going. Fulld
count from an O two to a three to two count,
(05:50):
traveling time for Hedges, Martinez and Kwan the payoff pitch.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
Before he missed with a slider. They're inside.
Speaker 1 (06:01):
Guardians taken to nothing lead on a basis loaded walk
to Rese Hoskins, and that's at the table for Daniel
Sneaman to cap off the big seventh inning rally. The
three to one delivery to Schneeman, swung on trill piece
hit in the left center. It's in the Capital'll go
(06:21):
near the warning track, scoring our Martinez and Kwan throw
the second in sliding with a double at Sneaman. Hoskins
stops at third and Daniel Schneaeman with a game breaking
out two run double the left center and Cleveland finally
gets that crooked number. The Dodgers did get on the
(06:43):
scoreboard with two runs in the ninth, but the Guardians
four runs were plenty as Kate Smith finished things up.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Here's the payoff.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Pinch swung On grounded the third, Ramirez gobbles throws ball game.
Guardians win the first day, the Dodgers four to two.
Game two of the series was Tuesday night at Dodger
Stadium and with shohey Otani on the mound, a tall
order for the Guardians, and the Dodgers won it by
(07:12):
a score of four to one, So that set up
the rubber game of the series and the road trip
finale on Wednesday night. The Guardians got things started in
the third Daniel Schneman with a leadoff double, and then
he found a way to manufacture the game's first run.
Taking off from second, Schneman pitched down and in throw
the third goes into left field. Sneaming with a head
(07:33):
first slide. Now gets up and Trot's home. What nothing,
Cleveland and the Guardians make something happen. Sneaming with a
leadoff double, got a great break and stole third, and
Will Smith threw the ball aerrodly in the left field
as he short hopped Munsey at third, and the Guardians
(07:54):
laid one to nothing and they'll take a run anyway
they can.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
Then Gabrielarius showed some power.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Now the three to one pitch to Gabrielarius and he
hits one high in the air to deep center pa
he is back on the.
Speaker 3 (08:08):
Track at the wall leaps it is gone.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
Gabriel Larius with his second hit of the year, a
towering home run to center and Cleveland with a two
nothing lead as Gabrielarius got a curveball.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
And wasn't fool.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Meanwhile on the mound, Gavin Williams was dazzling in his
second start of the new season. One and two the
count on the Dodger catcher Will Smith, the only two
hit singles by Andy Poe has nine strikeouts for Gavin
Williams now at eighty four pitches, here's the kick in
the delivery.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Swinging and a mess got him of the heater.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Still throwing ninety five miles per hour, and Gavin Williams
with his fifth career double digit strikeout game. In the eighth,
with a runner on and two outs, Jose Ramirez stepped
in again the O two swing on.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Hit high, hit deep to left, down the line, it goes.
It is a fair ball, a two run homer.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
Jose Ramirez with his first bomb of the year. It
is four nothing Cleveland. Dave Roberts turned Jose around and
let him ben right handed. That's his strong suit and
he got down in the count oh two to Tanner Scott.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
And still made him pay.
Speaker 4 (09:38):
Ow.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
What a bomb down the line and left by Jose Ramirez.
Speaker 3 (09:44):
Four nothing Cleveland.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
In the eighth, the Dodgers broke up the shutout bid
in the ninth inning with a solo home run off
the bat of Freddie Freeman, but that would be it,
as once again Kate Smith got the job done.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
The three to two pitch swung on head high deep
to center.
Speaker 4 (10:03):
Back of Sneeman on the.
Speaker 3 (10:05):
Track at the ball makes the catch.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
Bowl Game and the Guardians go four and three to
Seattle and Dodger Stadium. They take the series here in
La beating Los Angeles.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Four to one.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
So it was a happy flight back to Cleveland for
the Guardians. An off day Thursday and then the home
opener on Friday, late afternoon. And what a great day
it was. Festivities all around downtown Cleveland, a beautiful day
weatherwise for the most part. And let's listen in before
the game as Tom Hamilton was down on the field
announcing the Guardians starting lineup.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
Are you folks ready for a little baseball?
