March 7, 2026 • 39 mins
Pitching, pitching, and more pitching this week as we check in with the man in charge Carl Wills. Also, starter Gavin Williams, and relievers Shawn Armstrong and Colin Holderman join the show from Goodyear. That's all on this edition of Guardians Weekly with Jim Rosenhaus on the Cleveland Guardians Radio Network.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Guardians Radio network.
Guardians Weekly is brought to you by Progressive helping Guardians
fans save hundreds on car insurance.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Hi, everyone, welcome to Guardians Weekly. Jim Rosen House along
with you as we join you from Guardian Spring training
in Goodyear, Arizona. The Guardian's just about at that midway
point of the spring in terms of games played. Another
broadcast coming your way later today for listening to this
on the radio on a Saturday morning. Guardians and Padres
(01:19):
this afternoon with a three to zero five first pitch.
Good show lined up for you today as we'll talk
bullpen in the second half of our program, veteran reliever
Sean Armstrong back with the Guardians after a nine year absence,
coming off perhaps his best major league season, and also
Colin Holderman, a heart throwing right hander who's trying to
(01:40):
make this club and add to the depth of that bullpen.
We'll also visit with the man who keeps it going
on the pitching front, longtime pitching coach Carl Willis and
one of his prize pupils. We will get to it
right away, Cavin Williams. He's going to join us here
in just a moment. But first, a noted T two
on Williams finished last year with a career best twelve wins,
(02:04):
one hundred and sixty seven innings pitched, and one hundred
and seventy three strikeouts. His best work came post All
Star Break, when he went seven and one down the
stretch and became the dominant force in that starting rotation
with an ERA of two point one eight coming out
of the Midsummer Classic. We had a chance to visit
with him earlier this spring, and he talked about the
(02:26):
keys to success a year ago, especially in the second half.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
Yeah, I think the main thing is through a lot
more strikes added the sinker, brought back the cutter a
little bit. And when I brought those pitches back up
or brought those pitches back in, it just opened up everything.
I didn't have to be too fine like I was
in the first few months of the of the season
because I only had three pitches. I had five pitches.
(02:53):
By the end of the season, hitters had more things
to worry about than just three pitches.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
We talked so much about this game always being a
game of adjustments, but it sounds like that's easier said
than done by a lot. And how difficult was it
to make the adjustments that you did as the season
was going along.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
Yeah, I think it was more frustrated with myself because
I think when I get told to try and work
on something that it needs to be done like overnight,
and I think I was thinking about things just a
little bit too much. So that made me just a
little bit frustrated at times. But I think the All
(03:35):
Star break was was very good for me. Got minded
away from baseball and I did what I needed to
in the morning and then did whatever I wanted to
do in the afternoon.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
To help up your relationship with Carl Willison, I know
you guys obviously from the same part of the country
and you worked a lot last off season, but that
relationship and the other pitching coaches on the staff too,
that trust factor. How important is that anyone who's trying
to get some good things time.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Yeah, trust is a big thing. If you can trust
somebody and have them work with you and send them
video throughout the all season, it's going to go a
long ways, and you can work on things throughout the
all season just by even looking at video doesn't always
have to be one on one, which this all season
I was sending in a lot of video just just
(04:24):
to keep on with things and fine tune a little
bit of things here and there and keep on with it.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
And last year we talked a lot about it. In
your off season, you would go to Duke or NC
State and meet Carl and work on some things. You
change it up a little bit this year, but but
you're kind of going back home sort of. If you
think about your college days at East Carolina University, what
brought you back there in terms of a place to
settle down and live.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
Yeah, I mean, to me personally, I think it's the
best place on earth. I love Greenville. It's always gonna
have a special place in my in my heart, and
I don't I don't ever see myself living some where else.
I had everything there, places to work out, people throw with,
I have plenty of friends there, and I just don't
see myself anywhere else.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
And you come back here a new spring training, coming
off a really solid year. How excited were you to
get back out here, see your teammates and think about
what could happen here this season?
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Yeah, I think it's always very exciting coming back, start
spring training, seeing everybody, and I just know we have
a new season and just building off of what we
did last year. I mean the whole the whole season
was fun. I know we had some rough patches, but
you're always gonna have rough patches. One hundred and sixty
two games for a reason, and the way we ended
(05:41):
was probably the best outcome we could have done.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
And all of a sudden, you have a starting rotation
that led the American League innings pitched a year ago.
How much do you guys fuel each other in terms
of watching your teammates performed on the days that you
don't pitch.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
I think it's fun just watching everybody else, and you
can always learn something else from a different picture, no
matter who it is. I think that's that's the best
thing about baseball. It's everybody does something different and just
taking one thing from him could could improve your game drastically.
(06:18):
So just being able to do that day in and
day out, it's pretty special.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Well, starting up again, Gavin, great to see it.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
Thank you, Yeah, thank you, gaud It could be on.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
At starting pitcher, Gavin Williams and stay with us while
we came back. We'll stay on the Pitching Front with
pitching coach Carl Willis. That's next on the Cleveland Clinic
Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
Gavin Williams has struck out nine and walk to now
the pitch.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
God, I'm swinging in a curveball.
Speaker 4 (06:47):
There's ten strikeouts for Gavin Williams and the hat trick
for Carrie Carpenter.
Speaker 5 (06:56):
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Speaker 1 (07:01):
Thanks again for taking me to the game. Man, I
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Speaker 5 (07:04):
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Speaker 6 (07:05):
Oh?
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Speaker 2 (07:50):
Welcome back, It's Guardian's Weekly. Jim Rosenhaus back with you
from Guardians spring training in Goodyear, Arizona. Carl Willis is
back in the fold for the Guardians. He will be
their pitching coach for a twenty third season as a
major league pitching coach, and that's on the heels of
a nine year playing career with both Detroit and Cincinnati.
(08:11):
He has been the pitching coach for five Cy Young
Award winners. Just a remarkable career for Carl Willis, and
each season now he certainly takes inventory on whether he
wants to continue, and when we caught up with him
earlier this spring, he talked about why he's back for
another season of Guardians baseball.
Speaker 7 (08:33):
Well, I think, you know, obviously number one. Baseball has
been a passion in my life since I was a
little boy, a little kid, and never in my wildest dreams,
you know, could I ever think I would be in
the major leagues and for that matter, be in the
major leagues at a point in my life where I
could couldn't be the wanting control of if I was
(08:55):
gonna stay or not, at least today. So I think
the passion is number one. And then secondly, and and
maybe it is number one. You know this organization has
been so good to me. I've been here for a
long time work a couple other places as well. But
(09:18):
you know, I've said it before, from ownership, you know,
all the way down to I don't know how or
you would go. The people are unbelievable to respect the
teamwork and and the desire to bring a World Series
(09:39):
back to Cleveland, to bring a World Series Championship trophy
back to Cleveland, you know, for this organization and for
the fans. If I'm going to do this, this is
where I want to be. So I'm excited and happy
to be back in good Year for a spring training.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
Is it helpful that when you first started this job,
it was you and now you have Joe Torres and
Brad goldbergs assistants and Caleb Blanngshore out in the bullpen.
How much does that factor into it that you have
that help now as things become seemingly more complicated by
the year in terms of what you're trying to accomplish.
Speaker 7 (10:15):
Yeah, it's tremendous, and I'm glad you bring it up,
because you know, the one thing I do hope to
accompie this year, if nothing else, those three guy names
you mentioned Joe Torres, Brad Goldberg, Caleb Longshore, and there
are others as well. Those three guys they don't get
near enough credit that they deserve for the work that
(10:37):
they do, not only to help me, but more importantly
to help the pictures. And you know, these guys are
very you know, up to speed on you know, the
new technology, the new languages that we're using today that
you know, basically they grew up with now that I'm
you know, trying to learn stay abreast with. But we
(10:58):
all work together, we rust to each other, and quite frankly,
if you go back twenty years, we didn't have all
this information. It's too much information for one person, even
two people to keep up with day to day and
still have time to translate it and get out and
work and do your work with a guy. So it's tremendous.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
So there's all of that that you're trying to process.
