March 28, 2026 • 39 mins
The season is underway for the Guardians in Seattle, we'll chat with General Manager Mike Chernoff about expectations for 2026. Plus, Chase DeLauter is the talk of baseball after his historic start to the regular season. Also, the first Farm Report with V.P. of Player Development Stephen Osterer talking about the Columbus Clippers. 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.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
On car insurance.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
Hi, everyone, welcome to Guardians Weekly. Him rosen House along
with you from Seattle. The season is underway and it
is great to have in season shows of Guardians Weekly
running now. This our first as the season is underway.
It started on Thursday night in Seattle. We'll have a
week in review coming your way shortly a little bit
(01:11):
later on. In our show, we'll hear from Mike Churnoff,
Guardians general manager. Also Chase Delauter, who's been the talk
of baseball, not only Cleveland, with his red hot start
to his rookie season. And we'll get a full report
on TRIPAA Columbus, our first minor league update from Vice
president of player Development Stephen Osterer. So a really good
(01:33):
show lined up for you, and we are pleased to
be able to bring you some highlights in our first
week in review of the season. And what a great
opening night it was for the Guardians in Seattle on
Thursday night. Chase de Latter was the talk of spring training,
one of the hottest hitters in the Cactus League. He
stayed healthy, was ready to go as the starting right
(01:55):
fielder for the Guardians on opening night, and he stepped
to the plate in the first inning in his first
regular season major league game.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
Here's Chase sta Latter. What a camp he had this spring?
Big man six four two thirty five. He sends us
one high in the air to deep Bright, really back track,
wall leaps, it is gone. Chase Delatter with a solo
home run in his first.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
At bat in twenty twenty six. How about that?
Speaker 3 (02:30):
You heard Stephen votes say on the pregame show the
number two hole in the batting order a year ago
was a problem area. And he goes, I think the
latter's the perfect fit between Stephen Kwana and Jose Ramirez.
His mom and dad, his brother are here from West Virginia.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
And what a moment he just gave his family.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
And for Chase Delatter, that is his first major league
home run in his first regular season major league game.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
How about that?
Speaker 3 (03:07):
Much more from de laughter still to come, by the way, However,
in the bottom of the first, Seattle answered with one
of their new editions, Brendan Donovan.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Now the three to.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
One pitch to Donovan and a drammer to right will
be tied momentarily way here, all right down the right
field fowl line. And Brendan Donovan, in his first at
bat with the Seattle Mariners, hit a moonshot down the
right beel line to tie this game. And baby gave
(03:41):
up twenty seven bombs a year ago, and there was
no doubt about that one.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
And in the second inning it was a Northeast Ohio native,
Dominic can Zone, who put the Mariners in front.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Now the two to one swung on, this is pounded
bright center field and gone Dominic can Zone.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Can you imagine what a thrill that is for him?
Speaker 1 (04:10):
He was a mammoth Cleveland Indians fan growing up. He
just tortures his hometown team with a line drive solo
shot to right center four hundred and eighteen feet.
Speaker 3 (04:25):
And hopefully you can tell from the crowd noise it
was wild at Tea Mobile Park on Thursday night, a
sellout crowd. They are geeked up about their Mariners as
they were a team that took Toronto to seven games
in the ALCS a year ago and they have World
Series aspirations. If they can get there. It would be
(04:46):
the first time in their fifty year history. So anyway
back to the game on the opening night Thursday, it's
stay two to one Seattle until the fifth. That's when
the Guardians started the inning with back to back hits
from Reeese Hoskins and Daniel s. Then Brian Rochio delivered
in a big way. Here's the one to zero, swung
on rip to first, down the line, fair ball, It
(05:09):
rolls toward the corner and right. That'll score too and
put the Guardians in front. Hunt his way to second
in with a slide and a two run double is
Brian Rochio and just like that, the Guardians have taken
the lead by a score of three to two. But
in the bottom of the fifth inning, another solo home
(05:29):
run by the Mariners, this one from another Cleveland area native,
Luke Raley. Luke Rayley leads things off for Seattle, Tanner
Biby working with a lead.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Here's his pitch and it swung on and drilled to right.
This is deep.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
Back goes to laughter looking up. God, wow did that
get out in a hurry on a line.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
Luke Raley with one swing has tied this game at three.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
Then in the bottom of the seventh inning, singles from
Rocchio and the laughter set the table for Jose Ramirez.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
Now the one to one.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
Pitch swung on drill deep left field bank is a
rose arena over his head, short hops the wall, Rochio
scores the.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
Latter coming home.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
Here's the threat of the plate slides in safely. Jose
Ramirez with a two out, two run double the left
and the Guardians take the lead five to three.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
In the seventh.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
In the bottom of the seventh, Seattle got a little
closer once again, thanks once again to Dominic canzonn Sean.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
Armstrong is on the pitch now for Cleveland. Began his
career with Cleveland. Now he's back five to three Cleveland.
Bottom of the seventh, dominic cans.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
Over the drive high deep to right center. God again.
Speaker 1 (06:56):
The Cleveland Kins hit two, both to right center. Seattle
with four solo home runs tonight, so it was a
one run lead for the Guardians as the game went
to the ninth inning, and leading things off the rookie
Chase the latter. The latter got a home run to
start his regular season major league career, hit it to
(07:20):
right in the first.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
He drives this.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
One be bright center forget about it. Chase the lotter,
what a regular season debut? How bomb the right center
and it's six to four Cleveland, and Chase the latter
has hit two home runs in his regular season major
(07:44):
league debut. That won four one hundred and twenty two
feet deep into the lower deck and right center.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
And historic night for the latter. And then it would
be up to Cade Smith in the bottom half of
the ninth inning to seal a win for the Guardians.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
Now the parts swung on rift Short caught on his
knees by Arius Bowl game and the Guardians have come
back to win the opener over the Seattle Mariners by
a final score of six to four.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
So the Guardians win the opener. But then Seattle came
back on Friday night and took Game two of the
season five to one. Chase Delatter, though he provided a
spark again early in the first inning, the latter.