Speaker 5 (10:51):
Well, we welcome you to one hundred and twenty five
seasons of Cleveland Baseball, a legacy that began in nineteen
oh one on and still thrives here on the.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Shores of Lake Erie.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Throughout the years, our story has unfolded, written by every player,
every team, every fan, and every unforgettable moment. As we
reflect on the last one hundred and twenty five years,
it's those unforgettable moments that have shaped what Cleveland baseball
is and what it means to this city. Please turn
(11:26):
your attention to the scoreboard and we take a look
back at some of those great and unforgettable moments. Baseball
is one of Cleveland's oldest traditions, and this year we're
celebrating our one hundred and twenty five seasons as a
charter member of the American League, dating back to nineteen
oh one. We are home to a rich baseball history,
(11:49):
passionate fans, and commitment to teamwork. Over the decades, Cleveland
has built its reputation on resilience and breaking barriersby shattered
the American League's color barrier in nineteen forty seven, just
weeks after Brooklyn Dodgers legend Jackie Robinson's debut. In nineteen
(12:10):
forty eight, Satchel Paige becomes the first black pitcher in
American League history, and twenty eight years later, Frank Robinson
made history here as well, serving as Major League Baseball's
first black manager in nineteen seventy five, yet another testament
to Cleveland's role in making the game more inclusive. On
(12:31):
the field, Cleveland has delivered unforgettable moments. The team has
won two World Series Championships in nineteen twenty and nineteen
forty eight. From the power pack teams of the nineteen
nineties to the electrifying twenty two game win streak in
twenty seventeen, the longest in American League history. Cleveland Baseball
(12:52):
has always stood for drama and excellence. Our players and
legends are immortalized throughout progressive feel. Statues honor Hall of
famers Bob Feller, Lou Boudreaux, Larry Doby, Frank Robinson, and
Jim Tomey. Their numbers, along with those of Earl April,
mel Harder, Bob Lemon, and Early Win are retired in
(13:14):
recognition of their singular impact. Cleveland has produced MVPs, Cy
Young Award Winners, Gold Clovers, Silver Sluggers, and Rookies of
the Year. The city has sent more than thirty five
players and managers to the Hall of Fame, with Jose
Ramirez knocking on the door to be next. Few stories
(13:37):
capture the loyalty of Cleveland fans better than the incredible
four hundred and fifty five games sellout streak during the
nineteen nineties and early two thousands of then major League
record that showcased the city's on wavering support no matter
the score. In fact, since its construction in nineteen ninety four,
(13:59):
Progressive Field has provided the city and its fans with
more walk off wins than any other active ballpark in
Major League Baseball. Welcome to the one hundred and twenty
fifth anniversary of Cleveland Baseball. And as always that had
the crowd fired up and on the mound, Joey Cantillo
(14:21):
got off to a nice start. Cantilla does not use
the wind up left hander works from the set. Nico
Horner steps in the set and today's first pitch swung
on rolled a short gobbled up by Arius Plants.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
Throws one pitch, one out, and we're underway.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Here at the corner of Carnegiean, Ontario, the one hundred
and twenty fifth season of Cleveland's Major League baseball team.
The Cup struck first with a run in the third
inning to take the early lead, but in the fifth
the Guardians responded with a couple of men on and
chased the latter at the plate. Here's the one to oh.
(14:57):
It swung outline the left ped'll get down for a pay,
he said, what run is in? They're gonna try and
score Arias that throws a beauty. He slides and he
is out. So the tying run comes in on the
base hit by de Laughter. The go ahead run is
thrown out at the plate. Really nice throw by the
left fielder, hap, and we'll head to the sixth tied
(15:19):
at one. The game remained tied at one until the
seventh inning. That's when gabriel Arius stepped in.
Speaker 3 (15:27):
It's just a.
Speaker 1 (15:28):
Glorious day in Cleveland's seventy degrees at game time, shadows
covering the infield, down the pitch.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
Swinging and dry deep right field. Shaw going back track,
wolf Don.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
Gabriel Arius stayed on that pitch away and drove it
into the lower deck and right his second home run
of the campaign, and he'll enjoy that jog around the bases.
Has just put Cleveland on top two to one. Here
in the seventh inning, looked like he got a slider
(16:08):
away and he didn't chase.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
He stayed on it and hammered it.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Two batters later, Stephen Kwan drew a walk to keep
the inning going, and then Chase the Latter sent the
home crowd into a frenzy. Now the three to one
to the latter, and he drives.
