June 14, 2025 • 39 mins
A look back at the battle for the Ohio Cup which went the Reds way, but the Guardians with some memorable moments nonetheless. Plus, we'll talk to Shane Bieber and get an update on his recovery and rehab following Tommy John surgery. Also, the weekly Farm Report with V.P. of Player Development Stephen Osterer. That's all on this edition of Guardians Weekly with Jim Rosenhaus on the Cleveland Guardians Radio Network.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Guardians Radio Network.
Guardians Weekly is brought to you by Progressive helping Guardians
fans save hundreds on car insurance.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Hi, everyone, welcome to Guardian's Weekly. Jim Rosenhouse along with you.
We join you from Seattle, Washington. Guardians playing the Mariners
to open this road swing with three here in Seattle,
then three in San Francisco, and three more in Sacramento.
Coming up on our show in a little bit, we'll
hear from catcher Bone Naylor as well as Luis Ortez
(01:23):
and Shane Bieber will join us as well. We'll also
give you a full minor league report with Stephen Oster
taking in the Lynchburg Ball Club at the Single A
level in the Carolina League, and Jaylen Norman has another
player feature as well. So a lot to get to
on our show this week, including our week in review.
And it was a tough start to the week, a
(01:43):
seven to four loss to the Reds on Monday, then
a one nothing loss to Cincinnati on Tuesday at Progressive Field.
Guardians looking for some offense heading into Wednesday's day game,
and the offense got it going in the first inning
after David Fry through a one out walk, who else
but Jose Ramirez to drive in the game's first.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
Run, two and one to count on the Jose Ramirez,
who won the years third in the American League in
batting third, in ops, fourth and hits fourth and steals.
The pitch swung on hit pretty well deep left field,
headed toward the porch. It is off the top of
the nineteenth football hitting third, coming home David Fry in
(02:27):
the second Jose Ramirez. It's one nothing Cleveland, and Jose
Ramirez missed a home run by inches. That nineteen foot
wall cost Hosei a homer. He'll settle for an RBI
double and a'll one nothing Cleveland lead, his fifteenth double,
(02:48):
his thirty third RBI.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
And then it was another milestone on the base pass
for Jose.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Here's the two to one runner, goes pitches outside corner strength,
throw the third not in time, head first slide got
him in ahead of the tag of Espinol and there's
Hosey again. He steals when it matters, his twentieth steal.
There aren't many guys you can say this about, but
(03:17):
Jose Ramirez himself is worth the price of admission. Jose
Ramirez with that steal of third, it's his twentieth. As
I mentioned, he's now tied Kenny Lofton in steals. Only
Kenny Lofton and Jose Ramirez have ever had eight seasons
(03:38):
with Cleveland in which they had twenty steals or more. Goodness,
gracious and on the mound, Logan Allen continued a great
stretch of starting pitching for the Guardians. Cleveland won Cincinnani
nothing another dandy pitcher's duel in the third. Now the payoff. God,
I'm swinging on the breaking ball. So Allen tremendous through three.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
And then what a bottom of the third inning is?
It was not only for the Guardians, but also a
couple of lucky local listeners.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
So the bases are loaded for Carlos Santana and we've
got a chance to give away a brand new Hyundai.
It's the Hyundai Grand Slam Giveaway inning, and Edward Moss
of Cleveland, you're going to get a brand new Hyundai
from your Northern Ohio Hunday dealers if Cleveland can unload.
Here's Santana badding right handed, popped up his first time,
(04:32):
he swings and sends it deep right center field.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
This ball is goode.
Speaker 4 (04:43):
Carlos Santana his first home run of the year right handed,
a grand Slam right center, a five nothing Cleveland Lee,
a brand new Hyundai for Edward Moss Cleveland, and four
brand new Bridgestone tires to Mike Marks of Wandsworth from
(05:08):
Conrads and Santa promising a pony to all of you
kids in Northeast Ohio. Five nothing Cleveland on Santana's Grand
slammed al right center.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
The Hyundai Grand Slam giveaway inning and Carlos Santana won
a brand new Hyundai for our lucky listener. And onto
the fourth inning, Cincinnati and they got on the board
with a solo home run from Elie de la Cruz
Been at the bottom of the inning. The Guardians answered
with two men on and Cole Manzardo off the bench
to pinch hit. Here's the three to two pitch, swung
(05:45):
on drill down the right field line, fair ball into
the corner. It goes one run is in as Nunya
scores right behind him. As Martinez in the second base
with a two run pinch hit and double al man
Zardo and the Guardians open it up further it is
now seven to one Cleveland. Another solo home run for
(06:09):
the Reds and the sixth made it seven to two.
But again the Guardians responded in the bottom of the inning,
two men on on Hell Martinez at the plate. Now
the O two swung on bounced to short charge by
Dela Cruz, puts it, slaps the ball back toward the pitcher.
Everybody is safe into score rod regus eight to two Cleveland.
(06:31):
Dela Cruz charged that slow hopper trying to make the swoop,
gramb on it and actually slapped it back toward the
pitcher and on Hell Martinez will get credited with his
third hit of the day. Then the next batter was
Lane Thomas. He delivered the knockout blow.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Here's the one O pitch swung on hit pretty well
to right deepen toward the corner. Joe on the run,
Joe in the corner.
Speaker 5 (06:57):
This ball is gone, three run home run. It just
did clear the thirteen foot wall in that right field corner.
And the Guardians with a grand slam from Santana. And
now a three run home run right down the right
(07:18):
field line by Lane Thomas, and it's a four spot
in the sixth and Cleveland now with an eleven.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
To two lead, and in the ninth Emanuel classe, just
needing a little work was on to finish things up.
Two out two on here's the one two pitch to
counter Joe swimming, and I'm asked Baugi closs A after
the first two gets on, then wipes out the next three,
(07:51):
and the Guardian salvaged the finale eleven to two, And
then the Guardian started the road swing here in Seattle
on Friday night, seven to two win for the Mariners.
Take a time out, come back here from Boat Naylor
and others. That's next.
Speaker 6 (08:14):
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Speaker 2 (08:59):
Welcome back, Guardian's weekly jimmers and als back with you
from Seattle, Washington. Bou Naylor has been swinging a hot
bat of late for the Guardians back to back games,
with a home run last week during the home stand,
and he talked about the key to this good stretch
at the plate.
Speaker 8 (09:16):
I think it starts with just having, you know, a
long term mindset, not letting you know, at back to
a kind of determine how I'm feeling, and really just
understanding that it's a long season. You know, there's there's
a lot of that best to be had, and you know,
the more I can stay even keeled and keep my
mind in a good spot, the better off I'm going
to be throughout that whole time at back to a bat,
(09:37):
just to be able to go out there and get
my swing off.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
And as a team, when you hit where you do
in the lineup, it can be so beneficial if you
do have some success based on what's going on up top,
and do you feel that that that when you're in
that spot, that that you can really help the team
if you can have some success.
Speaker 7 (09:55):
Yeah for sure.
Speaker 8 (09:55):
I mean, you know, wherever I'm at, I'm really just
trying to do my best to t on base. You know,
kind of create some traffic. If you get some slug
that's obviously amazing too. But ultimately, you know, give the
guys that are hitting after me, you know, letting the
lineup roll over, and just to continue to be a
part of the traffic and the pressure that's being put
on the other team as much as I can.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
But let's take the fans inside. Kind of a day
in the life of a great baseball family, the Nailer family.
You play a game here last night, you'd you hit
a home run in a close game that goes the
other way, game's over. You have a second cousin who's
playing for the Oakland Athletics right now, Denzel Clark, who
has made some highlight reel catches. He did it again
(10:39):
last night. Where were you when that happened? And did
you have a chance to see it?
Speaker 7 (10:42):
I was in the recovery room.
Speaker 8 (10:43):
Yeah it was you know, them them being on the
West coast, you know, they started right when we finished.
So me and a couple of other guys were tapped
into the game just kind of watching it, and at
first I didn't see it because I wasn't paying attention.