How about the kid on the mound that you're working with,
the picture on the mount? Have they changed much or
does it still come back to some of that talent
and then trying to weave in some of the new stuff.
Speaker 7 (11:34):
I think I think they have changed a little bit. Listen,
you know when the game starts, it's about competing. It's
about going out and competing. I guess the opposition competing
against the batter in the box. And nowadays guys spend
(11:55):
a lot of time and yes, they're competing against themselves.
What is the thing. But they're competing, you know, they're
trying to put up numbers or certain shapes and graphs,
you know, on a track Man device or you know,
on some other tracking device. And and I feel like
(12:15):
sometimes we lose sight of what pitching really is, which is, okay,
do we want to have the best stuff we can
possibly have, Sure we do, but we have to then
know what to do with it, and how to change
speeds and how to change locations and how to understand
what the game situation is. I don't know that the
(12:39):
kids nowadays are quite as well versed in that as
we used to be. So that's something we pay a
lot of attention to.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Karl Will it's joining us back for another season, This
Guardian's pitching coach. All right, people see you take a
walk to the mount when it pitch is in trouble.
Speaker 7 (12:56):
What are you.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Saying out there? Because it usually seems like everything goes OK,
hey after that. I know there's sometimes it doesn't. But
what do you say out there?
Speaker 7 (13:04):
You know, Rosie, It's different for each and every trip.
I mean, you know, I had a lot of people
ask me about that. Sometimes I'm literally to the dirt
thinking about what am I going to say? Right? I
think the one thing that I've tried to keep in
mind and have confidence in it is that sometimes well,
(13:27):
it's not necessarily what you say, but how you say it.
It's a calm voice, a calming voice, or if that
voice needs to be, a voice that you know is
motivational or redirecting focus. I mean, those things come into play,
but I think it's how you present your message in
(13:47):
saying that. And I was told this by David Price
when I was in Boston. If you come to the mound,
you better have something to say. If you don't have
anything to say, it, don't waste my time coming out there.
So there are times that I will go out and
tell the picture, Hey, look I'm out here because we're
buying time. I got to get so and so ready
(14:09):
for the next hitter. You know that. But they know,
I mean, they know, and if you say it in the
right way, it's not like they're going to be upset
about it or or whatever. And that's not a lot
of times that that one happens. But again, I just
more than anything else, I try to think, because there's
(14:29):
always things to point out and things to say, but
trying to set the right tone for the visit, I
think is the most important factor in it.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
And when you're in the dugout, now you're with Steven Vote,
a younger manager, you're coming off a stint with a
as seasoned a manager as there was in Terry Francona.
But it seems like what you accomplish is the same.
And are there a lot of differences there just based
on their age and experience in the game, or are
there some similarities there on what you do with them?
Speaker 7 (15:00):
Think I think there are probably more similarities than people
would think just in looking at the difference of experience.
But in both cases, you know, when things start to
wiggle a little bit, conversations start to to take place.
(15:21):
You know, maybe with Voting, those conversations start a little
earlier from his end than they did with Tito, But
that's not a bad thing because the game moves fast
and you've got to be ahead because you much rather
be earlier than than late. I respect the fact that
(15:43):
both of them, you know, when when they ask for
your opinion or your advice, there are times that they
want to do something differently and they do. There are
times that they try or trust me, and I think
that that builds a really good relationship. And you know,
(16:07):
this isn't personal, this is about winning. And I guess
to answer your question, then maybe it surprises folks. It's
a lot more similar than it is not.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
It seems like it and the results seem similar to
which is always good. Carl willis joining us and just
wrapping up. We probably should talk about some of the pictures,
but just as a whole, it's always been a strength
here and a big key to winning. It looks like
the rotation is shaping up nicely here in the spring
and your bullpen, I'm sure both be the same, but
(16:39):
that's starting rotation wise. You got a lot of innings
out of them last year. And how pleased have you
been with the progress of some young pictures who now
seem to be hitting that sweet spot.
Speaker 5 (16:47):
In their career.
Speaker 7 (16:48):
Yeah, you're right, I think you know, our starting rotation
made the difference last year, just because it allowed our
bullpen to stay a little bit fresher, a little bit stronger.
You know, we went through the last couple of months
with a six pound rotation. All those guys are back
in camp. We're leaving there with five, so immediate competition.
(17:13):
But I think with you know, the arrival last year,
Parker Messi coming up competing to a very high level
at the major league level, Slate Scone coming over from Arizona,
figuring things out. You know, Logan had a great year, Joey,
I mean, what can you say about joy the second half,
And obviously I'm I'm not mentioning Tanner and Gavin who
(17:34):
were at the top of our rotation coming out of
out of spring training last year. So that competition, it's
a good competition, and we feel strongly about all those guys,
and we've got a lot of competition going on with
some really good arms that are new to us that
are gonna help our bullpen get to Gaddis and get
(17:56):
the Kede and get to Timmy Harrin and t Sebrowski.
So it should be a fun spring.
Speaker 2 (18:01):
No question about that.
Speaker 7 (18:02):
Carl.
Speaker 2 (18:02):
Always great to see you, great to have you back.
Thanks for coming back.
Speaker 7 (18:05):
All right, thanks Rosier.
Speaker 2 (18:07):
That's pitching coach. Carl willis an absolute gem in this
game and the Guardians are happy to have him back
for the twenty twenty six campaign. Stay with us, We'll
have more to come after this.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
Welcome back.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
It's Guardian's Weekly. Jim Rosenhouse back with you from the
Guardian Spring Training Complex in Goodyear, Arizona, where the Guardians
continue Cactus Leek play. This afternoon. They'll take on the
San Diego Padres with a three to zero five first
pitch and you can hear that game right here on
the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network. You can also hear
(19:12):
our show each week as several of our radio network
stations pick up Guardians Weekly. It airs at seven am
on our flagship station in Cleveland WTAM, and it also
airs each Saturday morning as well on WMAN and Mansfield,
WMRN and Marion, as well as WKBN in Youngstown. And
(19:33):
of course you can hear it whenever you like and
podcast forum just go to your Cleveland Guardians podcast section
wherever you download your favorite podcasts. And now we mentioned
the game on the radio this afternoon. Also, Tom and
I have been doing simulcasts, allowing for more television broadcasts,
and we will be on cl Guardians TV once again
(19:57):
and you can catch all season long Guardians on the
teelevision side of things with Cleguardians dot tv, presented by Progressive.
You can subscribe now to stream all regular season Guardians
games live or on demand for just ninety nine to
ninety nine, subject to national exclusivities. Learn more and subscribe
today at Colguardians dot tv. But it's been fun to
(20:21):
bring you the radio broadcast with the video portion on
television as well. Matt, Archie and Andre will be back
for the final television broadcast of the spring on Sunday,
March the twenty second, and of course they will be
with you every step of the way on cle Guardians
TV throughout the regular season, so it'd be great to
(20:41):
see those guys again toward the tail end of the spring.
But it's Tom and I today on the simulcast of
The Guardians and the Padres again. A three to zero
five first pitch from here in Goodyear. Well a bullpen
is always will be a big key to the fortunes
of the Guardians again, and they're hoping for a veteran
(21:01):
boost from Shawn Armstrong nine years between stints with Cleveland.
He was drafted originally by the Guardians in the eighteenth
round back when they were the Indians back in twenty eleven.