Speaker 6 (16:26):
It to deep right way out of hair way deepen
of the.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
Lower deck, a missile a right the fifth home run
off the bat of Chase the Latter.
Speaker 3 (16:42):
How did he hammer that one deepen of.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
The lower deck in right and the Guardians laid it
by a score, now four to one. The Guardian's bullpen
was off to another great start. They kept the Cubs
off the board through the eighth inning and then is
Kate Smith on trying to save it in the ninth,
everybody on their feet at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.
(17:08):
Four to one, Cleveland two down a runner at first
the one two pitch.
Speaker 3 (17:13):
Sway NMS ball game.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
They went dad red and blew it away on Dansby
Swanson and Kate Smith strikes out the side and Cleveland
wins its home opener to go to five and three,
and they rode the outstanding pitching and the seventh inning
long balls from Gabriel Larius and Chase the Latter. Guardians
(17:39):
a winner today by a final score of four to one.
So a really fun week to get the season going
with the season opening road trip to Seattle in Los
Angeles and then by just a festive home opener, good
play by the Guardians and a winning game against the Cubs.
All in all, a great week to start the year.
(18:00):
And it continues on Saturday night at seven fifteen at
Progressive Field and then Sunday the series finale at one
before the Royals come to town early next week. Stay
with us when we come back. We'll visit with Guardians
catcher Austin Hedges. He reached the milestone this week and
we'll talk to him about it.
Speaker 3 (18:35):
Now.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
The one two pitch, swinging a little looping liner to
right near the line, fair ball, It'll squirt down that corner, honest,
Wait a second, tucker up throwing head first, slide in
a double, and everybody in that first base dugout upstanding
and cheering for Austin Hedges. First a band of the year,
(18:56):
and he slices a double into the right field corner.
The pitch swing on drill the left. There's a Mason.
Speaker 3 (19:03):
How about that?
Speaker 1 (19:04):
Austin Heads just celebrating ten years in the Major League
saying mammoth milestone for any major leaguer has doubled the
right and now drill to single the left. Jim Rosanow's
back with you. It's Guardians Weekly. We're in downtown Cleveland,
a progressive field. Honestly, it is great to be able
to say that it has been a long time since
(19:25):
we've been here spring training and then that first week
on the road, So it's great to be home. And
what a fun time on Friday for the home opener.
But some highlights from the road included Austin Hedges on
Monday reaching ten years of major league service time. That
is a huge milestone for most It means he's fully
(19:45):
vested in the pension program, and there's a lot of
other things that make it worthwhile for a player who
can last that long in Major League Baseball. And one
of the keys is not many do. Less than ten
percent of the players who have played this great game
in history have reached ten years of major league service time.
Hegi did it on Monday, had a couple of hits
(20:07):
in the game, helping the Guardians to a four to
two win over the Dodgers, and we caught up with
him the next day. And he talked about why that
ten year mark means so much to him.
Speaker 7 (20:18):
I mean, it's you know, everybody's everybody's dream as a
kid is to get to the big leagues, and that
right there is really really.
Speaker 8 (20:25):
Hard to do.
Speaker 7 (20:26):
And then once you make it, it's then everybody's dream
to make ten years. And you know, throughout the whole
journey of my career wasn't clear that that was going
to happen, and took some really hard work and some
ups and downs, a little luck involved, but to be
able to accomplish that is one of the proudest moments
(20:47):
in my life.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
You mentioned that the challenges. Is there a point early
on where you say, hey, I'm going to be doing
this forever and ten years that'll be easy.
Speaker 7 (20:57):
Of course, right when you get to the big leagues,
like I'm gonna get ten years, I'm gonna hit five
million homers, I'm gonna win twenty World Series, you know,
all the all the things that you you dream of,
that you want. And my career took a different path
and I wouldn't change it for the world because it
brought me to you know where I am right now
in this organization, and I couldn't be any more grateful.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
So the game last night, you get in there and
you have two heads, You're a key contributor to the game.
Is it funny how baseball works sometimes where you get
that opportunity and come through on a special day.