But you know, I just heard a few screams and
then I see him, you know, Chest all the way
over the wall coming down. He's screaming, and so obviously,
(11:05):
you know, I'm locked in, and you know, being able
to see that catch it doesn't surprise me, you know,
because I've seen him make such amazing plays, you know,
growing up, so I know that that's something that I
can expect from him. But it is really nice to
see others be able to recognize that just and just
see him, you know, flourish in a position that he's
done so much to get better.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
And then your brother Josh had a walk off Grand
Slam for the Diamondbacks last night, and in years past,
you've been right here to to have a bird's eye
view of that because you've been teammates had to go
last night. As far as trying to follow.
Speaker 8 (11:38):
That, yeah, I can say I knocked out a little
bit before the game, you know, kind of having to
be up a little earlier, but opening my phone, it
was the first thing I saw in terms of notifications
from the family, and you know that the notification definitely
woke me up a lot. You know, I went straight
to the highlights and you know, replayed the game in
that moment. Being able to see something like that, it's
(12:00):
always special, you know, it's always something so happy that
you want to see for you know, a family member,
you know, a sibling in this game. You know, especially
understanding all the struggle and you know ups and downs
that comes with this game. So being able to see
him flourish in that way.
Speaker 7 (12:14):
Is it was awesome.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Quite a night for the Nailers and extended Nailors. Josh, Bo,
thanks for coming by. Appreciate it, appreciate it. Thank you.
That's catcher Bo Naylor, who has had the good fortune
to catch Luis Ortiz during some of Ortiz's best starts
of the season, including a solid one for the Guardians
in New York last week where he threw five and
two thirds innings of shut out baseball, you know, win
(12:37):
over the Yankees. We caught up with him after that
start along with translator Augi Rivero, and he talked about
facing that dangerous Yankees lineup and having success.
Speaker 9 (12:50):
And the key was a preparation we're really properly prepared
for this game, both physically mentally and being very aggressive
from the get go. I felt that he was being
able to be aggressive throughout the game, and that's what
a me to to have the game that I had.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
We've had a chance to see you now in spring
training and now about ten major league starts during the
course of the regular season. Are you a different picture
or improved picture from what you were a year ago
with Pittsburgh and coming up through their system and have
you made some improvements that you're really happy.
Speaker 10 (13:17):
With the life for the answer, and.
Speaker 9 (13:23):
There's not a significant difference because at the endges about
the work that you put in. I was able to
have a rose s last year with Pittsburgh, but it
came down from the work that I was able to
put in and the ward the Gonzation dig with me
for me this year is the same. I've been been
able to put in the work that he wanted to do.
And you know, obviously he gets a little confusing with
a spring break and how even folded, But those are
things that I cannot control. But what the takeaway is
(13:44):
the work that we've been able to put in For me,
that's the type of picture that I am because I
keep working out in after and out in. That's allowed
me to be the picture that I know I can be.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
And some of the best pitching coaches in the game,
and Carl Willis, Joe Torres, Brad Goldberg, anything in particular
that that's really worked for you, that that they've helped
you with since your time.
Speaker 7 (14:02):
Here, Oh no, see Glad.
Speaker 9 (14:06):
So there's a great group of guys. Obviously, they're very
good at what they do, and it's very important for
us the way how we involved it and work it throughout,
you know, different things on an ongoing basis, and I
feel the most important part is the confidence. The confidence
that they bestow upon you every time you work, every
time you do do stuff. So's he's a lot easier
to work towards things when you know they have that
confidence on you and being a good picture.
Speaker 7 (14:26):
So they are a great group of guys.
Speaker 9 (14:28):
Always really like working with them, And as long as
we continue having that confidence on each other, that's going
to be the key to keep pitching the way we've
been pitching so far.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
We should coming along great. Thanks a lot for com by,
appreciate it. Thank you man Ats Louis Orties with translation
help from Augi Rivero. Meanwhile, Shane Bieber continues to make
his way back from Tommy John surgery and Shane is
going to resume throwing this weekend. Great news there. He
had to take a break from throwing because of some
soreness in that elbow area, but we had a chance
(14:57):
to talk to him about some other pictures to have
come back from that same injury and why it was
important for him to stay the course.
Speaker 11 (15:05):
Yeah, I mean being able to talk to guys that
have gone through this before, it's hard to find the
right words because I almost want to say, like nobody's surprised.
Obviously you don't welcome a hiccup or set back, but
they aren't all too uncommon. And so being able to
talk with those guys, and especially doctor Meistri did my surgery,
(15:29):
it's almost as if, like, you know, you don't embrace it,
but this is just part of the process, and so
you take it and tried and take a couple of
days off and hopefully feel a little bit better when
I zoom throwing.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
And because you're more than a year out, did you
kind of feel like, hey, maybe I'm the picture who
goes all the way through with no setbacks, and then
I'll be the guy who takes them out again.
Speaker 11 (15:49):
Yeah, I think you always want to have that confidence,
and I've had that since, you know, shortly.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
After I got surgery.
Speaker 7 (15:57):
I've put in the work.
Speaker 11 (15:59):
I've done everything I possibly can to be at this
point and be as healthy as possible. But ultimately, you
just can't replicate what it's like to return to game
action and the intensity that you kind of put your
your body through, let alone a reconstructed elbow. So happy
(16:19):
to I'm happy with how my progress has been up
to this point. Like I said, I'm a little frustrated,
but I think that's natural. So I'll continue to put
one foot in front of the other and be back as
soon as I can, as healthy as I can.
Speaker 2 (16:32):
You pitched in huge games throughout your career, But what
was it like getting on the mount in Arizona in
a competitive game again? Did did you have some similar
jitters to maybe some of the playoff appearances and things
like that.
Speaker 8 (16:43):
Yeah?
Speaker 11 (16:44):
Absolutely, maybe not the playoffs, but I definitely felt it.
And you know, it's at eleven am backfield Arizona game,
but I still got amped up for it. I just
love it, and so I was really enjoying competing. I'm
still enjoying competing, and so can't wait to get back
(17:04):
out there.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
Your family's here with you, You're back in Cleveland. Why
is that important at this stage of things.
Speaker 11 (17:10):
Cleveland's home too, and so it's important for us to
be here. I feel like my time in Arizona has concluded.
I've done what I've needed to do there, despite this
little hiccup that I'm going through. It's time to be
with the team. And when it's time to resume throwing
and ramp up, I'll do just that and with the team,
And it's nice to just feel their energy and be
(17:31):
with the guys.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
I know you follow it close. And what are you
singing in here that that has you excited about when
you do return, that there could be some big games
this fall.
Speaker 11 (17:39):
Yeah, I'm seeing some some bumps and bruises, and that's
part of a long Major league season. But I see
a young group that comes ready to play every single day,
puts the work in, and you know that shows up
whether you're in this clubhouse or or watching from Arizona. So,
like I said, just a part of excited to be
with this group.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
Jane, great to see it, thanks for coming back. Thanks
resting and Shane Bieber. Always fun to catch up with
him and it seems like he's back on track continuing
his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Stay with us. We're
back with more after this. Welcome back to Guardians Weekly.
(18:43):
Jim Rosenhause back with you from Seattle and we take
a look at our minor league report now with Stephen Ostro,
the vice president of player development for the Guardian single
a Lynchburgh in the Caroline League. They're off to a
great start so far, one loss wise. In fact, with
the season split into halves, they have a chance at
the first half championship and Austin says there's a lot
(19:06):
of excitement about what's happening right now for the Hillcats.
Speaker 12 (19:09):
Yeah, they've played really good baseball so far and the
first half is set to be finished in about a
week and they're currently in first place playing against the
second place team with the Carolina Mntcats. So a lot
of success on a team level this year. Really fun
to go out and play like very meaningful baseball that
(19:31):
hopefully they can continue some of the momentum.
Speaker 10 (19:33):
Here and.
Speaker 12 (19:36):
Strike up the first half title, so really cool for
the Hillcats. Great experience for the young guys to go
out and compete in close to playoff baseball and try
to capture this thing.
Speaker 10 (19:46):
So fun to watch.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
And let's start on the position player side this week,
and we'll begin with someone who's having a tremendous season
stolen base wise, and Tommy Hawk, young man out of
wake Forest fifte He stolen bases at last check, which
seems absurd, but obviously having a great season in that regard.
And what are you seeing from him that dovetails into
(20:10):
the obvious speed that he has.