Took him a little bit to get to the major leagues,
but he made his debut in twenty sixteen, a memorable
year to be sure, and he's been with several ball
(21:22):
clubs since. Last year. His best season in the big
leagues and it came with the Texas Rangers when he
appeared in seventy one games, had a sparkling era of
two point three to one and nine saves along the
way as well. Good veteran presence for Texas Guardians. Hoping
for the same this season. And when we caught up
with Shawn Armstrong earlier in the spring, we asked him
(21:45):
what it was like walking into the building out here
in Goodyear after nine years away from the organization that
originally drafted him.
Speaker 6 (21:53):
I mean, anytime, you know, spring training, roll in that
first day, it's always exciting to kind of get to
know everybody and you know, see some familiar faces that
was here when I was here nine years ago, and
then you know, just getting to learn this core group
has played played alongside one another for a while now,
and I mean they've been more than welcoming on every
aspect to come here. And you know, just like again
(22:13):
anytime you're putting on spikes coming to spring training day one,
I mean, that's that's what you play for, you know,
So like having that first opening day and you know,
whether it be first day at camp, first game of spring,
opening day at home, I mean it's like it's a
little kid again. So like just being able to come
back here and getting ready for spring training, it's it's
been really awesome.
Speaker 2 (22:31):
You mentioned familiar faces in baseball that the nature of
the game is transition. In nine years, who's left that
that do you remember and looked forward to seeing?
Speaker 6 (22:41):
Well, I mean, you know, obviously coming in and doing
physical in Cleveland this past December, and the whole training staff,
you know, and then majority of the front office is
still here. And then Carl who I had in Triple A,
and then you know, just I mean I played against Voter,
you know, like so like just seeing some of those guys,
and then obviously Gavin I know him from back home,
and then I played you know, Hosey. We came up together.
(23:02):
You know, so like seeing those guys and then seeing
the new faces that are here, and you know, just
learning how they go out their business and seeing you know,
the work ethic and what they do day and day out. Yeah,
I mean it's it's been it's been a blast, and
you know, I'm looking forward to get to know these
guys more in depth of Spring goes on and has
a season gets here.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Sean Armstrong joining us A drafted, developed and made his
major league debut with Cleveland back in the day and
now back with the team. Uh, you look at that
and how are you a different picture? What's allowed you
to establish yourself to become a good consistent relief picture
in this game?
Speaker 6 (23:37):
I think it's just you know, continually to adapt and develop,
you know, with the data, the changes, like you know,
just how the game speeds up and you know this
year like the abs, and you know, just like continually
to evolve, you know. And then I think the biggest
thing for me, you know, as a middle reliever, and
you know, some advice that I would give, you know,
to anyone you know in that position is like never
(23:58):
be comfortable, you know, but be your feet are you know,
like like enjoy the day. Take it one day at
a time, you know, as I find, I find, you know,
and when I was in the minor leagues, it's like,
all right, if I do this, I get to there,
you know, if I do this, I get to stay.
If you know, an X, Y and Z, and it's like,
can't do that in this game. It's too long. It'll
chew you up to spit you out. Just like be
where your feet are, enjoy where you are, and just
(24:20):
be the best version of yourself. But then again at
the same time, like, don't be scared to learn a
new pitch, don't be scared to take advice, Like don't
be scared to change your training regiments to like what
suits you best. You know, Like this game's hard, so
it takes an army, you know, and like and but
at the end of the day, you know, like being
the best version of yourself and then instilling confidence in
yourself and then everything that you put into day and
(24:42):
day out, and then understanding like this game's hard, you know,
like failure is gonna happen, but it's kind of how
you perceive the failure and how you learn and how
you continue with the channel that day and out to
stay hungry, you know, and like you know myself, it's
always been a I want to get the ten years,
you know, no matter what it is, and has been
an easy road to where I'm at now, you know.
But at the same time, it's like I never stopped
(25:04):
believing in myself and I never stopped believing in the process,
and you know, just been very fortunate to be, you know,
with some really good organizations, really good groups, and really
good bullpens, and I think, you know, by instilling that
and being open and being a sponge, it's just made
me better as my career's gone on.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
Your people sometimes say, well, if I knew then what
I know now, uh, maybe it would have been different.
But when we first saw you, you were trying to
get here and stay here. You ever look back at
that and say, Man, if I had known then, you know,
maybe things would have been different at that time.
Speaker 6 (25:38):
Honestly, I don't. I'm a big I'm a big believer
and everything happens for a reason, you know. And you know,
like I said this the other day, you know, like
when I was coming up, the bullpen that we had
was pretty special, you know, like that core group was together.
I think it was like twenty thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen,
and you know, you had Andrew Miller in the mix,
(25:59):
you know, like it's like it's a hard group to
you know, break into. And then but I also like,
I think you have to look in the mirror and
understand who you are, you know, like and also learning
from those guys and learning that and then also like
being that guy that got up options so many times
in three years, like I can also you know, TESTI
by it to like those guys that are going through
(26:20):
that to help them in that process too. But I
mean I think that, you know, going back and reflecting
on that, it's like, hey, I have like that happened
for a specific reason, and now I understand why, you know.
And then being traded to Seattle and then being dfad.
You know that first spring training withoudn't really get an
opportunity to show my stuff. It's like it's like it
(26:41):
wasn't great for me, you know. But at the same time,
I put together one of the best seasons I ever
put together in Triple A and found a lot of
out about myself and how to pitch and how to
adapt and how to get better and I you know,
I haven't been in the minor league since then, so
it's like I think again for me, it's like everything,
everything is stepping stone, everything is you know, full circle
(27:03):
with how it comes you know, out to be and
you know everyone's past different, so like, I don't I
would never like for myself say if I would have
done that, then I'd be here. I just think that
that was just a stepping stone to where I'm at
today to make me the picture I am today. And
you know, like again, life's about reflection, So like how
do you learn from it? How do you continue to
build upon you know, that process of what makes you
(27:26):
who you are.
Speaker 2 (27:27):
And you may have a great perspective on this year's
team just based on the last time you were here.
You were part of a World Series team and then
another one that had a tremendous season in seventeen.
Speaker 5 (27:40):
What are you seeing.
Speaker 2 (27:41):
I know it's early yet in spring training, but are
you seeing some things that say, hey, this this could
be a special club too.
Speaker 6 (27:46):
I think it's I think, I mean, I think it
speaks volume to the culture. You know, like it's a
very close group regardless of position, player to picture or
you know, whatever you go on the lunch room, you
go in the locker room, they're all sitting together, they're
all talking, they're all making of everyone, you know, So
like being able to see that and then you know,
also for myself to be able to slide in and
(28:07):
be you know, into those conversations, and you know, also
like finding out people's routines, what they do, like what
makes them click, what makes them go like that type
of stuff. And you know, I'm just I'm trying to
learn everyone.
Speaker 7 (28:18):
You know.
Speaker 6 (28:19):
I sit back and you know, I kind of watch
a lot of things that are going on. But I
think the testament for this group, you know, is like
they're a very close group, and they understand what they
did last year overcoming a fifteen and a half game deficit.
They also understand the things that they went through on
and off the field as a team. And I think
that is speaks a lot of volume, specifically for that
(28:42):
bullpen of you know, losing one of their key members
and then also those guys stepping up taking the ball
and never missing a beat. I mean, and again, I
think you know, to touch on you know your question again,
I think that speaks volume of behind the scenes, what
guys truly don't see and fans don't see every day
of how just how close those guys are and and
(29:05):
they you know, they're they're hungry, they want to win.
You know, they've came up, you know short. I think
it's two years in a row, like and then you know,
we lost to you guys in twenty three and the
fifteenth inning, you know, so like the playoffs are there,
like you know, approved to the pudding. But I think again,
it's it's the culture that this front office and this
coaching staff has put together. And then all of these
(29:26):
guys clicking on all cylinders together too. It's it's it's
a it's a very hungry group. And it's a lot
of fun to see.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
What have you settled on stuff wise that's allowed you
to become a consistent relief pitcher in this game?