Speaker 7 (21:29):
Yeah, there's definitely some some divine presence out there last
night that was looking down on me, I think, rewarding
me for continuing.
Speaker 9 (21:37):
To just keep going.
Speaker 7 (21:38):
You know, as hard as it was, just I just
kept going. And you know, whoever's up there upstairs was
definitely looking down on me and rewarded me for some
of that. And that was pretty cool.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
And mom and Dad were here, and what does that
mean to have them here and what are some of
the things maybe that they were a help able to
help you push through as a youngster or when you
even got into Pro Bowl.
Speaker 7 (22:00):
I mean, I'm an only child. I grew up in
southern California, my dad grew up in La so we
came to Dodger games all the time as a kid.
So to have them here kind of like it's almost
like where it all started, all full circle. And I
mean they were there for every step of the journey.
And I mean the amount of things that they've helped
me with that they continue to help me with are countless,
(22:22):
but just to be able to share the moment with
them made it even more special.
Speaker 1 (22:26):
Tom brought up a great point during the game of
how few make it to ten years who actually play
in the major leagues and it's under ten percent. Were
you aware of that and does it make it even
more appreciative of of what you've been able to do?
Speaker 3 (22:40):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (22:41):
Yeah, very aware.
Speaker 7 (22:41):
I mean that's one of the reasons why it's kind
of the pinnacle of the sports to get to that
ten years, because it's so rare, so hard to do,
and I'm aware that not a whole lot of people
have done it, And once again, it just makes me
extremely proud.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
And we're doing this at your locker, which is decorated
with all kinds of great stuff. Some we can talk about,
some we can't. But your teammates obviously a big part
of it. And what was it like to share it
with them either before or after the game?
Speaker 7 (23:06):
I mean, that was probably the biggest thing. Is you know,
I show up every day with a smile on my
face looking forward to seeing all these guys. I can't
wait to go to war with them for one sixty two,
and you know, in this group is really really, really special,
and the love that they showed me, you know, I
knew they loved me, but they really they went overboard
(23:26):
and just it was quite emotional, and I'm so grateful.
Speaker 1 (23:31):
For all of them. It's been a pleasure to have
some of those ten years here in Cleveland with us.
And Hedging, congratulations, thank you, Thanks Versing. That's Guardians catcher
Austin Hedges, and good for him. We'll see how much
longer he's able to go on this game, but it
is a challenge just to get to ten years, and
he has done that, and he's had a lot of
fun along the way too and been part of some
(23:52):
really good teams, and certainly the Guardians value what he
brings here. Left handed pitcher Parker Messik made the club
in this starting rotation coming out of spring training, and
he was terrific in his first start of the season
on Monday at Dodger Stadium. He got the win, pitching
six shutout innings five strikeouts against that dangerous Los Angeles lineup.
(24:15):
We had a chance to visit with him prior to
the start, and he talked about how good it felt
to have a great spring training that allowed him to
make the opening day roster for the first time in
his young career.
Speaker 8 (24:26):
Yeah, this is definitely up there. It's honestly almost almost
a little cooler because you know, it's more of a
team thing, and you know, you kind of get a
pitcher out of the season when you get the debut,
and you're kind of waiting on one opportunity. But this
is something that you know, you've kind of collectively earned
over a long process, you know, over spring training, and
it's just one of those another cool milestone that I
(24:47):
get across off the list, and you know, I'm super
pumped for it.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
And you mentioned over spring training, but I know you
were saying earlier in the spring things really went well.
In the offseason went well that landed you in a
good spot by the time you got to Good Year.
Speaker 4 (25:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 8 (25:01):
I think everything that I work on at the Florida
Baseball Armory compared with what Cleveland gave me to work
on in the off season. I mean I just attacked
some you know, specific things, added a new pitch that's
you know, I think it's going to be a big
plus in the arsenal whenever I you know, however, I
decide to use it, and just working on a consistent
delivery that's allowed me to throw strikes and I've done
a pretty good job of that this spring training. I
(25:22):
feel comfortable throwing you know, all six pitches in the
zone at any given time. So I feel like I'm
just in a really good spot to go out there
and compete, you know, when the when of the flights
are on.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
One of the things that that the coaching staff has
said about you is your routines are impeccable. That Baseball armory,
you've been going there a long time. How have they
prepared you to be in a spot where you can
have the type of routines that matter.