Speaker 1 (08:33):
Became the first player in Cleveland baseball history dever had
two home runs in his regular season debut. Now the
wine in the one zero and it's.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Trilled in the deep right field. There she goes.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
One nothing Cleveland on a laser to right that snuck
over the eight foot wall and chased the latter with
his third home run in six at bats. Mom, Dad,
his brother, other family and friends. Wow, the five and
(09:11):
a half hour flight from West Virginia has well been
worth it.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
So once again the Guardians with that early lead thanks
to the laughter. But Seattle got things started in the
third with a leadoff triple by Leo Revas and Gavin Williams,
making his first start of the season. He had his
hands full facing the top of the Mariner's order.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
Here it comes, swa mess. He came back in with
a fastball.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
What a job.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
After the leadoff triple, Williams gets Raleigh and Rodriguez with strikeout,
stand one nothing Cleveland going.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
To the fourth. How about that? But in the fourth inning,
the walks cut up with Gavin Williams as the Mariners
made him pay for back to back walks to open
the inning, and Cole Young was at the plate ready
to do some dammage. The set. The two pitch swung
on and drilled high and deep to rite de.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
Laughter back leaps at the wall, but this one is gone.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
Col Young with the big blow and finally the Mariners
are able to make Gavin Williams pay for the walks.
It is three to one Seattle in the sixth, thenning
another long ball for the Mariners with a runner on.
It was Luke Rayley with his second home run on
(10:32):
the young season.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Now the two to two pitch swung on hammer to
right there, she goes way out of here. Well, Louke
Grayley and Dominic kel Zone grew up huge Cleveland Indians fans,
and they are making life miserable for Cleveland fans this weekend.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
They each have two home runs.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
And that was just too much for the Guardians to overcome.
On Friday night, Seattle wins it by that final of
five to one to even the series at a game apiece.
That's our weekend review. Stay with us. When we can back,
we'll hear from general manager Mike Chernoff.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
That's next.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
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Speaker 3 (11:56):
Welcome back HiT's Guardians Weekly from Seattle as the season
is underway. Two games in the Guardians one and one
heading into weekend action nine to forty first pitch on
Saturday night and then on Sunday evening it's a seven
to twenty first pitch for Guardians Baseball, and of course
you can hear both of those games right here on
(12:19):
the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network. Mike Churnoff is the
Guardian's general manager, and he has just been through a
spring training, putting a team together, getting it ready with
high expectations for another winning season and perhaps a postseason
appearance once again. The front office and the coaching staff,
we're very happy with how the spring went. And when
(12:40):
we caught up with Cherney as the team hit seattleie
talked about why they felt so good about their club
coming out of Arizona and heading into the regular season.
Speaker 5 (12:50):
Well, I'll tell you what. Going into Arizona, we had
more uncertainty than I can remember in years, you know,
usually you have maybe a spot or two open on
the team and you have to work through those decisions.
We had a lot of spots open, and with so
many young players, and the thing that I'm most excited about,
a lot of those guys really emerged in spring training
to have great camps and hopefully provide us, you know,
(13:12):
a ton of the offense that we need heading into
this year, and.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
You mentioned a lot of it obviously pertains to the
club here, but how good do you feel about later
in the season when the inevitable moves come in terms
of the death that you have. Apparently from what we
saw on the spring.
Speaker 5 (13:27):
That's a great point. There's such a focus put on
the twenty six man roster, and I get it for
opening day, it's a special thing to be put on
the roster. But you know, in a lot of conversations
with Voter throughout the spring, he's been here for two
previous years and hasn't been through times where you know,
he just hasn't seen a lot of minor league systems. Right,
He's been through two years of watching our minor league players.
This is the most optimistic he's felt about our minor
(13:48):
league group, and I think we're feeling very similarly of
just the wave of players that is hitting the upper
levels of our minor league system, especially the position player side,
is really exciting.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
In a bullpen and some different arms out there. That
was a focus in the off season, and it seems
like those that you brought in are going to have
the impact that was intended. And how difficult can it
be sometimes to find not only good.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Arms, but available arms to help, no doubt about it.
And look, our bullpen was maybe the greatest strength of
our team again in the second half after the Class
A stuff. The team actually had the best ERA, best
bullpen ra and all of baseball in the second half
of the year. So really impressive to see what that
group has done two years in a row. But we've
relied on them a lot too, So we made a
real concerted effort to bring in some depth behind the
(14:34):
group that we had. We acquired Sean Armstrong as a
free agent who brings a lot of veteran presence. He'd
been here in the past, we knew him, but he
can really step into any role in the bullpen. And
then we targeted some young guys Peyton Paulette a rule
five pick Connor Brogden, Colin Holderman, all three of those
guys that we feel like can really solidify the depth
of our pen and hopefully add to the group that
(14:55):
we already had back there. General manager Mike Chernock joining us,
getting back to offense, and it'll be some young hitters
who could provide the keys. And let's start with Chase
the lot or what a great spring he had an
opportunity here for to talk about the medical staff and
what they've done, What are some of the keys to
keeping him on the field now and letting him show
(15:17):
what he can do, which has been pretty impressive. Yeah, Chase, unfortunately,
over the past several years, has dealt with a lot
of injuries and so he just has never built up
a huge amount of game volume, and so you know,
you're heading into a season where we're expecting a lot
out of him. It took a tremendous effort from our
strength and conditioning staff and especially our medical staff to
try to get that build up right and to make
sure that we're not overloading him but also giving him
(15:39):
enough that he can hopefully have a really durable season.