Speaker 6 (29:39):
Attacking, strike something, you know, that's the biggest thing. You know,
try and I mean my biggest philosophy is get ahead,
stay ahead. You know, that's the biggest thing. And then
you know, I've always been a four seam cutter guy
out of the sinker in twenty three, out of the
sweeper last year, you know, and adding a little something
else this year to see how it's going to play
in spring. But again, I think, you know, for me,
(30:00):
it's like continually to adapt, continue to evolve, and then
but also understanding what I do best and knowing what
type of picture I am. And then you know, again
just the work, the routine, the process, trust that. So
when the lights turn on, it's got time. There's no
thought process. It's like, hey, it's me and the catcher,
and I'm gonna go out there and give every pitch
(30:21):
like it's my last one.
Speaker 2 (30:23):
Life wise, last time you were here mid twenties, now
mid thirties, How are you different off the field and
how does that impact you on the field.
Speaker 6 (30:31):
Well, I'm married now, so I wasn't married when I
got traded. Oh actually I got traded in December and
we just got married two weeks before that. But now
two kids. You know, I have a four year old
son and one year old daughter and you know those
three at home, I mean those are my why you know,
like that's that's why I play this game, and you know,
just to try and give them the best future that
I can possibly give. And you know, like they sacrifice
(30:54):
a lot. So like whenever it comes to my preparation,
my my work, my stuff that I do. It's like
that's why you know obviously like that Acco ways the
success the career, like all that you know is what
you you know, you play for. But I think that
you know for me, like the family aspect of you know,
(31:14):
what they sacrifice for me is the biggest you know,
the reason why, like I've tried to continue to evolve
and continue to have success and you know, give my
wife and my kids the best possible future. I can.
Speaker 2 (31:25):
Sean, great to have you back, enjoy the time here.
Speaker 6 (31:27):
Thank you, I appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (31:29):
And Sean Armstrong providing that good veteran presence where that
Guardian's bullpen heading into the season, stay with us when
we came back. We'll stay on that bullpen theme and
visit with one of the newest potential Guardians, Colin Holderman.
Big right handrewho throws hard. We'll hear from him next
on the Cleveland Clinic. Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 8 (31:55):
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Speaker 2 (32:48):
Umbros An. Now's back with you from Guardian spring training
and Goodyear Arizona. It's great to have you with us
as we talk the Guardians Baseball about the midway point
of spring training, but not too much left to go.
As as of Thursday, the Guardians were three weeks away
from opening night March the twenty sixth in Seattle. That's
(33:10):
a night game, so get your sleep now, build it up,
and be ready to go for a ten to ten
Eastern Time first pitch from Seattle on an opening night.
To get the twenty twenty sixteen season started well, A
bullpen will be a key, and the Guardian spent a
lot of their off season acquiring some veteran arms to
see if they can build some depth out there and
(33:32):
enhance the performance as well. A potential key could be
Colin Holderman, a veteran right hander who had an injury
plague season a year ago with Pittsburgh, but he's had
some really strong years in the past, both with the
Mets and the Pirates, and now he's new to Cleveland.
Had an opportunity to sign anywhere in the off season,
(33:53):
he picked Cleveland, and he said it didn't take long
to figure out what makes the Guardians organization, especially on
the pitching side, a special one.
Speaker 9 (34:02):
Yeah, I felt like I got that pretty early on.
Pretty much the first day I got into the facility.
I could feel the culture. It was everyone on the
same mission. You know, we just want to win ball games.
And it's just a bunch of good people leading good
people here, and you know, I think it's going to
be a special year for the audience.
Speaker 2 (34:17):
You had some choices to on where you wanted to
play this year. Tell us about that process and what
went into coming here. Maybe that put it over the top.
Speaker 9 (34:27):
Yeah, you know, we had we had a good bit
of zoom calls this offseason, and it was just this
one stuck out to me. You know, it was the
front office, you know how personal they were, and they
understood what happened to me last year, and they're like,
they had a great plan on how we could definitely
you know, make that better and give me back to
my twenty two, twenty three, twenty four self. And you know,
the pitching department is amazing. You know, voter at the
helm is just, you know, amazing guy. I've heard nothing
(34:49):
but great things about him. So it just made an
easy decision for me, and it felt like a perfect fit.
Speaker 2 (34:54):
The bullpen has been a strong part of this team
for a while. How much do you look at that
and say, hey, that that could really be fun to
be a part of.
Speaker 9 (35:01):
You know, I remember playing you know, The Guardians last
few years and just seeing the guys coming from the
bullpen and take a look up at the stats on
the on the screen. I'm like, oh, this guy's got
a two, this guy's got a one. It was just
over and over again, and I don't think that success
happens on accident. And you know, the guys here are amazing,
extremely talented, and then we got people that are just
you know, refining it for us, and I think it's
a perfect situation for me and I'm excited to fit
(35:23):
right in.
Speaker 2 (35:24):
I thought I thought it was interesting you mentioned earlier
as a veteran who's played against Cleveland several times, impressions
of of what it takes to beat them when you're
on the other side.
Speaker 9 (35:36):
Now that you're here, Yeah, it was definitely you know,
a series when we were planning that you know, you
have to be locked in. It's not a you know,
an easy couple of games.
Speaker 7 (35:45):
You know.
Speaker 9 (35:47):
I remember definitely having to dial in as one of
the scrappiest teams I've ever played last few years. And
it's not going to be easy punch outs. It's going
to be long at bats, it's going to be you know,
multiple people on base, people stealing, and it's just a mess.
And it's I've had to be on my game, and
you know, I think I've had some success with clear
you know, against Cleveland the past, but I'm I'm glad
to be pitching for him.
Speaker 2 (36:06):
Alan Holderman joining us one of the new relievers in
camp here with the Guardians relief pitchers, a lot of
times it's one or two pitches that they rely on
and lean on. You're mentioning you feature six. How did
that come about and how does that help you get through?
Speaker 9 (36:22):
It was just you know, kind of experimenting in the
off seasons, and you know, you hop on track man
kind of see what the data looks like, and you
know you're like, oh, this is good. Oh well this
is good too, and then you try to eliminate some pitches.
But I came into camp and throwing all these pitches,
all all these hitters, and I've gotten good, you know,
good feedback on all of them. So I think we're
just going to kind of feature all of it and
kind of bucket hitters left and right and make it
(36:42):
a little simple for the attack, you know, because obviously
it'd be hard to you know, make decisions with six pitches,
you know, shake, shake, Shake. But we're going to have
a good plan and I'm excited to feature all of them.
So it'll be something new this year.
Speaker 2 (36:53):
One of the hardest things in this game is consistency.
You've had some really good years and other years where
it's been a challenge. When you're going good, what's the
biggest key.
Speaker 9 (37:02):
You know, just poud on the zone, being relentless. You know,
I feature a pretty high velocity, you know, sinker and fastball,
so asking me the driver of the ship, make them
honor the heater in and then you know that makes
it off speat so much better. But you know, just
be relentless in the zone. Not easy basis, and I
think we'll have a great year.
Speaker 4 (37:17):
That's better.
Speaker 2 (37:17):
And right Andrew Colin Holderman talking about what it's like
to be in a new organization and potentially a big
help out of that full pen. That's going to do
it for our show today. We hope you can join
us again next week is we'll be into that well
second the last weekend of spring training as it's starting
to get to that midway point in terms of games,
(37:39):
and we'll see some position battles and pitching battles continue
for some of those last roster spots and maybe get
a little bit closer by the time we join you
again next weekend. So until then, thanks as always to
Brian Motse for all of his help on our broadcasts
each and every week and until next week, this is
Jim rosen House reminding you that you have been listening
(38:01):
to Guardians Weekly, the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 1 (38:20):
Guardians Weekly has been brought to you by Progressive Helping
Guardians fans save hundreds on car insurance
Speaker 3 (38:58):
S
Welcome to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Guardians Radio network.