Speaker 4 (25:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 8 (25:45):
I everything I do I want to have a purpose
to it. And I think that the stuff that they do,
whether it's you know, your prep, you're warm up, you're
stretching along with you know what Cleveland's been able to
help me out to do, it's just it all has
a purpose and it all is, you know, specified to me.
So I'm able to go out there and do something
that it's actually going to help me in the game
instead of just loosening up something that doesn't need to
(26:07):
be loosened or working on something that.
Speaker 1 (26:09):
I really need to be working on.
Speaker 8 (26:11):
Everything is specific to me, and it's just helped me
pave a way to have a good routine throughout the season.
I'm always able to change it as needed, so it's
just really helped me out and you know, hopefully I'll
be able to continue the rest of the year.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
Parker Messik joining us going into spring training.
Speaker 3 (26:25):
Six pictures for five spots, and you have to know that, how.
Speaker 8 (26:28):
Did you handle that mental side of it competing for
a spot? Yeah, you just try not to think about it.
Just you know, it was my first big league camp,
so I wanted to take everything a day at a
time and just you know, go out there and do
my thing. I was more interested in seeing how everything
you know, I worked on the off season was going
to apply to spring training. So that was my biggest
focus and you know, let the Lord handle the rest
whatever happens after that.
Speaker 1 (26:48):
And with that said, when you get the news late
in the spring, your reaction and how did they deliver
that news to.
Speaker 8 (26:55):
You, Yeah, I'm all glory to God. Reaction was just
purely thankful and you know, full of gratitude, just thankful
that I'm able to be in this position, and you know,
they did a good job of, you know, keeping it
kind of nonchalant, like, hey, you earned it, let's go now,
let's go to work, and then at the same time made.
Speaker 1 (27:09):
It pretty special.
Speaker 8 (27:10):
You know, Voter and Carl pulled me aside separately and
congratulated me, you know, told me I worked hard, earned
it basically, So you know, it's just cool thing to
hear that from you know, those guys, and you know
know that they have confidence in me going into the season.
Speaker 1 (27:23):
And oh, by the way, you're a part of a
really good starting rotation. What do you learn from them?
And what's it like being a part of that.
Speaker 8 (27:30):
Yeah, I've been able to learn from them, I mean
all the way from the time that I debuted, and
it's just super cool. Like, you know, we're all joking
around the dugout, but half the time we're talking about
pitches or what this guy hits, what this guy doesn't hit.
So you're just always learning from each other. And you know,
when you're a part of a really talented young rotation,
you know we're we just always get to piggyback off
each other learn you know, from each other's mistakes, successes,
(27:51):
all the above. So it's just really cool and I'm
blessed to be a part of it.
Speaker 1 (27:54):
Congratulations, thanks for coming by.
Speaker 4 (27:56):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (27:57):
That is picture Parker Messik and man feel like there's
some big things ahead for him as he gets deeper
into this first full major league season. Another pitcher who
was on the opening day roster for the first time
in his career is reliever Eric Sabrowski the left. He
was off to a really good start this year and
he's expected to be a big part of the Guardian's
(28:18):
bullpen again. And as that first time making a team
out of spring training, he talked about why that's a
big deal, despite in his case, being with the team
parts of the last two seasons.
Speaker 4 (28:29):
Oh, it's great. It's a new experience.
Speaker 6 (28:33):
Some of the veterans recognize some of the guys who
are making their first opening day and that always feels good.
Speaker 4 (28:39):
This is a cool experience. And you know, another thing
I get to check off.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
And obviously because you're on an opening day roster, that
means a couple of things. You're healthy and you're throwing
well the spring for you. Tell us about it and
why you feel good going into the season.
Speaker 6 (28:54):
That was another new experience for me my first big
league spring, like missed some time last spring, and then
and then the year before I wasn't even part of camp.
So there's a learning curve of you know, when you're
in the minor leagues, you feel like every outing matters.
You're trying to put up numbers, you're trying to post
so you can make a team. It's a little different
when you're you're in big ley camp. Obviously you're still
(29:15):
trying your your best and trying to make a team,
but you have the leeway to work on a few
more things, or or if an outing doesn't really go
the way you wanted to, it's okay, you get another
one in a couple of days.