It's going to be a grind you know, it's going
to be hard to try to build that on the
fly at the major league level while looking to rely
on him. But that group has been tremendous in building
an open line of communication with Chase to make sure
that he's feeling good every day or that we're providing
him what he needs every day, and also provide that
(16:00):
open line of communication a Voter and the staff to
determine what he can.
Speaker 3 (16:04):
And can't do. Steven Vote back for a third season.
Can you say, manager of that? You're again like, is
that a shoe in? Since he seems to be really
good at that. I mean he's on pace, Rosie. He's
on pace for every year of his career. It would
be a disappointment if he didn't get it.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
Does he know that? Well?
Speaker 5 (16:19):
We make sure we tell him that every day, just
to get under his skin. He Voter continues to create
such a great dynamic with these players. It's hard, especially
when you have a young team like we do. It's
a new beginning every year. You know, it's not like
you're bringing the same veteran players back every year and
they know exactly what to do. Voter in the entire
staff does such a great job of helping our players
(16:39):
prepare and creating an environment where these guys can both
develop and perform at the same time.
Speaker 3 (16:45):
And you know, it's interesting because I think he joked
that there were fifty zoom calls in the interview process,
so you got to know him really well. But is
there something in these as you've gotten to know him
through these two seasons that maybe you couldn't get from
the interview process that's really surprised you in a good way.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Oh, there's so much.
Speaker 5 (17:03):
You know, we do fifty zoom calls and we try
to really get to know him, and you think you
know someone really well, but then you work with him
for two days and it's more than you ever interacted
within the interview process. So what has stood out to
us is two things. One voter's ability to connect with people,
whether it's us, whether it's staff, whether it's analysts, whether
it's players. He is an unbelievable connector. And the second
(17:25):
thing is although he has strong opinions and I think
that's important for a manager to have strong convictions, he
is so open minded to learning and continuing to learn.
And I think, Okay, he's already won two Manager of
the year awards, right, but I think that openness to
learning will help him continue to be a great manager
way into the future.
Speaker 3 (17:44):
That's all part of a new season of Bought Club
with high expectations and Mike, enjoy the year if you can,
and we'll look forward to seeing you soon. Thanks, Rosie MAT's.
Guardian's general manager Mike Chernoff is always optimistic, feels good
about the team, but obviously taking into account a lot
of the concerns along the way to try and keep
it moving in a positive direction. One of the reasons
(18:06):
for optimism is Chase the Laughter and he has done
nothing to disappoint in the early season. Two games in
it's been tremendous and we'll talk to him about his
hot start next on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians or Radio
Network Jimmers announced back with you from Seattle t Mobile
(18:37):
Ballpark where the Guardians are taking on the Mariners on
opening weekend. And if you want to catch our show
each week on the radio, you can do so at
seven am on our flagship station WTAM in Cleveland, also
WMAN in Mansfield and WMRN and Marion a little bit
later on Saturday mornings on WKBN over in Youngstown and
(18:59):
of course or you could hear it whenever you like,
as it turns into a podcast after it airs on
the radio, and you can check that out wherever you
download your favorite podcasts. Well, it's been a great start
to the career of Chase the Laughter. Remember he was
called up and participated in the American League Wild Card
Series against the Tigers last year. But now his regular
(19:24):
season major league career begins, and it can't have begun
any better than it has so far. Two home runs
on opening night, another one in Game two. And we
caught up with him after the opening night to Homer
Barrage and we talked to him about carrying over a
great spring into the regular season, and he talked about
(19:45):
what it meant just to make the big club for
the first time in his career. Coming out of camp. Yeah,
I mean it was great. You know, I was more
excited to just have an opportunity to play with the
guys in this clubhouse kind of be around them all spring.
You know, it's first spring in a while I was,
you know, for all spring and able to practice and
be out there.
Speaker 6 (20:02):
So it was great. I mean, got to know the
guys really well, and I think the best part is,
again I've said this many times, but just having the
opportunity to play like meaning full winning baseball. Again, it's great.
Speaker 3 (20:13):
And that opportunity to play obviously, but you've been able
to stay on the field and produce in spring training?
When did you have a pretty good idea that things
were going to work out the way they did?
Speaker 6 (20:24):
Honestly until Voter came up and had mentioned it to
me during during one of the games there at the end.
You know, I had a hunch, but for me, I
never something I just am not truly bought into until
you know for sure. You know, my main goal is
to make sure I was doing whatever I needed to
to be available every night and just hoping the rest
(20:46):
kind of took care of itself.
Speaker 3 (20:47):
And last night you have an opening night to remember
for anybody. Uncommon a couple of home runs, they say
sometimes the transition to the regular season from spring training
is difficult because of scattering reports pitchers pitched to that.
Did you notice much different last night or were you
able to stay with what you do?
Speaker 1 (21:05):
Well?
Speaker 6 (21:06):
Yeah, I mean I was able to stick to my plan.
I mean, you know, Gilbert had a great nineties, you know,
got got on a slider there in the first at bat,
but after that, you know he was able to get
me with cutter and you know, another good heater there
and my third at that. So you know, you can
definitely tell that the guys you know, pitch a little
differently than mean, they all just know how to how
to pitch. Well, it's not necessarily just stuff up here,
it's it's they know how to pitch with their stuff.
(21:29):
So that's gonna be a big transition. I think for me,
it's just you know, being calm again, making sure I'm
available every night and kind of letting the rest take
care of itself.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
And had the plate it. It doesn't seem to matter
if it's a fastball or off speed. You're ready for it.
And how did that develop over the course of your
career where you can hit any type of pitch. It
seems like that and not that you know what's coming,
but you're able to make good contact no matter what
it is.