Speaker 12 (20:12):
Yeah, yeah, so I think we talked about him last
time too. You know, he's still still performing really well
for Lynchburg overall, hitting in the leadoff spot and getting
on base and as you mentioned, stealing a ton of bags.
Speaker 10 (20:25):
I think he had three last night, so he might
be up to fifty six at this point, but leading
the league and doing those things.
Speaker 12 (20:32):
You know, continues to take walks and isn't striking out
a ton, so you know, really good from a leadoff perspective,
and generally, I think the work is just to try
to build the motor as much as he can and
you know, over the year and add some fat free masks,
gets stronger, try to carry over the you know, maybe
some of the good swing decisions in the contact that
(20:52):
he's able to do into a little bit more impact
of the bats. So, yeah, he's got a ton of speed.
He's taken advantage of his ability to steal at that level,
and you know, he's been fun to kind of case
after the total there.
Speaker 2 (21:05):
So he's a little bit older player in the Carolina
League and shifting to a young kid Welman Francisca, just
nineteen out of the Dominican Republican and what has he
excited about it? Yet another good infield prospect.
Speaker 10 (21:18):
Yeah, super talented player.
Speaker 12 (21:21):
I think last time when we talked, he was maybe
off to a bit of a slower start. And I
think when you have those really young players like welban Is,
there's there's a lot of things going on under the hood,
from from you adjusting to.
Speaker 10 (21:34):
The full season life.
Speaker 12 (21:35):
There routines, the daily work and you know, working on
English a few times a week, and you know, sometimes
struggling early with the young players is really good. It's
just an opportunity to hammer home and build strategies to
be resilient long term. So you know, he's really performed
in the last thirty days, starting to heat up and
(21:56):
collect a bunch of hips hit story and you know.
Speaker 10 (21:59):
That's that's his identity as a hitter. A guy can
go out and hit.
Speaker 12 (22:03):
So it's beating up on Unrighty's I think he's his
ops in the last month is like nine point thirty
against him right now. He's you know, not really swinging
through anything. And you starting to steal some bags too
in the mid twenties.
Speaker 10 (22:16):
So yeah, I think we're we're you.
Speaker 12 (22:19):
Know, and need to be patient with the young players,
but trying to move the needle long term and let
him kind of settle into to the routines and the
work and continue to move the needle on you know,
the physicality, and you know there's some things in the
swing that he's working on and working hard on the
defense as well as the shortstop.
Speaker 10 (22:36):
So you know, he's young.
Speaker 12 (22:38):
You know, we're not expecting development to be a linear thing,
but we're we're seeing him to take off quite a
bit and carry over some of the exciting things that
he did with the bat last year. So far in
the last month and a half here too, So really
nice progress for Welben and still a lot of work
left to go.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
And when you look at at acquiring players, a lot
of the players on this team have been signed as
international free agents or their draft picks in recent drafts.
But Nick Mitchell was acquired in a big deal in
the off season between the Blue Jays and the Guardians,
with andre Ci Menez one of the center points there.
But Mitchell comes from the Blue Jays farm system and
(23:18):
what do you see from him in his first year
with Cleveland.
Speaker 10 (23:21):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 12 (23:21):
He was a fourth round pick last year and got
a taste of the affiliate life with Toronto, and you know,
like you said, we were fortunate enough to get him
in the trade with Jimenez and Sandler last year. And
you know, we saw him as a pretty good outfielder
with a really nice hit tool and unfortunately had had
an injury, you know, in preparing for the year in
(23:42):
spring training and didn't really get out the gates right
away and back just rehappening. So he's played about fifteen
games so far for us. He's hitting in the middle
of the lineup and mostly playing some center field for us. He's,
like I said, very good bat to ball skills, that
type profile that we like. And you know, he's made
some really good swing decisions so far, so he's taking
(24:06):
his bocks.
Speaker 10 (24:06):
He's not shrinking out.
Speaker 12 (24:08):
You know, we'll be looking to continue to build more
impact long term, but still really early in getting to
know him and you know, getting to support him and
build his routines and you know, build those as we
to establish the things that he needs to do to
move the need a long term across the entire board,
but really exciting to have him. You know, he's a
good player and you know there's a lot of growth
(24:30):
left for him to continue moving forward.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
We are joined by Steven oster Or, the vice president
of player development for the Guardians, talking single ad Lynchberg
in the Carolina League, and we switched to some good
young prospects on the mound, including right handed Braylan Doty,
drafted player a year ago and gosh, still so young, Austin.
And you look at twelve starts, forty three innings. Is
(24:54):
that about what you like to see? Is that plenty
for a young kid with his experience level at this point?
Speaker 10 (25:00):
Yeah, yeah, so it is.
Speaker 12 (25:03):
And and we tend to try to work these guys
in when they're really young, and especially the high school kids.
Speaker 10 (25:09):
Into what professional baseball looks like.
Speaker 12 (25:11):
And he's actually done a really nice job of settling
in so far to start the years. So yeah, I
think we define a successful first year for for these
types of players to you know, to build a solid
foundation of routines and try to stack daily wins so
that they can support like your ability and you know,
(25:31):
drive development long term. And you know, there's just so
much to adjust to for for a high school match
are out in an affiliate, So uh yeah, he's done
a really good job from that. To my standpoint, he's
starting to hit his stride a little bit on the
mound in terms of being able to push the development
on some of the fundamental spaces. So you know, he
(25:51):
throws a ton of strikes. We're starting to push the
workload a little bit more than what we have up
into this point because he's recovering really well, and the
velost he's starting to climb a little bit for us too,
so you know, there's work to be done here on
the secondaries. He's working really hard on his change up.
We're trying to take advantage of strikeout counts and convert
(26:12):
those into strikeouts because he is such a great strike
where he's more in zone than at times quality of
zone and working on those things along with just consistency
week to week. So there's just so much like here
from a talent perspective. He's a really good kid. He
works really hard, he asks great questions, and he's curious.
So I think we're just going to continue to see
(26:33):
him get better as the season goes on here and
expect a really strong second half.
Speaker 10 (26:38):
Is he's now kind of.
Speaker 12 (26:40):
Locked into what professional baseball looks like and can kind
of build out a little bit more focus towards.
Speaker 10 (26:45):
Some of the fundamental things that he needs to work on.
Speaker 2 (26:48):
And you mentioned those things. For a youngster who's out
of high school drafted rape Schlessinger might be different. I
don't know. As someone coming out of the University of Miami,
do you approach a picture like that at a little
bit differently as they build up?
Speaker 12 (27:02):
Yeah, and again I think it just depends on the
picture in the background. So Rafe did come from college,
but he didn't start a ton in college, so I
think we kind of hear that there's just a lot
of meat left on the bone. So to speak in
terms of, you know, figuring out what professional baseball looks
like from a weekly cadence, from a daily cadence, and
(27:23):
the things that he needs to do as a starter
to be able to go out there and you know,
not just continue to be healthy, but to build up
and build up the workload a little bit and continue
to refine the things that he needs to work on
long term. So yeah, he's been he's been working really
hard at being more in his own and that has
(27:44):
improved quite a bit since the start of the year
and is now shifting again, like similar to Brail into
you know, how do we execute our pitches to better
spots and convert on strikeouts.
Speaker 10 (27:54):
So he's got really good stuff.
Speaker 12 (27:56):
He's you know, he's throwing some ridiculous changeups as he's
worked on that, which is really cool to see the
development of that pitch. And I think there's just again
still a lot, a lot of meat left on the
bone for Rafe, you know, across the entire board as
a starter, So we're really excited about what we're seeing.
The Filo is climbing ever so slightly again as he's
(28:18):
kind of just getting used to what professional baseball looks like, so,
Rafe has just done a really good job, and again
despite him being a college arm Yeah, I think he
was maybe coming in with less starting experience and maybe
not as refined routines as some of the more advanced college.
Speaker 10 (28:34):
Guys that we've had in the past.
Speaker 12 (28:35):
So just exciting all around and expecting again a really
good second half of.
Speaker 2 (28:39):
Rafe and another college drafted pitcher, Sean Mattson, will finish
up with him out of Harvard twenty four years of age,
a little bit older for the Carolina League, But what
do you like about what he's doing at that level
right now?