Speaker 4 (29:24):
Things like that.
Speaker 1 (29:25):
And did you feel that that that you could work
on some things and there wasn't necessarily that that day
to day pressure of trying to make a club.
Speaker 4 (29:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (29:34):
I think the coaching staff they made it clear it's like, hey,
don't just if you have a bad outing, don't abandon
what you worked on all winter.
Speaker 1 (29:41):
Things like that. It's know that you had some time
to let things click working on things in the winter.
I think we saw you in December and Cleveland the
rest of the winter. What were you able to work
on that maybe you noticed taking shape during the spring.
Speaker 6 (29:56):
Just some aspects of my delivery that I think we
can clean up, help me a little more consistent. There's
we have some data that shows if I hit these
certain points in the way I move, velocity goes up,
effectiveness goes up, strike zone percentage goes up, And it's
just trying to maximize those movements and make sure I
have them on a day to day basis.
Speaker 1 (30:16):
You mentioned that, and that's such a It seems like
a new part of the game where they can give
you data what you should be doing. How hard is
it to put that into effect and how much refinement
can there be as you go about your day to day.
Speaker 4 (30:29):
I think for me, the hardest part is you see
that data.
Speaker 6 (30:34):
You try and but you don't have it actively available
when you're pitching, right like, you try and sync up
what the data says versus what you feel, and then
it's trying to get those feels and kind of maintain
those routines to make sure you're in a good spot.
Once your name's called, you're on the mound that you
don't think about that stuff and you're just throwing.
Speaker 1 (30:54):
You're one of two lefties in the pen. You and
Tim Herron could form a really good combo from that
left side. Can you guys help each other or is
it still just your part of the bullpen not necessarily
tighter with the other left hander.
Speaker 6 (31:07):
Well, some guys are joking the other night we got
fastball lefty and breaking ball lefty. I think you can
figure out who's who. So but yeah, I mean we're
always learning from each other. I'd love to throw a
curveball like he does, and I'm sure there's some things
I do that he'd like to do.
Speaker 4 (31:22):
It's we're a team, right, you know.
Speaker 6 (31:25):
I think that's what makes us bullpen good is no
one really has a defined role other than Kate of course, right.
Anyone can throw in any situation to any hand is
batter and I think we're looking forward to a good
year of doing that.
Speaker 1 (31:37):
And there's some different names down there this year, which
is the nature of bullpens. I think, what have you
seen over the course of the spring that has you
really confident it could be dominant again?
Speaker 6 (31:46):
Holdy, Brogden, Armstrong. Those guys are great. They're gonna be
awesome for us. And they're great additions to the staff,
and I think with hold them in and Armstrong, especially
nice veteran presences that you know can help.
Speaker 4 (31:59):
Us get through.
Speaker 1 (32:00):
And sixty two, well, it should be fun. It starts soon.
Thanks for coming by, appreciate it. Thank you. That's Eric Sabrowski.
He makes a really good tandem with Tim Herron. As left,
he's out of that bullpen that has been off to
a really good start for the Guardians.
Speaker 4 (32:14):
Stay with us.
Speaker 1 (32:15):
We'll come back with our final segment. Well, visit with
Sandy Alamar Junior, the Guardians first base coach and most
tenured in terms of home openers in this ballpark, Progressive
Field and before that, Jacobs Field. We'll talk to Sandy
about it in some of his great memories when we come.
Speaker 3 (32:32):
Back after this.
Speaker 1 (32:34):
Hernandez a third, Pa has a second. The pitch gotten,
the swinging mess. Hey chased another curve ball that was
well outside of the strike zone. Boy, nobody ever made
so tony look that feeble Sabrowski Suir did for nothing.
Speaker 3 (32:51):
Cleveland ninth inning.