Speaker 6 (21:54):
Yeah, I mean, I'm always you know, trying to make
sure I'm ready for the for the firm stuff. You know,
all these especially Nowaday, everyone throws so hard, even the
breaking stuff is hard, but just kind of making sure,
I'm on time for the fastball, and I think that
kind of just helps me react to the other stuff.
Speaker 3 (22:09):
So you have this big night, it's across the country
from where you're from, but you have family here. What
did that mean to you?
Speaker 1 (22:15):
Oh?
Speaker 6 (22:16):
Yeah, it was great. I mean just having having them
by my side is unreally, you know, they don't they
don't really travel much like that. You know, drivable places
for sure, but getting on flights and going across the
countries is something that's new for my entire family. So
I was glad they were able to make it out here.
It's actually my mom's birthday tomorrow, so it was cool
good for them to be able to come out here.
Speaker 3 (22:37):
Team reaction. Do you notice said what the guys are
saying and doing when you do something big?
Speaker 6 (22:43):
No, not necessarily, I mean I haven't. I haven't seen
anything but personally, but.
Speaker 3 (22:48):
It seems like a fun group that allows you to
play your game and have fun.
Speaker 6 (22:52):
Oh yeah, absolutely, I mean this is this is what
guardians are all about. You know, it's just having a
close bond playing guards ball and you know, being there
for each other no matter what. So it's a good feeling.
Speaker 3 (23:04):
You mentioned all that and it doesn't seem you've been
here for a minute, But do you feel that coming
up through the system and as you get closer you
know what it's about.
Speaker 6 (23:12):
Yeah, absolutely, I mean I think you start building connection
with these guys, and you know it starts in the
off season.
Speaker 7 (23:17):
You know you have.
Speaker 6 (23:19):
I mean most of the guys were here February late January,
so being able to practice with them and just be
in the building together, I think builds that culture. It
was a fun night night to remember. I'm sure thanks
a lot for coming back, sir, appreciate it. Thank you.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
Man has chased a lotter and well he is something
special so far. Look, he's going to have his ups
and downs, every rookie does. But there's a lot to
like so far and he is certainly off to a
great start. What's the next wave of young players? Well,
they're at Triple A Columbus and when we come back,
we'll talk about it with Vice president of player Development,
Stephen Ostro. That's next the Cleveland Clinic, Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
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Speaker 3 (24:42):
Welcome back to Guardians Weekly, our final segment and our
first farm report of the season. Triple A Columbus began
its season on Friday night in Iowa against the Triple
A Cubs and a couple of games of note. Travis
Bisana with the and his season opener and five trips
to the plate. Juan Brito had a three hit night
(25:05):
as the Cubs won that game five to two. The
Clippers season underway, and we had a chance to visit
with Stephen ostro Or, the vice president of player development
for the Guardians, and talk about the Columbus roster and
who some of the key names are there to keep
an eye on. They will once again be managed by
Andy Tracy, who's had an outstanding run as the Clippers manager.
(25:28):
In a very difficult spot. Triple A managing might be
the most difficult on the minor league ladder. And we
talked to Osty about what has made Andy Tracy so
effective in preparing players to get either back to the
big leagues or make it for the first time.
Speaker 7 (25:45):
Yeah, it's so valuable to have someone like Andy lead
the charge at the Triple A level, just having experienced
it himself as a player and now having a ton
of experience managing it. He understands what it's like to
be in the player's shoes, to go up and have
the tough conversation when they're coming down, and how to
support them and find out or figure out and help
(26:06):
support the staff figure out how to get them back.
Speaker 8 (26:08):
So and and he's.
Speaker 7 (26:11):
Well experienced on both sides of this as a player
and as a staff member, and having him there to
steady the ship is something that we're very fortunate.
Speaker 3 (26:19):
To have and on his staff as part of the
pitching team. Assistant pitching coach is Nick Whitgren, a familiar
name I'm sure to a lot of fans.
Speaker 7 (26:28):
Yeah, we're really excited that Nick decided to join us
as a coach this year.
Speaker 8 (26:32):
We've been talking to him for.
Speaker 7 (26:33):
A couple off seasons about you know, what it could
look like from a coaching standpoint after playing, and you know,
he had a lot of opportunities, and I think he
just had such a great experience with the Guardians organization
that he decided to choose us of a number of
different orgs and opportunities that he had. So having them
there is going to be great for some of those
younger players that.
Speaker 8 (26:54):
Get into that level.
Speaker 7 (26:55):
And similar to Andy, the experience of being up at
the big league level and then also being is gonna
be really impactful for us.
Speaker 3 (27:02):
All Right, let's get to the good stuff on the
field with Steven Ostro, the Guardian's vice president of player
Development and OSTI. Travis Bizana obviously the big name at
Columbus after a huge spring training for him, what is
the key now as he begins his year at Columbus
to make sure he continues what has been a really
(27:22):
nice development track.
Speaker 7 (27:24):
Yeah, I mean I would even go backwards a little
bit about just some of the conversations and his mindset
heading into the off season. So just given what we know,
but Travis, we knew he's going to be incredibly intentful
with his work, and it's not surprising that he translated
all of the work into just some productive offseason or
was it had a really productive offseason, he got to
(27:46):
live out his dream playing for Australia in the WBC.
He had a really strong major league camp and I
think just the mindset right now about taking it pitch
by pitch.
Speaker 8 (27:55):
Is what's going to drive a lot of the success
this year.
Speaker 7 (27:58):
His offensive profile has just such a high floor, and
he's incredibly disciplined. He knows his own well, he's got
great back to ball skills and he can pull in
elevate mistakes when he needs to. It's about putting it
all together and I think that mindset's going to really
help him this year, hopefully at the big league level
at some point. But Travis has really worked a great
(28:19):
camp and made a lot of strides this offseason. We're
just couldn't be more excited about what this year is
going to look like for him.