Speaker 12 (28:52):
Yeah, So he's come out and it's kind of worked
his way into taking some starts and more innings as
the first half kind of kind of went on with
with Lynchburg. And you're right, he's a little bit older,
but you know, he's also performed very well, very well
for the level. He's given up virtually no runs of
those spar he's he's walking about six and a half
(29:13):
percent of the batters he's facing, striking out thirty one percent,
which combined is very high for the league, you know,
and he's seen his velocity climb as again similar to
these other guys are settling into their first year of
professional baseball, so his calling card is controlling counts, throwing strikes,
and executing his fastball well. And he's got a really
(29:34):
good change up. So lots of room for growth, I
think in terms of, you know, pushing the velocity ceiling
and trying to get you know, the velo up to
what we would want it to be in a few years.
But I think we're seeing pathways to do that in
the delivery at some of the training environments that he's
been exposed to in the past. So you know, Sean's
Seawan has been really excited to go out there and
(29:55):
just dominate the level of this far and again expecting
continued growth in a lot of the areas we want
to see improvement in well.
Speaker 2 (30:04):
Some good stuff as always, and hopefully it's a fun
week for Lynchburg as they try and close in on
a first half championship for the Carolina League. DASTI always
fun to have you on and we'll catch up with
you again soon.
Speaker 10 (30:16):
Thanks, Rosie, appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (30:19):
That is Vice president of player Development, Stephen Osterer, and
she debuted last week. Jalen Norman, who is a part
of our Weekly Farm Reports now traveling through the minor
league system. Was in Lake County recently with the Captains
and she had a chance to sit down with a bright,
young outfield prospect by the name of Alfonsin Rosario.
Speaker 13 (30:40):
So you joined the Guardians organization in November as part
of a trade. What were your first thoughts when you
found out you'd be part of this organization.
Speaker 7 (30:47):
I mean, I was shocked when I got the news.
Speaker 14 (30:50):
I wasn't expecting myself to get traded so fast, so
I was like, really, And I remember getting the call
and the guy told me, Hey, she's been traded to
the Guardians. I wasn't in shocked for like thirty seconds,
and I'm like, but like, what Guardians Cleveland Gardens Like
He's like yeah, I'm like, I didn't even know Cleveland
Gardens was interested in me.
Speaker 7 (31:10):
So I was like kind of in shock for a
few seconds, and.
Speaker 14 (31:14):
Then I a couple of tears came out. I had
a good friendship with my teammates back with the Cups
and the coaches.
Speaker 7 (31:22):
I feel like we had a really good relationship with everybody.
Speaker 13 (31:26):
And how has the adjustment been for you going from
the Cups organization and now to the Guardians.
Speaker 7 (31:31):
Uh, you know, it's been fun.
Speaker 14 (31:34):
I think I'm a fun guy and I make friends
really quick, so I'm always talking to the guys kind
of getting a feeling of them, like, you know, like,
hey you good, good job, you know what I mean.
People like that, people like that you are concerned and
you like there for them.
Speaker 7 (31:51):
At some point.
Speaker 14 (31:51):
And I think that's been huge getting together with everybody.
Speaker 13 (31:57):
A lot of Guardians fans were first introduced to you
and Mark when you played in the Spring Breakout game.
What was that experience.
Speaker 7 (32:03):
Like for you?
Speaker 14 (32:05):
That was fun. It was fun to be there, you
know what I mean. And it's always fun to be
in the field. As long as I have my bad
I think I'll be okay.
Speaker 7 (32:12):
So it's a good experience. How would you describe your game?
Speaker 14 (32:17):
I'll say preparation, getting the approach and executing it. It's
always the best feeling. It's not even the outcome, But
what makes the outcome so especial is when you have
that approach and you can execute it the way you
thought about it. That's what makes it so special.
Speaker 13 (32:31):
So you come from a baseball family, your brothers in
the Padres organization, and you've got cousins all across the league.
How much does that help you being able to have
members of your family that kind of relate to this journey.
Speaker 7 (32:43):
To me, it motivates me a lot.
Speaker 14 (32:45):
I like to compete, and I'm always like texting those
guys like, Hey, we're competing.
Speaker 7 (32:50):
We're doing this, and we're doing that. When we go
back home to we do a lot of games like
between each other and we compete against each other. So
that's fun.
Speaker 13 (32:56):
How many family members do you know, off the top
of your head, how many family members you have either
in the league who have gone.
Speaker 7 (33:01):
Through the league.
Speaker 14 (33:02):
I have had a few, but the ones that are
active right now is my brother, and I have two
cousins playing and me right now that I know. But
I've had my dad used to play ball, my grandfather
used to play ball. I have another brother plays ball,
but he's not even the probably yet. But I have
had a lot of family that's been through this. So
it's been amazing.
Speaker 13 (33:24):
As we've progressed deeper into the season, we've seen you
really settle in offensively. How comfortable have you felt during
your first couple of months as a Lake County captain?
Speaker 14 (33:33):
What gives me that confidence is the hard work I
put through in the off season. I think I work
a lot to improve my contact and my confidence, also
changing my mentality from last year. The mentality that I
had last year wasn't the best one I could have.
But this year I'm really making the adjustment mentally and
physically also, So that's been what's giving me my confidence.
Speaker 7 (33:57):
My hard work, you know what I mean.
Speaker 13 (33:58):
A lot of young players take time to develop power,
but you've seem to possess that throughout your career. How
does that come so easily for you?
Speaker 14 (34:06):
I believe also did my preparation and hard work. When
I was in high school, I was kind of obsessed
with lifting. I'll go there twice three times a day
because I had that. I had the gym open for me,
so I had it available all the time. So I'll
go there and I'll pretty much just spending all my
day and they're lifting, stretching, doing something. And that's kind
(34:26):
of how I grew.
Speaker 7 (34:29):
And expand my body a little bit.
Speaker 14 (34:31):
And yeah, it's been amazing a lot of explosive exercises
really helpful.
Speaker 13 (34:37):
You mentioned that you have, you know, family members in
the league, but is there anyone that you've modeled your
game after and if.
Speaker 14 (34:42):
So, why my brother He's been He's been one of
the reasons that I've played this game because I've always
wanted to play either with him or against him at
some point.
Speaker 13 (34:55):
And before I let you go, you know, the Captains
are the defending Midwest League champs, and we've seen Ralph
Alaska has come into the season and pick up right
where you left off. We've seen Jose Devers find a
stride offensively in Christian Napchick also has come in and
really been an asset. How exciting is it for you
to come into this organization and play alongside such a
talented group.
Speaker 7 (35:15):
I love that, you know. I love that my teammates
are doing well. That also helps me put some numbers.
Speaker 14 (35:20):
As long as I get them on base, I'm there
to back them up and do the best that we
can to hopefully come back as a champion this year
as well.
Speaker 12 (35:28):
You know.
Speaker 2 (35:30):
That is Jaylen Norman talking with Alfonsin Rosario, who is
acquired in the off season in the trade that sent
Eli Morgan to the Chicago Cubs for a young outfield prospect.
In Rosario certainly off to a nice start for Lake
County stay with us. We'll have our final segment after
this time out on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
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Speaker 2 (36:38):
Welcome back. It's our final segment of Guardians Weekly. Jim
rosen House back with you from Seattle, where the Guardians
are playing the Mariners this weekend. They started the series
on Friday night, It continues Saturday night with a nine
to forty first pitch, and then wraps up on Sunday
afternoon with a four to ten first pitch Cleveland Time,
(36:58):
and we will be on West Coat Time for the
next week as the road trip continues in San Francisco.
After and off day on Monday, the Guardians will take
on the Giants Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and then Thursday
afternoon before the road trip wraps up in Sacramento next weekend.
Our first visit to Sacramento, the new home of the Athletics,
(37:21):
at least temporary home. We'll see how long it lasts,
but they are there until the ballpark is ready in
Las Vegas, and we'll get our first look at the
Sacramento Athletics. They don't like to be called that, but
that's where they play. And we'll be there next weekend
for the three game series against the Athletics. So a
lot of baseball on this West Coast swing. It got
(37:42):
off to a rocky start on Friday night with a
seven to two Seattle victory. Guardians trying to write the
ship throughout the weekend. This weekend here in Seattle and
then on to San Francisco and then Sacramento next weekend.