Speaker 9 (32:53):
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Speaker 1 (33:36):
Back with you on Guardians Weekly, It's Jim Rosenhouse along
with you on this Saturday morning. If you're listening on
the radio on our flagship station WTAM, it comes your
way every Saturday at seven am, as well as some
of our affiliates including WMAN in Mansfield, WKBN over in Youngstown,
and WMRN and Marion, all great stations on the Cleveland
(33:58):
Clinic Guardians Radio Network. We can't catch it on the radio,
it is available the show in podcast form wherever you
download your favorite podcasts. Sandy Alomar Junior, He's been at
it a long time in this organization and in terms
of uniform personnel, has been a part of more home
openers in this ballpark than anyone on that roster, be
(34:21):
it coaches, manager Steven Vote, or players. For Sandy that
meant seven seasons as a player, and now he's in
his seventeenth year as a coach. So he's been at
most of the openers in this ballpark. And when we
caught up with them before the game on Friday, he
talked about why the home opener still means so much
(34:42):
to him after all these years.
Speaker 10 (34:45):
He is always an honor to have opening Day in Cleveland.
You know, I love the people in Cleveland, the city
and the organization. So anytime you have an opportunity to
have opening Day, you have to enjoy it to the maximum.
Speaker 4 (35:00):
Is an honor. Is an honor.
Speaker 10 (35:01):
The way that they this year and stuff like that.
I'm not expecting years, but they know that I've been
there for a long time and.
Speaker 1 (35:10):
There's not many people left who are at the first
one at this ballpark and then are still here doing it.
Tom Hamilton, of course, my broadcast partner, But for you,
what do you remember if there's anything that stands out
in particular about that first game at then Jacobs Field.
Speaker 10 (35:25):
That was unbelievable because the opening of Jago field was
something special for us, and we were in a renaissance
of having a developed and veteran and young team, guys
that help us to turn the corner.
Speaker 4 (35:41):
And that was an exciting moment for us.
Speaker 10 (35:43):
To have the chance to go to a new ballpark,
pack house and an opening day at the new ballpark.
Speaker 1 (35:49):
He was exciting and sometimes perspective is good. You had
a chance to play the old place. So what did
it mean to walk into this gleaming new place.
Speaker 10 (35:57):
Especially now that they renovated the locker rooms in some
areas in the stands. It is remarkable what they've done
with the stadium. Super excited to go in our house
and enjoy the all the amenities that we have and
I think the.
Speaker 4 (36:12):
Players have now is unbelievable. He's just like a special
place to be.
Speaker 1 (36:16):
There's a lot of ballparks that are loud, but opening
day host season, I don't know if there's any louder
than than Cleveland. And what do you think it is
that makes this place jump so much?
Speaker 10 (36:25):
It's just the decibels there are. The people are loud,
the decibels. I remember when Lindoor had that home run
against Green. They say that was one of the highest
decibel in playoff history. I feel like that the way
the stadium is designed and you know, the echoes all
over the place, the only places that could be louder
(36:46):
are don't because everything recal shares of the of the roof.
Speaker 1 (36:49):
This year's team, they opened with a difficult road trip
to Seattle and Los Angeles. What does it mean for
a team to come home after opening on the road
and finally play in front of their home fans.
Speaker 5 (37:00):
It is.
Speaker 10 (37:01):
It is when you start with against Seattle, which is
one of the best pishing staff in the American League,
if not the best, and you start and you come
to the second part of the trip with the LA
which is the best team in the National League. I
feel like we have accomplished a lot and we can't
get discouraged or the way the offense is going.
Speaker 4 (37:20):
We have faith the elite of the elite.
Speaker 10 (37:23):
So it's almost like playout, almost fear the first road
trip that we have played, So going home is gonna
be something special for us, something that we know hope
field advantage.
Speaker 1 (37:32):
Sandy, I know you always enjoy the day, enjoy this
one as always, Thank you, always will, Thank you very much.
Always great to visit with Sandy Alamar Junior, an absolute
gem that the Guardian's treasure as part of this organization
for a long long time. But I's gonna do it
for our show. This week's fun things to talk about
for sure is the season is off and running and
(37:53):
the home stand continues with a couple more against the
Cups and then three against the Royals.
Speaker 3 (38:00):
Think Brian Matse has always, for.
Speaker 1 (38:01):
All of his help, been putting together our show each
and every week until we join you again next week
from Atlanta. This is Jim rosen House reminding you that
you've been listening to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Clinic
Guardians Radio Network. Guardians Weekly has been brought to you
(38:24):
by Progressive helping Guardians fans save hundreds on car insurance
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