Speaker 3 (28:26):
And the talent's obvious because he's a one to one,
But the growth in a year's time, how impressive has
it been from this time a year ago to where
he is now?
Speaker 7 (28:37):
Yeah, And I think he's grown a ton obviously, but
I think part of that is just how he's done
it too. It's also been battling through some injuries and
not being fully healthy, and it's about his day to
day so you know, the process that he brings every
single day to try to be intentful with his work
is what has given him the runway.
Speaker 8 (28:58):
And the success that we've had in some of those areas.
Speaker 7 (29:00):
His defensive work is something that maybe hasn't talked about
as much in terms of how much he's grown, but
we've seen a lot of improvement in his range and
he always makes the plays, so there's a lot of
growth that we've seen. But I think honestly it's it's
also the way that he's done that and having to
battle through some things and then you get a little
bit earlier readiness to go out and perform this year
(29:23):
at the WBC and all these other little challenges that
otherwise players wouldn't have.
Speaker 3 (29:29):
Let's touch on the outfield, and you have some older
players there, but some young ones who made a nice
impression in Major league spring training. Let's start with PD Halpin.
All of a sudden, it seems like he is big
time on the radar for a lot of different reasons.
What did you see this spring that was really impressive.
Speaker 7 (29:47):
Yeah. PD has grown a lot as a person and
as a professional, And to your point, he had a
really really good camp. I think it started even just
in last year in Triple A, so he was really
for the level was put on the forty man, but
he just grew so much being around some of those
more experienced players and then got to experience major league
(30:08):
playoff baseball and what that looked like. So he carried
I think a lot of that vision of what he
could become into the offseason work. He made some really
nice swing adjustments this offseason and we think that will
make him more resilient in the box. We already know
he can play center field, and he's a really good
defender out there. You know, he made some strides in
being able to take more bags and we think there's
(30:29):
probably more room to grow there. But overall, I think
it's just the professionalism and the understanding of what it
takes to be a big league player. Was a bit
of an Aha moment for PD last year. And he's
always been a good worker, but now he's a little
bit more intentful of the specifics day to day, and yeah,
he's at a really good camp.
Speaker 3 (30:48):
Some similarities in terms of growth for Khalil Watson, who
really had a nice camp while he was in Major
league camp.
Speaker 7 (30:54):
Yeah, he opened up a few eyes of spring. He
was added to the forty man in the off season.
I think he's We've seen like a nice, steady upward
trajectory of development over the last couple of years. He
made the switch to exclusively playing in the outfield, and
we saw the athleticism translate. I think we're also impressed
by just like the natural talent out there. His reads
(31:17):
are really good, his reactions are really good, and he
picked things up really quickly, so his back came alive
towards the end. You know, he's got great bad speed,
he's got great power, and we just got to continue
to gain the reps against better competition, so you can
understand the approach and maybe work to pull some pull
some of the whift down. But Khalil is similar to PD.
(31:37):
He's just he's still young, and he was really young
at the level last year, and just being around that
and seeing it and getting the cues and the clues
from some of the more experienced players, I think has
helped him grow as a professional and just as a
player as.
Speaker 3 (31:50):
Well a couple of other position players. Before we head
to the mound, we'll go behind the plate. Cooper Ingle,
you love to have good catching and what are some
of the next steps for him that you're looking for
development wise?
Speaker 8 (32:02):
Yeah, this is going to just be a theme.
Speaker 7 (32:05):
But Cooper, I think he played just twenty eight games
last year in Columbus after getting called up, he got
to see the level, experience some of the challenges of
facing better pitching and everything that comes with that, and
then gave a bunch of time in the major league
environment in the spring.
Speaker 8 (32:20):
I think he took a lot out of it.
Speaker 7 (32:22):
I think Coop just being around and paying attention to
Bow and Hedgy and Fry was was really really.
Speaker 8 (32:29):
Important for him.
Speaker 7 (32:30):
And you know, he said in our conversations, like he
paid a lot of attention to how they support the pitchers,
how they talk to this, to the coaching staff, how
they even just like think about creating culture around.
Speaker 1 (32:41):
All of that.
Speaker 7 (32:41):
And I think those are obviously really important things for
our organization and how much we value the catching position.
And you know, Cooper was really intentful and attentive to
those things in this camp.
Speaker 8 (32:52):
Which is great. You know, I think offensively, that's that's his.
Speaker 7 (32:55):
Carrying trade, and he got a little taste of what
triple A exposure can do to you in the box.
So you know, the way that he described it to
us was, you know, he had to learn a little
bit more about his actual approach when he has someone
on the mound pitching against his weaknesses and able to
execute on that. So yeah, I think similar to Travis,
it's like some of that exposure, the mindset of the
(33:17):
day to day that's going to be really big for him.
But he just continues to grow. He hasn't caught a
ton behind the plane in his entire career. He's basically
half the games that Bocott as a professional at this point,
so there's still so much to grow. He works really
hard in that area, and you know, just like last year,
just the eyes are opening to all the things that
(33:37):
he can and will do in the future.
Speaker 8 (33:39):
So similar with the other guys, it's like a lot
of growth. I'm really excited about Cooper.
Speaker 3 (33:44):
And with Wan Brido, it seems like an interesting case
for him and that he's developing. It looks like he's
trying to find that niche though, where does he fit?
So how does he go about just trying to get
better and then let that other stuff take care of itself.
Speaker 7 (33:59):
Yeah, just are for him in general. Last year he
only played I think twenty four games for Columbus after
battling all the injuries, and he worked really hard this offseason.
I don't think he would say that he had the
major league camp that he wanted to. But he's still
a really good player with a great track record. He's
a well rounded switch hitter, he can control the own
(34:20):
he gets on base. To your point, he's a reliable
defender in a number of different positions, and he's probably
gonna move around a little bit. That versatility piece is
just so important to the major league composition, and we're
going to probably get him to move around a little
bit so that when the opportunity comes, there are a
number of pieces in places that he can play at.