We'll join you from Sacramento for the next edition of
Guardians Weekly. Thanks as always to Brian Bonze for his
help on our broadcasts each and every week until next week.
(38:05):
Missus Jim rosen House reminding you that you've been listening
to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 1 (38:22):
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 Rosenhouse along with you.
We join you from Seattle, Washington. Guardians playing the Mariners
to open this road swing with three here in Seattle,
then three in San Francisco, and three more in Sacramento.
Coming up on our show in a little bit, we'll
hear from catcher Bone Naylor as well as Luis Ortez
(01:23):
and Shane Bieber will join us as well. We'll also
give you a full minor league report with Stephen Oster
taking in the Lynchburg Ball Club at the Single A
level in the Carolina League, and Jaylen Norman has another
player feature as well. So a lot to get to
on our show this week, including our week in review.
And it was a tough start to the week, a
(01:43):
seven to four loss to the Reds on Monday, then
a one nothing loss to Cincinnati on Tuesday at Progressive Field.
Guardians looking for some offense heading into Wednesday's day game,
and the offense got it going in the first inning
after David Fry through a one out walk, who else
but Jose Ramirez to drive in the game's first.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
Run, two and one to count on the Jose Ramirez,
who won the years third in the American League in
batting third, in ops, fourth and hits fourth and steals.
The pitch swung on hit pretty well deep left field,
headed toward the porch. It is off the top of
the nineteenth football hitting third, coming home David Fry in
(02:27):
the second Jose Ramirez. It's one nothing Cleveland, and Jose
Ramirez missed a home run by inches. That nineteen foot
wall cost Hosei a homer. He'll settle for an RBI
double and a'll one nothing Cleveland lead, his fifteenth double,
(02:48):
his thirty third RBI.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
And then it was another milestone on the base pass
for Jose.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Here's the two to one runner, goes pitches outside corner strength,
throw the third not in time, head first slide got
him in ahead of the tag of Espinol and there's
Hosey again. He steals when it matters, his twentieth steal.
There aren't many guys you can say this about, but
(03:17):
Jose Ramirez himself is worth the price of admission. Jose
Ramirez with that steal of third, it's his twentieth. As
I mentioned, he's now tied Kenny Lofton in steals. Only
Kenny Lofton and Jose Ramirez have ever had eight seasons
(03:38):
with Cleveland in which they had twenty steals or more. Goodness,
gracious and on the mound, Logan Allen continued a great
stretch of starting pitching for the Guardians. Cleveland won Cincinnani
nothing another dandy pitcher's duel in the third. Now the payoff. God,
I'm swinging on the breaking ball. So Allen tremendous through three.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
And then what a bottom of the third inning is?
It was not only for the Guardians, but also a
couple of lucky local listeners.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
So the bases are loaded for Carlos Santana and we've
got a chance to give away a brand new Hyundai.
It's the Hyundai Grand Slam Giveaway inning, and Edward Moss
of Cleveland, you're going to get a brand new Hyundai
from your Northern Ohio Hunday dealers if Cleveland can unload.
Here's Santana badding right handed, popped up his first time,
(04:32):
he swings and sends it deep right center field.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
This ball is goode.
Speaker 4 (04:43):
Carlos Santana his first home run of the year right handed,
a grand Slam right center, a five nothing Cleveland Lee,
a brand new Hyundai for Edward Moss Cleveland, and four
brand new Bridgestone tires to Mike Marks of Wandsworth from
(05:08):
Conrads and Santa promising a pony to all of you
kids in Northeast Ohio. Five nothing Cleveland on Santana's Grand
slammed al right center.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
The Hyundai Grand Slam giveaway inning and Carlos Santana won
a brand new Hyundai for our lucky listener. And onto
the fourth inning, Cincinnati and they got on the board
with a solo home run from Elie de la Cruz
Been at the bottom of the inning. The Guardians answered
with two men on and Cole Manzardo off the bench
to pinch hit. Here's the three to two pitch, swung
(05:45):
on drill down the right field line, fair ball into
the corner. It goes one run is in as Nunya
scores right behind him. As Martinez in the second base
with a two run pinch hit and double al man
Zardo and the Guardians open it up further it is
now seven to one Cleveland. Another solo home run for
(06:09):
the Reds and the sixth made it seven to two.
But again the Guardians responded in the bottom of the inning,
two men on on Hell Martinez at the plate. Now
the O two swung on bounced to short charge by
Dela Cruz, puts it, slaps the ball back toward the pitcher.
Everybody is safe into score rod regus eight to two Cleveland.
(06:31):
Dela Cruz charged that slow hopper trying to make the swoop,
gramb on it and actually slapped it back toward the
pitcher and on Hell Martinez will get credited with his
third hit of the day. Then the next batter was
Lane Thomas. He delivered the knockout blow.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Here's the one O pitch swung on hit pretty well
to right deepen toward the corner. Joe on the run,
Joe in the corner.
Speaker 5 (06:57):
This ball is gone, three run home run. It just
did clear the thirteen foot wall in that right field corner.
And the Guardians with a grand slam from Santana. And
now a three run home run right down the right
(07:18):
field line by Lane Thomas, and it's a four spot
in the sixth and Cleveland now with an eleven.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
To two lead, and in the ninth Emanuel classe, just
needing a little work was on to finish things up.
Two out two on here's the one two pitch to
counter Joe swimming, and I'm asked Baugi closs A after
the first two gets on, then wipes out the next three,
(07:51):
and the Guardian salvaged the finale eleven to two, And
then the Guardian started the road swing here in Seattle
on Friday night, seven to two win for the Mariners.
Take a time out, come back here from Boat Naylor
and others. That's next.
Speaker 6 (08:14):
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Speaker 2 (08:59):
Welcome back, Guardian's weekly jimmers and als back with you
from Seattle, Washington. Bou Naylor has been swinging a hot
bat of late for the Guardians back to back games,
with a home run last week during the home stand,
and he talked about the key to this good stretch
at the plate.
Speaker 8 (09:16):
I think it starts with just having, you know, a
long term mindset, not letting you know, at back to
a kind of determine how I'm feeling, and really just
understanding that it's a long season. You know, there's there's
a lot of that best to be had, and you know,
the more I can stay even keeled and keep my
mind in a good spot, the better off I'm going
to be throughout that whole time at back to a bat,
(09:37):
just to be able to go out there and get
my swing off.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
And as a team, when you hit where you do
in the lineup, it can be so beneficial if you
do have some success based on what's going on up top,
and do you feel that that that when you're in
that spot, that that you can really help the team
if you can have some success.
Speaker 7 (09:55):
Yeah for sure.
Speaker 8 (09:55):
I mean, you know, wherever I'm at, I'm really just
trying to do my best to t on base. You know,
kind of create some traffic. If you get some slug
that's obviously amazing too. But ultimately, you know, give the
guys that are hitting after me, you know, letting the
lineup roll over, and just to continue to be a
part of the traffic and the pressure that's being put
on the other team as much as I can.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
But let's take the fans inside. Kind of a day
in the life of a great baseball family, the Nailer family.
You play a game here last night, you'd you hit
a home run in a close game that goes the
other way, game's over. You have a second cousin who's
playing for the Oakland Athletics right now, Denzel Clark, who
has made some highlight reel catches. He did it again
(10:39):
last night. Where were you when that happened? And did
you have a chance to see it?
Speaker 7 (10:42):
I was in the recovery room.
Speaker 8 (10:43):
Yeah it was you know, them them being on the
West coast, you know, they started right when we finished.
So me and a couple of other guys were tapped
into the game just kind of watching it, and at
first I didn't see it because I wasn't paying attention.
But you know, I just heard a few screams and
then I see him, you know, Chest all the way
over the wall coming down. He's screaming, and so obviously,
(11:05):
you know, I'm locked in, and you know, being able
to see that catch it doesn't surprise me, you know,
because I've seen him make such amazing plays, you know,
growing up, so I know that that's something that I
can expect from him. But it is really nice to
see others be able to recognize that just and just
see him, you know, flourish in a position that he's
done so much to get better.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
And then your brother Josh had a walk off Grand
Slam for the Diamondbacks last night, and in years past,
you've been right here to to have a bird's eye
view of that because you've been teammates had to go
last night. As far as trying to follow.