Guardians Weekly is brought to you by Progressive helping Guardians
fans save hundreds on car insurance.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Hi, everyone, welcome to Guardians Weekly. Jim Rosen House along
with you as we join you from Guardian Spring training
in Goodyear, Arizona. The Guardian's just about at that midway
point of the spring in terms of games played. Another
broadcast coming your way later today for listening to this
on the radio on a Saturday morning. Guardians and Padres
(01:19):
this afternoon with a three to zero five first pitch.
Good show lined up for you today as we'll talk
bullpen in the second half of our program, veteran reliever
Sean Armstrong back with the Guardians after a nine year absence,
coming off perhaps his best major league season, and also
Colin Holderman, a heart throwing right hander who's trying to
(01:40):
make this club and add to the depth of that bullpen.
We'll also visit with the man who keeps it going
on the pitching front, longtime pitching coach Carl Willis and
one of his prize pupils. We will get to it
right away, Cavin Williams. He's going to join us here
in just a moment. But first, a noted T two
on Williams finished last year with a career best twelve wins,
(02:04):
one hundred and sixty seven innings pitched, and one hundred
and seventy three strikeouts. His best work came post All
Star Break, when he went seven and one down the
stretch and became the dominant force in that starting rotation
with an ERA of two point one eight coming out
of the Midsummer Classic. We had a chance to visit
with him earlier this spring, and he talked about the
(02:26):
keys to success a year ago, especially in the second half.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
Yeah, I think the main thing is through a lot
more strikes added the sinker, brought back the cutter a
little bit. And when I brought those pitches back up
or brought those pitches back in, it just opened up everything.
I didn't have to be too fine like I was
in the first few months of the of the season
because I only had three pitches. I had five pitches.
(02:53):
By the end of the season, hitters had more things
to worry about than just three pitches.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
We talked so much about this game always being a
game of adjustments, but it sounds like that's easier said
than done by a lot. And how difficult was it
to make the adjustments that you did as the season
was going along.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
Yeah, I think it was more frustrated with myself because
I think when I get told to try and work
on something that it needs to be done like overnight,
and I think I was thinking about things just a
little bit too much. So that made me just a
little bit frustrated at times. But I think the All
(03:35):
Star break was was very good for me. Got minded
away from baseball and I did what I needed to
in the morning and then did whatever I wanted to
do in the afternoon.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
To help up your relationship with Carl Willison, I know
you guys obviously from the same part of the country
and you worked a lot last off season, but that
relationship and the other pitching coaches on the staff too,
that trust factor. How important is that anyone who's trying
to get some good things time.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Yeah, trust is a big thing. If you can trust
somebody and have them work with you and send them
video throughout the all season, it's going to go a
long ways, and you can work on things throughout the
all season just by even looking at video doesn't always
have to be one on one, which this all season
I was sending in a lot of video just just
(04:24):
to keep on with things and fine tune a little
bit of things here and there and keep on with it.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
And last year we talked a lot about it. In
your off season, you would go to Duke or NC
State and meet Carl and work on some things. You
change it up a little bit this year, but but
you're kind of going back home sort of. If you
think about your college days at East Carolina University, what
brought you back there in terms of a place to
settle down and live.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
Yeah, I mean, to me personally, I think it's the
best place on earth. I love Greenville. It's always gonna
have a special place in my in my heart, and
I don't I don't ever see myself living some where else.
I had everything there, places to work out, people throw with,
I have plenty of friends there, and I just don't
see myself anywhere else.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
And you come back here a new spring training, coming
off a really solid year. How excited were you to
get back out here, see your teammates and think about
what could happen here this season?
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Yeah, I think it's always very exciting coming back, start
spring training, seeing everybody, and I just know we have
a new season and just building off of what we
did last year. I mean the whole the whole season
was fun. I know we had some rough patches, but
you're always gonna have rough patches. One hundred and sixty
two games for a reason, and the way we ended
(05:41):
was probably the best outcome we could have done.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
And all of a sudden, you have a starting rotation
that led the American League innings pitched a year ago.
How much do you guys fuel each other in terms
of watching your teammates performed on the days that you
don't pitch.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
I think it's fun just watching everybody else, and you
can always learn something else from a different picture, no
matter who it is. I think that's that's the best
thing about baseball. It's everybody does something different and just
taking one thing from him could could improve your game drastically.
(06:18):
So just being able to do that day in and
day out, it's pretty special.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Well, starting up again, Gavin, great to see it.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
Thank you, Yeah, thank you, gaud It could be on.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
At starting pitcher, Gavin Williams and stay with us while
we came back. We'll stay on the Pitching Front with
pitching coach Carl Willis. That's next on the Cleveland Clinic
Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
Gavin Williams has struck out nine and walk to now
the pitch.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
God, I'm swinging in a curveball.
Speaker 4 (06:47):
There's ten strikeouts for Gavin Williams and the hat trick
for Carrie Carpenter.
Speaker 5 (06:56):
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Speaker 1 (07:01):
Thanks again for taking me to the game. Man, I
can't wait to get in there.
Speaker 5 (07:04):
By the way, what's in the bag?
Speaker 6 (07:05):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (07:05):
I bring my own hot dog and peanuts saves a ton?
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Oh sabby?
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Bring your own.
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Tickets, what do you think the portable.
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Speaker 2 (07:50):
Welcome back, It's Guardian's Weekly. Jim Rosenhaus back with you
from Guardians spring training in Goodyear, Arizona. Carl Willis is
back in the fold for the Guardians. He will be
their pitching coach for a twenty third season as a
major league pitching coach, and that's on the heels of
a nine year playing career with both Detroit and Cincinnati.
(08:11):
He has been the pitching coach for five Cy Young
Award winners. Just a remarkable career for Carl Willis, and
each season now he certainly takes inventory on whether he
wants to continue, and when we caught up with him
earlier this spring, he talked about why he's back for
another season of Guardians baseball.
Speaker 7 (08:33):
Well, I think, you know, obviously number one. Baseball has
been a passion in my life since I was a
little boy, a little kid, and never in my wildest dreams,
you know, could I ever think I would be in
the major leagues and for that matter, be in the
major leagues at a point in my life where I
could couldn't be the wanting control of if I was
(08:55):
gonna stay or not, at least today. So I think
the passion is number one. And then secondly, and and
maybe it is number one. You know this organization has
been so good to me. I've been here for a
long time work a couple other places as well. But
(09:18):
you know, I've said it before, from ownership, you know,
all the way down to I don't know how or
you would go. The people are unbelievable to respect the
teamwork and and the desire to bring a World Series
(09:39):
back to Cleveland, to bring a World Series Championship trophy
back to Cleveland, you know, for this organization and for
the fans. If I'm going to do this, this is
where I want to be. So I'm excited and happy
to be back in good Year for a spring training.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
Is it helpful that when you first started this job,
it was you and now you have Joe Torres and
Brad goldbergs assistants and Caleb Blanngshore out in the bullpen.
How much does that factor into it that you have
that help now as things become seemingly more complicated by
the year in terms of what you're trying to accomplish.
Speaker 7 (10:15):
Yeah, it's tremendous, and I'm glad you bring it up,
because you know, the one thing I do hope to
accompie this year, if nothing else, those three guy names
you mentioned Joe Torres, Brad Goldberg, Caleb Longshore, and there
are others as well. Those three guys they don't get
near enough credit that they deserve for the work that
(10:37):
they do, not only to help me, but more importantly
to help the pictures. And you know, these guys are
very you know, up to speed on you know, the
new technology, the new languages that we're using today that
you know, basically they grew up with now that I'm
you know, trying to learn stay abreast with. But we
(10:58):
all work together, we rust to each other, and quite frankly,
if you go back twenty years, we didn't have all
this information. It's too much information for one person, even
two people to keep up with day to day and
still have time to translate it and get out and
work and do your work with a guy. So it's tremendous.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
So there's all of that that you're trying to process.