(34:40):
So yeah, I again, yeah, tough year last year, the
major league camp maybe not as good as he wanted to,
But this is still a really good player and he's
got a lot of baseball to play this year and
we're excited to see him take off.
Speaker 8 (34:56):
Honestly, all right, on the mound.
Speaker 3 (34:59):
Great story the comeback of Daniel Espino healthy pictures, So
now you can see what he can do. What's the
plan at Triple A Columbus starting relieving? How are you
going to take care of that at the outset?
Speaker 7 (35:11):
Yeah, So this was something that we talked to Daniel
about quite a bit, and there was a lot of
conversation internally, and I think at the end of the day,
we want to do what's best for him in terms
of continuing to get him on the mound and get
back into games more consistently, while also respecting and having
an appreciation for how he's feeling and how he's viewing
(35:33):
that question. So he's going to be built up as
a reliever for now. Intentionally, we're going to take it
day by day. I mean, he told us the other
day that he's excited to do that, and there's a
bit of a challenge to it. And if you ask
anyone in the org, the one person you don't want
to bet against, it's Daniel Spino of like living up
to a challenge. So just generally speaking, I think there's
(35:55):
just so many people here that are incredibly excited and
joyful and happy to see him out there competing against
hitters every other day, and you know, we're gonna do
everything we can and support him, but god, it's just
such a treat to see him go out and compete
right now. We're all really happy that he's able to
do it.
Speaker 3 (36:14):
One of the nice guys in the game for sure.
Jor Mongolme is a name that maybe doesn't get as
much notoriety on the outside, but I know you guys
like him. What are you seeing there and what has
you excited?
Speaker 7 (36:27):
I would say this is probably one of our favorite
development stories in the time that I've been here in
the last six years. He was a low dollar sign
internationally in twenty nineteen.
Speaker 8 (36:38):
He didn't come in with a ton of baseball experience
or knowledge.
Speaker 7 (36:42):
Honestly, he's grown a ton as a person, not just
as a player, and he's always had talent.
Speaker 8 (36:50):
It was just a.
Speaker 7 (36:50):
Matter of building all these other blocks around that and
piecing it together. And he kind of did that last
year and things started to click. So, yeah, he's going
to start in Columbus and we're just incredibly excited to
see him build off of last year. And similar to
the rest of these guys, when you got young players
like every year they grow and get better. And this
(37:11):
is also a great human being who works really hard
and as a phenomenal teammate, so similar to all these guys.
Speaker 8 (37:19):
We think it's going to be a great year and
we're excited for.
Speaker 7 (37:21):
Him to continue to develop and live up to another
challenge that he's going to get interplay.
Speaker 3 (37:28):
But a lot of names right there to keep an
eye on this season, and you can be sure that
many of those teams that Steven Ostro had just talked
about will be in the major leagues before it's all
set and well, that's going to do it for our
show this week is always thanks to Brian Lotsay for
helping to put together our show each and every week
until we join you next week from back home. Finally,
(37:50):
we will be at Progressive Field next weekend for our
show as that home opening series against the Cubs will
be underway. We'll talk to you then. Until then, this
is Jim rosen House reminding you that you've been listening
to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 1 (38:19):
Guardians Weekly has been brought to you by Progressive helping
Guardians fans save hundreds on car insurance
Welcome to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Guardians Radio Network.
Guardians Weekly is brought to you by Progressive helping Guardians
fans save hundreds.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
On car insurance.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
Hi, everyone, welcome to Guardians Weekly. Him rosen House along
with you from Seattle. The season is underway and it
is great to have in season shows of Guardians Weekly
running now. This our first as the season is underway.
It started on Thursday night in Seattle. We'll have a
week in review coming your way shortly a little bit
(01:11):
later on. In our show, we'll hear from Mike Churnoff,
Guardians general manager. Also Chase Delauter, who's been the talk
of baseball, not only Cleveland, with his red hot start
to his rookie season. And we'll get a full report
on TRIPAA Columbus, our first minor league update from Vice
president of player Development Stephen Osterer. So a really good
(01:33):
show lined up for you, and we are pleased to
be able to bring you some highlights in our first
week in review of the season. And what a great
opening night it was for the Guardians in Seattle on
Thursday night. Chase de Latter was the talk of spring training,
one of the hottest hitters in the Cactus League. He
stayed healthy, was ready to go as the starting right
(01:55):
fielder for the Guardians on opening night, and he stepped
to the plate in the first inning in his first
regular season major league game.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
Here's Chase sta Latter. What a camp he had this spring?
Big man six four two thirty five. He sends us
one high in the air to deep Bright, really back track,
wall leaps, it is gone. Chase Delatter with a solo
home run in his first.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
At bat in twenty twenty six. How about that?
Speaker 3 (02:30):
You heard Stephen votes say on the pregame show the
number two hole in the batting order a year ago
was a problem area. And he goes, I think the
latter's the perfect fit between Stephen Kwana and Jose Ramirez.
His mom and dad, his brother are here from West Virginia.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
And what a moment he just gave his family.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
And for Chase Delatter, that is his first major league
home run in his first regular season major league game.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
How about that?
Speaker 3 (03:07):
Much more from de laughter still to come, by the way, However,
in the bottom of the first, Seattle answered with one
of their new editions, Brendan Donovan.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Now the three to.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
One pitch to Donovan and a drammer to right will
be tied momentarily way here, all right down the right
field fowl line. And Brendan Donovan, in his first at
bat with the Seattle Mariners, hit a moonshot down the
right beel line to tie this game. And baby gave
(03:41):
up twenty seven bombs a year ago, and there was
no doubt about that one.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
And in the second inning it was a Northeast Ohio native,
Dominic can Zone, who put the Mariners in front.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Now the two to one swung on, this is pounded
bright center field and gone Dominic can Zone.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Can you imagine what a thrill that is for him?