Speaker 8 (11:38):
That, yeah, I can say I knocked out a little
bit before the game, you know, kind of having to
be up a little earlier, but opening my phone, it
was the first thing I saw in terms of notifications
from the family, and you know that the notification definitely
woke me up a lot. You know, I went straight
to the highlights and you know, replayed the game in
that moment. Being able to see something like that, it's
(12:00):
always special, you know, it's always something so happy that
you want to see for you know, a family member,
you know, a sibling in this game. You know, especially
understanding all the struggle and you know ups and downs
that comes with this game. So being able to see
him flourish in that way.
Speaker 7 (12:14):
Is it was awesome.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Quite a night for the Nailers and extended Nailors. Josh, Bo,
thanks for coming by. Appreciate it, appreciate it. Thank you.
That's catcher Bo Naylor, who has had the good fortune
to catch Luis Ortiz during some of Ortiz's best starts
of the season, including a solid one for the Guardians
in New York last week where he threw five and
two thirds innings of shut out baseball, you know, win
(12:37):
over the Yankees. We caught up with him after that
start along with translator Augi Rivero, and he talked about
facing that dangerous Yankees lineup and having success.
Speaker 9 (12:50):
And the key was a preparation we're really properly prepared
for this game, both physically mentally and being very aggressive
from the get go. I felt that he was being
able to be aggressive throughout the game, and that's what
a me to to have the game that I had.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
We've had a chance to see you now in spring
training and now about ten major league starts during the
course of the regular season. Are you a different picture
or improved picture from what you were a year ago
with Pittsburgh and coming up through their system and have
you made some improvements that you're really happy.
Speaker 10 (13:17):
With the life for the answer, and.
Speaker 9 (13:23):
There's not a significant difference because at the endges about
the work that you put in. I was able to
have a rose s last year with Pittsburgh, but it
came down from the work that I was able to
put in and the ward the Gonzation dig with me
for me this year is the same. I've been been
able to put in the work that he wanted to do.
And you know, obviously he gets a little confusing with
a spring break and how even folded, But those are
things that I cannot control. But what the takeaway is
(13:44):
the work that we've been able to put in For me,
that's the type of picture that I am because I
keep working out in after and out in. That's allowed
me to be the picture that I know I can be.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
And some of the best pitching coaches in the game,
and Carl Willis, Joe Torres, Brad Goldberg, anything in particular
that that's really worked for you, that that they've helped
you with since your time.
Speaker 7 (14:02):
Here, Oh no, see Glad.
Speaker 9 (14:06):
So there's a great group of guys. Obviously, they're very
good at what they do, and it's very important for
us the way how we involved it and work it throughout,
you know, different things on an ongoing basis, and I
feel the most important part is the confidence. The confidence
that they bestow upon you every time you work, every
time you do do stuff. So's he's a lot easier
to work towards things when you know they have that
confidence on you and being a good picture.
Speaker 7 (14:26):
So they are a great group of guys.
Speaker 9 (14:28):
Always really like working with them, And as long as
we continue having that confidence on each other, that's going
to be the key to keep pitching the way we've
been pitching so far.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
We should coming along great. Thanks a lot for com by,
appreciate it. Thank you man Ats Louis Orties with translation
help from Augi Rivero. Meanwhile, Shane Bieber continues to make
his way back from Tommy John surgery and Shane is
going to resume throwing this weekend. Great news there. He
had to take a break from throwing because of some
soreness in that elbow area, but we had a chance
(14:57):
to talk to him about some other pictures to have
come back from that same injury and why it was
important for him to stay the course.
Speaker 11 (15:05):
Yeah, I mean being able to talk to guys that
have gone through this before, it's hard to find the
right words because I almost want to say, like nobody's surprised.
Obviously you don't welcome a hiccup or set back, but
they aren't all too uncommon. And so being able to
talk with those guys, and especially doctor Meistri did my surgery,
(15:29):
it's almost as if, like, you know, you don't embrace it,
but this is just part of the process, and so
you take it and tried and take a couple of
days off and hopefully feel a little bit better when
I zoom throwing.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
And because you're more than a year out, did you
kind of feel like, hey, maybe I'm the picture who
goes all the way through with no setbacks, and then
I'll be the guy who takes them out again.
Speaker 11 (15:49):
Yeah, I think you always want to have that confidence,
and I've had that since, you know, shortly.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
After I got surgery.
Speaker 7 (15:57):
I've put in the work.
Speaker 11 (15:59):
I've done everything I possibly can to be at this
point and be as healthy as possible. But ultimately, you
just can't replicate what it's like to return to game
action and the intensity that you kind of put your
your body through, let alone a reconstructed elbow. So happy
(16:19):
to I'm happy with how my progress has been up
to this point. Like I said, I'm a little frustrated,
but I think that's natural. So I'll continue to put
one foot in front of the other and be back as
soon as I can, as healthy as I can.
Speaker 2 (16:32):
You pitched in huge games throughout your career, But what
was it like getting on the mount in Arizona in
a competitive game again? Did did you have some similar
jitters to maybe some of the playoff appearances and things
like that.
Speaker 8 (16:43):
Yeah?
Speaker 11 (16:44):
Absolutely, maybe not the playoffs, but I definitely felt it.
And you know, it's at eleven am backfield Arizona game,
but I still got amped up for it. I just
love it, and so I was really enjoying competing. I'm
still enjoying competing, and so can't wait to get back
(17:04):
out there.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
Your family's here with you, You're back in Cleveland. Why
is that important at this stage of things.
Speaker 11 (17:10):
Cleveland's home too, and so it's important for us to
be here. I feel like my time in Arizona has concluded.
I've done what I've needed to do there, despite this
little hiccup that I'm going through. It's time to be
with the team. And when it's time to resume throwing
and ramp up, I'll do just that and with the team,
And it's nice to just feel their energy and be
(17:31):
with the guys.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
I know you follow it close. And what are you
singing in here that that has you excited about when
you do return, that there could be some big games
this fall.
Speaker 11 (17:39):
Yeah, I'm seeing some some bumps and bruises, and that's
part of a long Major league season. But I see
a young group that comes ready to play every single day,
puts the work in, and you know that shows up
whether you're in this clubhouse or or watching from Arizona. So,
like I said, just a part of excited to be
with this group.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
Jane, great to see it, thanks for coming back. Thanks
resting and Shane Bieber. Always fun to catch up with
him and it seems like he's back on track continuing
his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Stay with us. We're
back with more after this. Welcome back to Guardians Weekly.
(18:43):
Jim Rosenhause back with you from Seattle and we take
a look at our minor league report now with Stephen Ostro,
the vice president of player development for the Guardian single
a Lynchburgh in the Caroline League. They're off to a
great start so far, one loss wise. In fact, with
the season split into halves, they have a chance at
the first half championship and Austin says there's a lot
(19:06):
of excitement about what's happening right now for the Hillcats.
Speaker 12 (19:09):
Yeah, they've played really good baseball so far and the
first half is set to be finished in about a
week and they're currently in first place playing against the
second place team with the Carolina Mntcats. So a lot
of success on a team level this year. Really fun
to go out and play like very meaningful baseball that
(19:31):
hopefully they can continue some of the momentum.
Speaker 10 (19:33):
Here and.
Speaker 12 (19:36):
Strike up the first half title, so really cool for
the Hillcats. Great experience for the young guys to go
out and compete in close to playoff baseball and try
to capture this thing.
Speaker 10 (19:46):
So fun to watch.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
And let's start on the position player side this week,
and we'll begin with someone who's having a tremendous season
stolen base wise, and Tommy Hawk, young man out of
wake Forest fifte He stolen bases at last check, which
seems absurd, but obviously having a great season in that regard.
And what are you seeing from him that dovetails into
(20:10):
the obvious speed that he has.
Speaker 12 (20:12):
Yeah, yeah, so I think we talked about him last
time too. You know, he's still still performing really well
for Lynchburg overall, hitting in the leadoff spot and getting
on base and as you mentioned, stealing a ton of bags.
Speaker 10 (20:25):
I think he had three last night, so he might
be up to fifty six at this point, but leading
the league and doing those things.