How about the kid on the mound that you're working with,
the picture on the mount? Have they changed much or
does it still come back to some of that talent
and then trying to weave in some of the new stuff.
Speaker 7 (11:34):
I think I think they have changed a little bit. Listen,
you know when the game starts, it's about competing. It's
about going out and competing. I guess the opposition competing
against the batter in the box. And nowadays guys spend
(11:55):
a lot of time and yes, they're competing against themselves.
What is the thing. But they're competing, you know, they're
trying to put up numbers or certain shapes and graphs,
you know, on a track Man device or you know,
on some other tracking device. And and I feel like
(12:15):
sometimes we lose sight of what pitching really is, which is, okay,
do we want to have the best stuff we can
possibly have, Sure we do, but we have to then
know what to do with it, and how to change
speeds and how to change locations and how to understand
what the game situation is. I don't know that the
(12:39):
kids nowadays are quite as well versed in that as
we used to be. So that's something we pay a
lot of attention to.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Karl Will it's joining us back for another season, This
Guardian's pitching coach. All right, people see you take a
walk to the mount when it pitch is in trouble.
Speaker 7 (12:56):
What are you.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Saying out there? Because it usually seems like everything goes OK,
hey after that. I know there's sometimes it doesn't. But
what do you say out there?
Speaker 7 (13:04):
You know, Rosie, It's different for each and every trip.
I mean, you know, I had a lot of people
ask me about that. Sometimes I'm literally to the dirt
thinking about what am I going to say? Right? I
think the one thing that I've tried to keep in
mind and have confidence in it is that sometimes well,
(13:27):
it's not necessarily what you say, but how you say it.
It's a calm voice, a calming voice, or if that
voice needs to be, a voice that you know is
motivational or redirecting focus. I mean, those things come into play,
but I think it's how you present your message in
(13:47):
saying that. And I was told this by David Price
when I was in Boston. If you come to the mound,
you better have something to say. If you don't have
anything to say, it, don't waste my time coming out there.
So there are times that I will go out and
tell the picture, Hey, look I'm out here because we're
buying time. I got to get so and so ready
(14:09):
for the next hitter. You know that. But they know,
I mean, they know, and if you say it in the
right way, it's not like they're going to be upset
about it or or whatever. And that's not a lot
of times that that one happens. But again, I just
more than anything else, I try to think, because there's
(14:29):
always things to point out and things to say, but
trying to set the right tone for the visit, I
think is the most important factor in it.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
And when you're in the dugout, now you're with Steven Vote,
a younger manager, you're coming off a stint with a
as seasoned a manager as there was in Terry Francona.
But it seems like what you accomplish is the same.
And are there a lot of differences there just based
on their age and experience in the game, or are
there some similarities there on what you do with them?
Speaker 7 (15:00):
Think I think there are probably more similarities than people
would think just in looking at the difference of experience.
But in both cases, you know, when things start to
wiggle a little bit, conversations start to to take place.
(15:21):
You know, maybe with Voting, those conversations start a little
earlier from his end than they did with Tito, But
that's not a bad thing because the game moves fast
and you've got to be ahead because you much rather
be earlier than than late. I respect the fact that
(15:43):
both of them, you know, when when they ask for
your opinion or your advice, there are times that they
want to do something differently and they do. There are
times that they try or trust me, and I think
that that builds a really good relationship. And you know,
(16:07):
this isn't personal, this is about winning. And I guess
to answer your question, then maybe it surprises folks. It's
a lot more similar than it is not.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
It seems like it and the results seem similar to
which is always good. Carl willis joining us and just
wrapping up. We probably should talk about some of the pictures,
but just as a whole, it's always been a strength
here and a big key to winning. It looks like
the rotation is shaping up nicely here in the spring
and your bullpen, I'm sure both be the same, but
(16:39):
that's starting rotation wise. You got a lot of innings
out of them last year. And how pleased have you
been with the progress of some young pictures who now
seem to be hitting that sweet spot.
Speaker 5 (16:47):
In their career.
Speaker 7 (16:48):
Yeah, you're right, I think you know, our starting rotation
made the difference last year, just because it allowed our
bullpen to stay a little bit fresher, a little bit stronger.
You know, we went through the last couple of months
with a six pound rotation. All those guys are back
in camp. We're leaving there with five, so immediate competition.
(17:13):
But I think with you know, the arrival last year,
Parker Messi coming up competing to a very high level
at the major league level, Slate Scone coming over from Arizona,
figuring things out. You know, Logan had a great year, Joey,
I mean, what can you say about joy the second half,
And obviously I'm I'm not mentioning Tanner and Gavin who
(17:34):
were at the top of our rotation coming out of
out of spring training last year. So that competition, it's
a good competition, and we feel strongly about all those guys,
and we've got a lot of competition going on with
some really good arms that are new to us that
are gonna help our bullpen get to Gaddis and get
(17:56):
the Kede and get to Timmy Harrin and t Sebrowski.
So it should be a fun spring.
Speaker 2 (18:01):
No question about that.
Speaker 7 (18:02):
Carl.
Speaker 2 (18:02):
Always great to see you, great to have you back.
Thanks for coming back.
Speaker 7 (18:05):
All right, thanks Rosier.
Speaker 2 (18:07):
That's pitching coach. Carl willis an absolute gem in this
game and the Guardians are happy to have him back
for the twenty twenty six campaign. Stay with us, We'll
have more to come after this.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
Welcome back.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
It's Guardian's Weekly. Jim Rosenhouse back with you from the
Guardian Spring Training Complex in Goodyear, Arizona, where the Guardians
continue Cactus Leek play. This afternoon. They'll take on the
San Diego Padres with a three to zero five first
pitch and you can hear that game right here on
the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network. You can also hear
(19:12):
our show each week as several of our radio network
stations pick up Guardians Weekly. It airs at seven am
on our flagship station in Cleveland WTAM, and it also
airs each Saturday morning as well on WMAN and Mansfield,
WMRN and Marion, as well as WKBN in Youngstown. And
(19:33):
of course you can hear it whenever you like and
podcast forum just go to your Cleveland Guardians podcast section
wherever you download your favorite podcasts. And now we mentioned
the game on the radio this afternoon. Also, Tom and
I have been doing simulcasts, allowing for more television broadcasts,
and we will be on cl Guardians TV once again
(19:57):
and you can catch all season long Guardians on the
teelevision side of things with Cleguardians dot tv, presented by Progressive.
You can subscribe now to stream all regular season Guardians
games live or on demand for just ninety nine to
ninety nine, subject to national exclusivities. Learn more and subscribe
today at Colguardians dot tv. But it's been fun to
(20:21):
bring you the radio broadcast with the video portion on
television as well. Matt, Archie and Andre will be back
for the final television broadcast of the spring on Sunday,
March the twenty second, and of course they will be
with you every step of the way on cle Guardians
TV throughout the regular season, so it'd be great to
(20:41):
see those guys again toward the tail end of the spring.
But it's Tom and I today on the simulcast of
The Guardians and the Padres again. A three to zero
five first pitch from here in Goodyear. Well a bullpen
is always will be a big key to the fortunes
of the Guardians again, and they're hoping for a veteran
(21:01):
boost from Shawn Armstrong nine years between stints with Cleveland.
He was drafted originally by the Guardians in the eighteenth
round back when they were the Indians back in twenty eleven.
Took him a little bit to get to the major leagues,
but he made his debut in twenty sixteen, a memorable
year to be sure, and he's been with several ball
(21:22):
clubs since. Last year. His best season in the big
leagues and it came with the Texas Rangers when he
appeared in seventy one games, had a sparkling era of
two point three to one and nine saves along the
way as well. Good veteran presence for Texas Guardians. Hoping
for the same this season. And when we caught up
with Shawn Armstrong earlier in the spring, we asked him
(21:45):
what it was like walking into the building out here
in Goodyear after nine years away from the organization that
originally drafted him.