Speaker 1 (04:10):
He was a mammoth Cleveland Indians fan growing up. He
just tortures his hometown team with a line drive solo
shot to right center four hundred and eighteen feet.
Speaker 3 (04:25):
And hopefully you can tell from the crowd noise it
was wild at Tea Mobile Park on Thursday night, a
sellout crowd. They are geeked up about their Mariners as
they were a team that took Toronto to seven games
in the ALCS a year ago and they have World
Series aspirations. If they can get there. It would be
(04:46):
the first time in their fifty year history. So anyway
back to the game on the opening night Thursday, it's
stay two to one Seattle until the fifth. That's when
the Guardians started the inning with back to back hits
from Reeese Hoskins and Daniel s. Then Brian Rochio delivered
in a big way. Here's the one to zero, swung
on rip to first, down the line, fair ball, It
(05:09):
rolls toward the corner and right. That'll score too and
put the Guardians in front. Hunt his way to second
in with a slide and a two run double is
Brian Rochio and just like that, the Guardians have taken
the lead by a score of three to two. But
in the bottom of the fifth inning, another solo home
(05:29):
run by the Mariners, this one from another Cleveland area native,
Luke Raley. Luke Rayley leads things off for Seattle, Tanner
Biby working with a lead.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Here's his pitch and it swung on and drilled to right.
This is deep.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
Back goes to laughter looking up. God, wow did that
get out in a hurry on a line.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
Luke Raley with one swing has tied this game at three.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
Then in the bottom of the seventh inning, singles from
Rocchio and the laughter set the table for Jose Ramirez.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
Now the one to one.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
Pitch swung on drill deep left field bank is a
rose arena over his head, short hops the wall, Rochio
scores the.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
Latter coming home.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
Here's the threat of the plate slides in safely. Jose
Ramirez with a two out, two run double the left
and the Guardians take the lead five to three.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
In the seventh.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
In the bottom of the seventh, Seattle got a little
closer once again, thanks once again to Dominic canzonn Sean.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
Armstrong is on the pitch now for Cleveland. Began his
career with Cleveland. Now he's back five to three Cleveland.
Bottom of the seventh, dominic cans.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
Over the drive high deep to right center. God again.
Speaker 1 (06:56):
The Cleveland Kins hit two, both to right center. Seattle
with four solo home runs tonight, so it was a
one run lead for the Guardians as the game went
to the ninth inning, and leading things off the rookie
Chase the latter. The latter got a home run to
start his regular season major league career, hit it to
(07:20):
right in the first.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
He drives this.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
One be bright center forget about it. Chase the lotter,
what a regular season debut? How bomb the right center
and it's six to four Cleveland, and Chase the latter
has hit two home runs in his regular season major
(07:44):
league debut. That won four one hundred and twenty two
feet deep into the lower deck and right center.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
And historic night for the latter. And then it would
be up to Cade Smith in the bottom half of
the ninth inning to seal a win for the Guardians.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
Now the parts swung on rift Short caught on his
knees by Arius Bowl game and the Guardians have come
back to win the opener over the Seattle Mariners by
a final score of six to four.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
So the Guardians win the opener. But then Seattle came
back on Friday night and took Game two of the
season five to one. Chase Delatter, though he provided a
spark again early in the first inning, the latter.
Speaker 1 (08:33):
Became the first player in Cleveland baseball history dever had
two home runs in his regular season debut. Now the
wine in the one zero and it's.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Trilled in the deep right field. There she goes.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
One nothing Cleveland on a laser to right that snuck
over the eight foot wall and chased the latter with
his third home run in six at bats. Mom, Dad,
his brother, other family and friends. Wow, the five and
(09:11):
a half hour flight from West Virginia has well been
worth it.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
So once again the Guardians with that early lead thanks
to the laughter. But Seattle got things started in the
third with a leadoff triple by Leo Revas and Gavin Williams,
making his first start of the season. He had his
hands full facing the top of the Mariner's order.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
Here it comes, swa mess. He came back in with
a fastball.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
What a job.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
After the leadoff triple, Williams gets Raleigh and Rodriguez with strikeout,
stand one nothing Cleveland going.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
To the fourth. How about that? But in the fourth inning,
the walks cut up with Gavin Williams as the Mariners
made him pay for back to back walks to open
the inning, and Cole Young was at the plate ready
to do some dammage. The set. The two pitch swung
on and drilled high and deep to rite de.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
Laughter back leaps at the wall, but this one is gone.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
Col Young with the big blow and finally the Mariners
are able to make Gavin Williams pay for the walks.
It is three to one Seattle in the sixth, thenning
another long ball for the Mariners with a runner on.
It was Luke Rayley with his second home run on
(10:32):
the young season.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Now the two to two pitch swung on hammer to
right there, she goes way out of here. Well, Louke
Grayley and Dominic kel Zone grew up huge Cleveland Indians fans,
and they are making life miserable for Cleveland fans this weekend.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
They each have two home runs.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
And that was just too much for the Guardians to overcome.
On Friday night, Seattle wins it by that final of
five to one to even the series at a game apiece.
That's our weekend review. Stay with us. When we can back,
we'll hear from general manager Mike Chernoff.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
That's next.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
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Speaker 3 (11:56):
Welcome back HiT's Guardians Weekly from Seattle as the season
is underway. Two games in the Guardians one and one
heading into weekend action nine to forty first pitch on
Saturday night and then on Sunday evening it's a seven
to twenty first pitch for Guardians Baseball, and of course
you can hear both of those games right here on
(12:19):
the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network. Mike Churnoff is the
Guardian's general manager, and he has just been through a
spring training, putting a team together, getting it ready with
high expectations for another winning season and perhaps a postseason
appearance once again. The front office and the coaching staff,
we're very happy with how the spring went. And when
(12:40):
we caught up with Cherney as the team hit seattleie
talked about why they felt so good about their club
coming out of Arizona and heading into the regular season.