Speaker 12 (20:32):
You know, continues to take walks and isn't striking out
a ton, so you know, really good from a leadoff perspective,
and generally, I think the work is just to try
to build the motor as much as he can and
you know, over the year and add some fat free masks,
gets stronger, try to carry over the you know, maybe
some of the good swing decisions in the contact that
(20:52):
he's able to do into a little bit more impact
of the bats. So, yeah, he's got a ton of speed.
He's taken advantage of his ability to steal at that level,
and you know, he's been fun to kind of case
after the total there.
Speaker 2 (21:05):
So he's a little bit older player in the Carolina
League and shifting to a young kid Welman Francisca, just
nineteen out of the Dominican Republican and what has he
excited about it? Yet another good infield prospect.
Speaker 10 (21:18):
Yeah, super talented player.
Speaker 12 (21:21):
I think last time when we talked, he was maybe
off to a bit of a slower start. And I
think when you have those really young players like welban Is,
there's there's a lot of things going on under the hood,
from from you adjusting to.
Speaker 10 (21:34):
The full season life.
Speaker 12 (21:35):
There routines, the daily work and you know, working on
English a few times a week, and you know, sometimes
struggling early with the young players is really good. It's
just an opportunity to hammer home and build strategies to
be resilient long term. So you know, he's really performed
in the last thirty days, starting to heat up and
(21:56):
collect a bunch of hips hit story and you know.
Speaker 10 (21:59):
That's that's his identity as a hitter. A guy can
go out and hit.
Speaker 12 (22:03):
So it's beating up on Unrighty's I think he's his
ops in the last month is like nine point thirty
against him right now. He's you know, not really swinging
through anything. And you starting to steal some bags too
in the mid twenties.
Speaker 10 (22:16):
So yeah, I think we're we're you.
Speaker 12 (22:19):
Know, and need to be patient with the young players,
but trying to move the needle long term and let
him kind of settle into to the routines and the
work and continue to move the needle on you know,
the physicality, and you know there's some things in the
swing that he's working on and working hard on the
defense as well as the shortstop.
Speaker 10 (22:36):
So you know, he's young.
Speaker 12 (22:38):
You know, we're not expecting development to be a linear thing,
but we're we're seeing him to take off quite a
bit and carry over some of the exciting things that
he did with the bat last year. So far in
the last month and a half here too, So really
nice progress for Welben and still a lot of work
left to go.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
And when you look at at acquiring players, a lot
of the players on this team have been signed as
international free agents or their draft picks in recent drafts.
But Nick Mitchell was acquired in a big deal in
the off season between the Blue Jays and the Guardians,
with andre Ci Menez one of the center points there.
But Mitchell comes from the Blue Jays farm system and
(23:18):
what do you see from him in his first year
with Cleveland.
Speaker 10 (23:21):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 12 (23:21):
He was a fourth round pick last year and got
a taste of the affiliate life with Toronto, and you know,
like you said, we were fortunate enough to get him
in the trade with Jimenez and Sandler last year. And
you know, we saw him as a pretty good outfielder
with a really nice hit tool and unfortunately had had
an injury, you know, in preparing for the year in
(23:42):
spring training and didn't really get out the gates right
away and back just rehappening. So he's played about fifteen
games so far for us. He's hitting in the middle
of the lineup and mostly playing some center field for us. He's,
like I said, very good bat to ball skills, that
type profile that we like. And you know, he's made
some really good swing decisions so far, so he's taking
(24:06):
his bocks.
Speaker 10 (24:06):
He's not shrinking out.
Speaker 12 (24:08):
You know, we'll be looking to continue to build more
impact long term, but still really early in getting to
know him and you know, getting to support him and
build his routines and you know, build those as we
to establish the things that he needs to do to
move the need a long term across the entire board,
but really exciting to have him. You know, he's a
good player and you know there's a lot of growth
(24:30):
left for him to continue moving forward.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
We are joined by Steven oster Or, the vice president
of player development for the Guardians, talking single ad Lynchberg
in the Carolina League, and we switched to some good
young prospects on the mound, including right handed Braylan Doty,
drafted player a year ago and gosh, still so young, Austin.
And you look at twelve starts, forty three innings. Is
(24:54):
that about what you like to see? Is that plenty
for a young kid with his experience level at this point?
Speaker 10 (25:00):
Yeah, yeah, so it is.
Speaker 12 (25:03):
And and we tend to try to work these guys
in when they're really young, and especially the high school kids.
Speaker 10 (25:09):
Into what professional baseball looks like.
Speaker 12 (25:11):
And he's actually done a really nice job of settling
in so far to start the years. So yeah, I
think we define a successful first year for for these
types of players to you know, to build a solid
foundation of routines and try to stack daily wins so
that they can support like your ability and you know,
(25:31):
drive development long term. And you know, there's just so
much to adjust to for for a high school match
are out in an affiliate, So uh yeah, he's done
a really good job from that. To my standpoint, he's
starting to hit his stride a little bit on the
mound in terms of being able to push the development
on some of the fundamental spaces. So you know, he
(25:51):
throws a ton of strikes. We're starting to push the
workload a little bit more than what we have up
into this point because he's recovering really well, and the
velost he's starting to climb a little bit for us too,
so you know, there's work to be done here on
the secondaries. He's working really hard on his change up.
We're trying to take advantage of strikeout counts and convert
(26:12):
those into strikeouts because he is such a great strike
where he's more in zone than at times quality of
zone and working on those things along with just consistency
week to week. So there's just so much like here
from a talent perspective. He's a really good kid. He
works really hard, he asks great questions, and he's curious.
So I think we're just going to continue to see
(26:33):
him get better as the season goes on here and
expect a really strong second half.
Speaker 10 (26:38):
Is he's now kind of.
Speaker 12 (26:40):
Locked into what professional baseball looks like and can kind
of build out a little bit more focus towards.
Speaker 10 (26:45):
Some of the fundamental things that he needs to work on.
Speaker 2 (26:48):
And you mentioned those things. For a youngster who's out
of high school drafted rape Schlessinger might be different. I
don't know. As someone coming out of the University of Miami,
do you approach a picture like that at a little
bit differently as they build up?
Speaker 12 (27:02):
Yeah, and again I think it just depends on the
picture in the background. So Rafe did come from college,
but he didn't start a ton in college, so I
think we kind of hear that there's just a lot
of meat left on the bone. So to speak in
terms of, you know, figuring out what professional baseball looks
like from a weekly cadence, from a daily cadence, and
(27:23):
the things that he needs to do as a starter
to be able to go out there and you know,
not just continue to be healthy, but to build up
and build up the workload a little bit and continue
to refine the things that he needs to work on
long term. So yeah, he's been he's been working really
hard at being more in his own and that has
(27:44):
improved quite a bit since the start of the year
and is now shifting again, like similar to Brail into
you know, how do we execute our pitches to better
spots and convert on strikeouts.
Speaker 10 (27:54):
So he's got really good stuff.
Speaker 12 (27:56):
He's you know, he's throwing some ridiculous changeups as he's
worked on that, which is really cool to see the
development of that pitch. And I think there's just again
still a lot, a lot of meat left on the
bone for Rafe, you know, across the entire board as
a starter, So we're really excited about what we're seeing.
The Filo is climbing ever so slightly again as he's
(28:18):
kind of just getting used to what professional baseball looks like, so,
Rafe has just done a really good job, and again
despite him being a college arm Yeah, I think he
was maybe coming in with less starting experience and maybe
not as refined routines as some of the more advanced college.
Speaker 10 (28:34):
Guys that we've had in the past.
Speaker 12 (28:35):
So just exciting all around and expecting again a really
good second half of.
Speaker 2 (28:39):
Rafe and another college drafted pitcher, Sean Mattson, will finish
up with him out of Harvard twenty four years of age,
a little bit older for the Carolina League, But what
do you like about what he's doing at that level
right now?
Speaker 12 (28:52):
Yeah, So he's come out and it's kind of worked
his way into taking some starts and more innings as
the first half kind of kind of went on with
with Lynchburg. And you're right, he's a little bit older,
but you know, he's also performed very well, very well
for the level. He's given up virtually no runs of
those spar he's he's walking about six and a half
(29:13):
percent of the batters he's facing, striking out thirty one percent,
which combined is very high for the league, you know,
and he's seen his velocity climb as again similar to
these other guys are settling into their first year of
professional baseball, so his calling card is controlling counts, throwing strikes,
and executing his fastball well. And he's got a really
(29:34):
good change up. So lots of room for growth, I
think in terms of, you know, pushing the velocity ceiling
and trying to get you know, the velo up to
what we would want it to be in a few years.