Speaker 6 (21:53):
I mean, anytime, you know, spring training, roll in that
first day, it's always exciting to kind of get to
know everybody and you know, see some familiar faces that
was here when I was here nine years ago, and
then you know, just getting to learn this core group
has played played alongside one another for a while now,
and I mean they've been more than welcoming on every
aspect to come here. And you know, just like again
(22:13):
anytime you're putting on spikes coming to spring training day one,
I mean, that's that's what you play for, you know,
So like having that first opening day and you know,
whether it be first day at camp, first game of spring,
opening day at home, I mean it's like it's a
little kid again. So like just being able to come
back here and getting ready for spring training, it's it's
been really awesome.
Speaker 2 (22:31):
You mentioned familiar faces in baseball that the nature of
the game is transition. In nine years, who's left that
that do you remember and looked forward to seeing?
Speaker 6 (22:41):
Well, I mean, you know, obviously coming in and doing
physical in Cleveland this past December, and the whole training staff,
you know, and then majority of the front office is
still here. And then Carl who I had in Triple A,
and then you know, just I mean I played against Voter,
you know, like so like just seeing some of those guys,
and then obviously Gavin I know him from back home,
and then I played you know, Hosey. We came up together.
(23:02):
You know, so like seeing those guys and then seeing
the new faces that are here, and you know, just
learning how they go out their business and seeing you know,
the work ethic and what they do day and day out. Yeah,
I mean it's it's been it's been a blast, and
you know, I'm looking forward to get to know these
guys more in depth of Spring goes on and has
a season gets here.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Sean Armstrong joining us A drafted, developed and made his
major league debut with Cleveland back in the day and
now back with the team. Uh, you look at that
and how are you a different picture? What's allowed you
to establish yourself to become a good consistent relief picture
in this game?
Speaker 6 (23:37):
I think it's just you know, continually to adapt and develop,
you know, with the data, the changes, like you know,
just how the game speeds up and you know this
year like the abs, and you know, just like continually
to evolve, you know. And then I think the biggest
thing for me, you know, as a middle reliever, and
you know, some advice that I would give, you know,
to anyone you know in that position is like never
(23:58):
be comfortable, you know, but be your feet are you know,
like like enjoy the day. Take it one day at
a time, you know, as I find, I find, you know,
and when I was in the minor leagues, it's like,
all right, if I do this, I get to there,
you know, if I do this, I get to stay.
If you know, an X, Y and Z, and it's like,
can't do that in this game. It's too long. It'll
chew you up to spit you out. Just like be
where your feet are, enjoy where you are, and just
(24:20):
be the best version of yourself. But then again at
the same time, like, don't be scared to learn a
new pitch, don't be scared to take advice, Like don't
be scared to change your training regiments to like what
suits you best. You know, Like this game's hard, so
it takes an army, you know, and like and but
at the end of the day, you know, like being
the best version of yourself and then instilling confidence in
yourself and then everything that you put into day and
(24:42):
day out, and then understanding like this game's hard, you know,
like failure is gonna happen, but it's kind of how
you perceive the failure and how you learn and how
you continue with the channel that day and out to
stay hungry, you know, and like you know myself, it's
always been a I want to get the ten years,
you know, no matter what it is, and has been
an easy road to where I'm at now, you know.
But at the same time, it's like I never stopped
(25:04):
believing in myself and I never stopped believing in the process,
and you know, just been very fortunate to be, you know,
with some really good organizations, really good groups, and really
good bullpens, and I think, you know, by instilling that
and being open and being a sponge, it's just made
me better as my career's gone on.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
Your people sometimes say, well, if I knew then what
I know now, uh, maybe it would have been different.
But when we first saw you, you were trying to
get here and stay here. You ever look back at
that and say, Man, if I had known then, you know,
maybe things would have been different at that time.
Speaker 6 (25:38):
Honestly, I don't. I'm a big I'm a big believer
and everything happens for a reason, you know. And you know,
like I said this the other day, you know, like
when I was coming up, the bullpen that we had
was pretty special, you know, like that core group was together.
I think it was like twenty thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen,
and you know, you had Andrew Miller in the mix,
(25:59):
you know, like it's like it's a hard group to
you know, break into. And then but I also like,
I think you have to look in the mirror and
understand who you are, you know, like and also learning
from those guys and learning that and then also like
being that guy that got up options so many times
in three years, like I can also you know, TESTI
by it to like those guys that are going through
(26:20):
that to help them in that process too. But I
mean I think that, you know, going back and reflecting
on that, it's like, hey, I have like that happened
for a specific reason, and now I understand why, you know.
And then being traded to Seattle and then being dfad.
You know that first spring training withoudn't really get an
opportunity to show my stuff. It's like it's like it
(26:41):
wasn't great for me, you know. But at the same time,
I put together one of the best seasons I ever
put together in Triple A and found a lot of
out about myself and how to pitch and how to
adapt and how to get better and I you know,
I haven't been in the minor league since then, so
it's like I think again for me, it's like everything,
everything is stepping stone, everything is you know, full circle
(27:03):
with how it comes you know, out to be and
you know everyone's past different, so like, I don't I
would never like for myself say if I would have
done that, then I'd be here. I just think that
that was just a stepping stone to where I'm at
today to make me the picture I am today. And
you know, like again, life's about reflection, So like how
do you learn from it? How do you continue to
build upon you know, that process of what makes you
(27:26):
who you are.
Speaker 2 (27:27):
And you may have a great perspective on this year's
team just based on the last time you were here.
You were part of a World Series team and then
another one that had a tremendous season in seventeen.
Speaker 5 (27:40):
What are you seeing.
Speaker 2 (27:41):
I know it's early yet in spring training, but are
you seeing some things that say, hey, this this could
be a special club too.
Speaker 6 (27:46):
I think it's I think, I mean, I think it
speaks volume to the culture. You know, like it's a
very close group regardless of position, player to picture or
you know, whatever you go on the lunch room, you
go in the locker room, they're all sitting together, they're
all talking, they're all making of everyone, you know, So
like being able to see that and then you know,
also for myself to be able to slide in and
(28:07):
be you know, into those conversations, and you know, also
like finding out people's routines, what they do, like what
makes them click, what makes them go like that type
of stuff. And you know, I'm just I'm trying to
learn everyone.
Speaker 7 (28:18):
You know.
Speaker 6 (28:19):
I sit back and you know, I kind of watch
a lot of things that are going on. But I
think the testament for this group, you know, is like
they're a very close group, and they understand what they
did last year overcoming a fifteen and a half game deficit.
They also understand the things that they went through on
and off the field as a team. And I think
that is speaks a lot of volume, specifically for that
(28:42):
bullpen of you know, losing one of their key members
and then also those guys stepping up taking the ball
and never missing a beat. I mean, and again, I
think you know, to touch on you know your question again,
I think that speaks volume of behind the scenes, what
guys truly don't see and fans don't see every day
of how just how close those guys are and and
(29:05):
they you know, they're they're hungry, they want to win.
You know, they've came up, you know short. I think
it's two years in a row, like and then you know,
we lost to you guys in twenty three and the
fifteenth inning, you know, so like the playoffs are there,
like you know, approved to the pudding. But I think again,
it's it's the culture that this front office and this
coaching staff has put together. And then all of these
(29:26):
guys clicking on all cylinders together too. It's it's it's
a it's a very hungry group. And it's a lot
of fun to see.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
What have you settled on stuff wise that's allowed you
to become a consistent relief pitcher in this game?