But I think we're seeing pathways to do that in
the delivery at some of the training environments that he's
been exposed to in the past. So you know, Sean's
Seawan has been really excited to go out there and
(29:55):
just dominate the level of this far and again expecting
continued growth in a lot of the areas we want
to see improvement in well.
Speaker 2 (30:04):
Some good stuff as always, and hopefully it's a fun
week for Lynchburg as they try and close in on
a first half championship for the Carolina League. DASTI always
fun to have you on and we'll catch up with
you again soon.
Speaker 10 (30:16):
Thanks, Rosie, appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (30:19):
That is Vice president of player Development, Stephen Osterer, and
she debuted last week. Jalen Norman, who is a part
of our Weekly Farm Reports now traveling through the minor
league system. Was in Lake County recently with the Captains
and she had a chance to sit down with a bright,
young outfield prospect by the name of Alfonsin Rosario.
Speaker 13 (30:40):
So you joined the Guardians organization in November as part
of a trade. What were your first thoughts when you
found out you'd be part of this organization.
Speaker 7 (30:47):
I mean, I was shocked when I got the news.
Speaker 14 (30:50):
I wasn't expecting myself to get traded so fast, so
I was like, really, And I remember getting the call
and the guy told me, Hey, she's been traded to
the Guardians. I wasn't in shocked for like thirty seconds,
and I'm like, but like, what Guardians Cleveland Gardens Like
He's like yeah, I'm like, I didn't even know Cleveland
Gardens was interested in me.
Speaker 7 (31:10):
So I was like kind of in shock for a
few seconds, and.
Speaker 14 (31:14):
Then I a couple of tears came out. I had
a good friendship with my teammates back with the Cups
and the coaches.
Speaker 7 (31:22):
I feel like we had a really good relationship with everybody.
Speaker 13 (31:26):
And how has the adjustment been for you going from
the Cups organization and now to the Guardians.
Speaker 7 (31:31):
Uh, you know, it's been fun.
Speaker 14 (31:34):
I think I'm a fun guy and I make friends
really quick, so I'm always talking to the guys kind
of getting a feeling of them, like, you know, like,
hey you good, good job, you know what I mean.
People like that, people like that you are concerned and
you like there for them.
Speaker 7 (31:51):
At some point.
Speaker 14 (31:51):
And I think that's been huge getting together with everybody.
Speaker 13 (31:57):
A lot of Guardians fans were first introduced to you
and Mark when you played in the Spring Breakout game.
What was that experience.
Speaker 7 (32:03):
Like for you?
Speaker 14 (32:05):
That was fun. It was fun to be there, you
know what I mean. And it's always fun to be
in the field. As long as I have my bad
I think I'll be okay.
Speaker 7 (32:12):
So it's a good experience. How would you describe your game?
Speaker 14 (32:17):
I'll say preparation, getting the approach and executing it. It's
always the best feeling. It's not even the outcome, But
what makes the outcome so especial is when you have
that approach and you can execute it the way you
thought about it. That's what makes it so special.
Speaker 13 (32:31):
So you come from a baseball family, your brothers in
the Padres organization, and you've got cousins all across the league.
How much does that help you being able to have
members of your family that kind of relate to this journey.
Speaker 7 (32:43):
To me, it motivates me a lot.
Speaker 14 (32:45):
I like to compete, and I'm always like texting those
guys like, Hey, we're competing.
Speaker 7 (32:50):
We're doing this, and we're doing that. When we go
back home to we do a lot of games like
between each other and we compete against each other. So
that's fun.
Speaker 13 (32:56):
How many family members do you know, off the top
of your head, how many family members you have either
in the league who have gone.
Speaker 7 (33:01):
Through the league.
Speaker 14 (33:02):
I have had a few, but the ones that are
active right now is my brother, and I have two
cousins playing and me right now that I know. But
I've had my dad used to play ball, my grandfather
used to play ball. I have another brother plays ball,
but he's not even the probably yet. But I have
had a lot of family that's been through this. So
it's been amazing.
Speaker 13 (33:24):
As we've progressed deeper into the season, we've seen you
really settle in offensively. How comfortable have you felt during
your first couple of months as a Lake County captain?
Speaker 14 (33:33):
What gives me that confidence is the hard work I
put through in the off season. I think I work
a lot to improve my contact and my confidence, also
changing my mentality from last year. The mentality that I
had last year wasn't the best one I could have.
But this year I'm really making the adjustment mentally and
physically also, So that's been what's giving me my confidence.
Speaker 7 (33:57):
My hard work, you know what I mean.
Speaker 13 (33:58):
A lot of young players take time to develop power,
but you've seem to possess that throughout your career. How
does that come so easily for you?
Speaker 14 (34:06):
I believe also did my preparation and hard work. When
I was in high school, I was kind of obsessed
with lifting. I'll go there twice three times a day
because I had that. I had the gym open for me,
so I had it available all the time. So I'll
go there and I'll pretty much just spending all my
day and they're lifting, stretching, doing something. And that's kind
(34:26):
of how I grew.
Speaker 7 (34:29):
And expand my body a little bit.
Speaker 14 (34:31):
And yeah, it's been amazing a lot of explosive exercises
really helpful.
Speaker 13 (34:37):
You mentioned that you have, you know, family members in
the league, but is there anyone that you've modeled your
game after and if.
Speaker 14 (34:42):
So, why my brother He's been He's been one of
the reasons that I've played this game because I've always
wanted to play either with him or against him at
some point.
Speaker 13 (34:55):
And before I let you go, you know, the Captains
are the defending Midwest League champs, and we've seen Ralph
Alaska has come into the season and pick up right
where you left off. We've seen Jose Devers find a
stride offensively in Christian Napchick also has come in and
really been an asset. How exciting is it for you
to come into this organization and play alongside such a
talented group.
Speaker 7 (35:15):
I love that, you know. I love that my teammates
are doing well. That also helps me put some numbers.
Speaker 14 (35:20):
As long as I get them on base, I'm there
to back them up and do the best that we
can to hopefully come back as a champion this year
as well.
Speaker 12 (35:28):
You know.
Speaker 2 (35:30):
That is Jaylen Norman talking with Alfonsin Rosario, who is
acquired in the off season in the trade that sent
Eli Morgan to the Chicago Cubs for a young outfield prospect.
In Rosario certainly off to a nice start for Lake
County stay with us. We'll have our final segment after
this time out on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 3 (35:57):
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Speaker 2 (36:38):
Welcome back. It's our final segment of Guardians Weekly. Jim
rosen House back with you from Seattle, where the Guardians
are playing the Mariners this weekend. They started the series
on Friday night, It continues Saturday night with a nine
to forty first pitch, and then wraps up on Sunday
afternoon with a four to ten first pitch Cleveland Time,
(36:58):
and we will be on West Coat Time for the
next week as the road trip continues in San Francisco.
After and off day on Monday, the Guardians will take
on the Giants Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and then Thursday
afternoon before the road trip wraps up in Sacramento next weekend.
Our first visit to Sacramento, the new home of the Athletics,
(37:21):
at least temporary home. We'll see how long it lasts,
but they are there until the ballpark is ready in
Las Vegas, and we'll get our first look at the
Sacramento Athletics. They don't like to be called that, but
that's where they play. And we'll be there next weekend
for the three game series against the Athletics. So a
lot of baseball on this West Coast swing. It got
(37:42):
off to a rocky start on Friday night with a
seven to two Seattle victory. Guardians trying to write the
ship throughout the weekend. This weekend here in Seattle and
then on to San Francisco and then Sacramento next weekend.
We'll join you from Sacramento for the next edition of
Guardians Weekly. Thanks as always to Brian Bonze for his
help on our broadcasts each and every week until next week.
(38:05):
Missus Jim rosen House reminding you that you've been listening
to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 1 (38:22):
Guardians Weekly has been brought to you by Progressive helping
Guardians fans save hundreds on car insurance
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