Speaker 6 (29:39):
Attacking, strike something, you know, that's the biggest thing. You know,
try and I mean my biggest philosophy is get ahead,
stay ahead. You know, that's the biggest thing. And then
you know, I've always been a four seam cutter guy
out of the sinker in twenty three, out of the
sweeper last year, you know, and adding a little something
else this year to see how it's going to play
in spring. But again, I think, you know, for me,
(30:00):
it's like continually to adapt, continue to evolve, and then
but also understanding what I do best and knowing what
type of picture I am. And then you know, again
just the work, the routine, the process, trust that. So
when the lights turn on, it's got time. There's no
thought process. It's like, hey, it's me and the catcher,
and I'm gonna go out there and give every pitch
(30:21):
like it's my last one.
Speaker 2 (30:23):
Life wise, last time you were here mid twenties, now
mid thirties, How are you different off the field and
how does that impact you on the field.
Speaker 6 (30:31):
Well, I'm married now, so I wasn't married when I
got traded. Oh actually I got traded in December and
we just got married two weeks before that. But now
two kids. You know, I have a four year old
son and one year old daughter and you know those
three at home, I mean those are my why you know,
like that's that's why I play this game, and you know,
just to try and give them the best future that
I can possibly give. And you know, like they sacrifice
(30:54):
a lot. So like whenever it comes to my preparation,
my my work, my stuff that I do. It's like
that's why you know obviously like that Acco ways the
success the career, like all that you know is what
you you know, you play for. But I think that
you know for me, like the family aspect of you know,
(31:14):
what they sacrifice for me is the biggest you know,
the reason why, like I've tried to continue to evolve
and continue to have success and you know, give my
wife and my kids the best possible future. I can.
Speaker 2 (31:25):
Sean, great to have you back, enjoy the time here.
Speaker 6 (31:27):
Thank you, I appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (31:29):
And Sean Armstrong providing that good veteran presence where that
Guardian's bullpen heading into the season, stay with us when
we came back. We'll stay on that bullpen theme and
visit with one of the newest potential Guardians, Colin Holderman.
Big right handrewho throws hard. We'll hear from him next
on the Cleveland Clinic. Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 8 (31:55):
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So after the first one freaks you out, you see
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Speaker 2 (32:48):
Umbros An. Now's back with you from Guardian spring training
and Goodyear Arizona. It's great to have you with us
as we talk the Guardians Baseball about the midway point
of spring training, but not too much left to go.
As as of Thursday, the Guardians were three weeks away
from opening night March the twenty sixth in Seattle. That's
(33:10):
a night game, so get your sleep now, build it up,
and be ready to go for a ten to ten
Eastern Time first pitch from Seattle on an opening night.
To get the twenty twenty sixteen season started well, A
bullpen will be a key, and the Guardian spent a
lot of their off season acquiring some veteran arms to
see if they can build some depth out there and
(33:32):
enhance the performance as well. A potential key could be
Colin Holderman, a veteran right hander who had an injury
plague season a year ago with Pittsburgh, but he's had
some really strong years in the past, both with the
Mets and the Pirates, and now he's new to Cleveland.
Had an opportunity to sign anywhere in the off season,
(33:53):
he picked Cleveland, and he said it didn't take long
to figure out what makes the Guardians organization, especially on
the pitching side, a special one.
Speaker 9 (34:02):
Yeah, I felt like I got that pretty early on.
Pretty much the first day I got into the facility.
I could feel the culture. It was everyone on the
same mission. You know, we just want to win ball games.
And it's just a bunch of good people leading good
people here, and you know, I think it's going to
be a special year for the audience.
Speaker 2 (34:17):
You had some choices to on where you wanted to
play this year. Tell us about that process and what
went into coming here. Maybe that put it over the top.
Speaker 9 (34:27):
Yeah, you know, we had we had a good bit
of zoom calls this offseason, and it was just this
one stuck out to me. You know, it was the
front office, you know how personal they were, and they
understood what happened to me last year, and they're like,
they had a great plan on how we could definitely
you know, make that better and give me back to
my twenty two, twenty three, twenty four self. And you know,
the pitching department is amazing. You know, voter at the
helm is just, you know, amazing guy. I've heard nothing
(34:49):
but great things about him. So it just made an
easy decision for me, and it felt like a perfect fit.
Speaker 2 (34:54):
The bullpen has been a strong part of this team
for a while. How much do you look at that
and say, hey, that that could really be fun to
be a part of.
Speaker 9 (35:01):
You know, I remember playing you know, The Guardians last
few years and just seeing the guys coming from the
bullpen and take a look up at the stats on
the on the screen. I'm like, oh, this guy's got
a two, this guy's got a one. It was just
over and over again, and I don't think that success
happens on accident. And you know, the guys here are amazing,
extremely talented, and then we got people that are just
you know, refining it for us, and I think it's
a perfect situation for me and I'm excited to fit
(35:23):
right in.
Speaker 2 (35:24):
I thought I thought it was interesting you mentioned earlier
as a veteran who's played against Cleveland several times, impressions
of of what it takes to beat them when you're
on the other side.
Speaker 9 (35:36):
Now that you're here, Yeah, it was definitely you know,
a series when we were planning that you know, you
have to be locked in. It's not a you know,
an easy couple of games.
Speaker 7 (35:45):
You know.
Speaker 9 (35:47):
I remember definitely having to dial in as one of
the scrappiest teams I've ever played last few years. And
it's not going to be easy punch outs. It's going
to be long at bats, it's going to be you know,
multiple people on base, people stealing, and it's just a mess.
And it's I've had to be on my game, and
you know, I think I've had some success with clear
you know, against Cleveland the past, but I'm I'm glad
to be pitching for him.
Speaker 2 (36:06):
Alan Holderman joining us one of the new relievers in
camp here with the Guardians relief pitchers, a lot of
times it's one or two pitches that they rely on
and lean on. You're mentioning you feature six. How did
that come about and how does that help you get through?
Speaker 9 (36:22):
It was just you know, kind of experimenting in the
off seasons, and you know, you hop on track man
kind of see what the data looks like, and you
know you're like, oh, this is good. Oh well this
is good too, and then you try to eliminate some pitches.
But I came into camp and throwing all these pitches,
all all these hitters, and I've gotten good, you know,
good feedback on all of them. So I think we're
just going to kind of feature all of it and
kind of bucket hitters left and right and make it
(36:42):
a little simple for the attack, you know, because obviously
it'd be hard to you know, make decisions with six pitches,
you know, shake, shake, Shake. But we're going to have
a good plan and I'm excited to feature all of them.
So it'll be something new this year.
Speaker 2 (36:53):
One of the hardest things in this game is consistency.
You've had some really good years and other years where
it's been a challenge. When you're going good, what's the
biggest key.
Speaker 9 (37:02):
You know, just poud on the zone, being relentless. You know,
I feature a pretty high velocity, you know, sinker and fastball,
so asking me the driver of the ship, make them
honor the heater in and then you know that makes
it off speat so much better. But you know, just
be relentless in the zone. Not easy basis, and I
think we'll have a great year.
Speaker 4 (37:17):
That's better.
Speaker 2 (37:17):
And right Andrew Colin Holderman talking about what it's like
to be in a new organization and potentially a big
help out of that full pen. That's going to do
it for our show today. We hope you can join
us again next week is we'll be into that well
second the last weekend of spring training as it's starting
to get to that midway point in terms of games,
(37:39):
and we'll see some position battles and pitching battles continue
for some of those last roster spots and maybe get
a little bit closer by the time we join you
again next weekend. So until then, thanks as always to
Brian Motse for all of his help on our broadcasts
each and every week and until next week, this is
Jim rosen House reminding you that you have been listening
(38:01):
to Guardians Weekly, the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 1 (38:20):
Guardians Weekly has been brought to you by Progressive Helping
Guardians fans save hundreds on car insurance
Speaker 3 (38:58):
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