Speaker 5 (12:50):
Well, I'll tell you what. Going into Arizona, we had
more uncertainty than I can remember in years, you know,
usually you have maybe a spot or two open on
the team and you have to work through those decisions.
We had a lot of spots open, and with so
many young players, and the thing that I'm most excited about,
a lot of those guys really emerged in spring training
to have great camps and hopefully provide us, you know,
(13:12):
a ton of the offense that we need heading into
this year, and.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
You mentioned a lot of it obviously pertains to the
club here, but how good do you feel about later
in the season when the inevitable moves come in terms
of the death that you have. Apparently from what we
saw on the spring.
Speaker 5 (13:27):
That's a great point. There's such a focus put on
the twenty six man roster, and I get it for
opening day, it's a special thing to be put on
the roster. But you know, in a lot of conversations
with Voter throughout the spring, he's been here for two
previous years and hasn't been through times where you know,
he just hasn't seen a lot of minor league systems. Right,
He's been through two years of watching our minor league players.
This is the most optimistic he's felt about our minor
(13:48):
league group, and I think we're feeling very similarly of
just the wave of players that is hitting the upper
levels of our minor league system, especially the position player side,
is really exciting.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
In a bullpen and some different arms out there. That
was a focus in the off season, and it seems
like those that you brought in are going to have
the impact that was intended. And how difficult can it
be sometimes to find not only good.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Arms, but available arms to help, no doubt about it.
And look, our bullpen was maybe the greatest strength of
our team again in the second half after the Class
A stuff. The team actually had the best ERA, best
bullpen ra and all of baseball in the second half
of the year. So really impressive to see what that
group has done two years in a row. But we've
relied on them a lot too, So we made a
real concerted effort to bring in some depth behind the
(14:34):
group that we had. We acquired Sean Armstrong as a
free agent who brings a lot of veteran presence. He'd
been here in the past, we knew him, but he
can really step into any role in the bullpen. And
then we targeted some young guys Peyton Paulette a rule
five pick Connor Brogden, Colin Holderman, all three of those
guys that we feel like can really solidify the depth
of our pen and hopefully add to the group that
(14:55):
we already had back there. General manager Mike Chernock joining us,
getting back to offense, and it'll be some young hitters
who could provide the keys. And let's start with Chase
the lot or what a great spring he had an
opportunity here for to talk about the medical staff and
what they've done, What are some of the keys to
keeping him on the field now and letting him show
(15:17):
what he can do, which has been pretty impressive. Yeah, Chase, unfortunately,
over the past several years, has dealt with a lot
of injuries and so he just has never built up
a huge amount of game volume, and so you know,
you're heading into a season where we're expecting a lot
out of him. It took a tremendous effort from our
strength and conditioning staff and especially our medical staff to
try to get that build up right and to make
sure that we're not overloading him but also giving him
(15:39):
enough that he can hopefully have a really durable season.
It's going to be a grind you know, it's going
to be hard to try to build that on the
fly at the major league level while looking to rely
on him. But that group has been tremendous in building
an open line of communication with Chase to make sure
that he's feeling good every day or that we're providing
him what he needs every day, and also provide that
(16:00):
open line of communication a Voter and the staff to
determine what he can.
Speaker 3 (16:04):
And can't do. Steven Vote back for a third season.
Can you say, manager of that? You're again like, is
that a shoe in? Since he seems to be really
good at that. I mean he's on pace, Rosie. He's
on pace for every year of his career. It would
be a disappointment if he didn't get it.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
Does he know that? Well?
Speaker 5 (16:19):
We make sure we tell him that every day, just
to get under his skin. He Voter continues to create
such a great dynamic with these players. It's hard, especially
when you have a young team like we do. It's
a new beginning every year. You know, it's not like
you're bringing the same veteran players back every year and
they know exactly what to do. Voter in the entire
staff does such a great job of helping our players
(16:39):
prepare and creating an environment where these guys can both
develop and perform at the same time.
Speaker 3 (16:45):
And you know, it's interesting because I think he joked
that there were fifty zoom calls in the interview process,
so you got to know him really well. But is
there something in these as you've gotten to know him
through these two seasons that maybe you couldn't get from
the interview process that's really surprised you in a good way.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Oh, there's so much.
Speaker 5 (17:03):
You know, we do fifty zoom calls and we try
to really get to know him, and you think you
know someone really well, but then you work with him
for two days and it's more than you ever interacted
within the interview process. So what has stood out to
us is two things. One voter's ability to connect with people,
whether it's us, whether it's staff, whether it's analysts, whether
it's players. He is an unbelievable connector. And the second
(17:25):
thing is although he has strong opinions and I think
that's important for a manager to have strong convictions, he
is so open minded to learning and continuing to learn.
And I think, Okay, he's already won two Manager of
the year awards, right, but I think that openness to
learning will help him continue to be a great manager
way into the future.
Speaker 3 (17:44):
That's all part of a new season of Bought Club
with high expectations and Mike, enjoy the year if you can,
and we'll look forward to seeing you soon. Thanks, Rosie MAT's.
Guardian's general manager Mike Chernoff is always optimistic, feels good
about the team, but obviously taking into account a lot
of the concerns along the way to try and keep
it moving in a positive direction. One of the reasons
(18:06):
for optimism is Chase the Laughter and he has done
nothing to disappoint in the early season. Two games in
it's been tremendous and we'll talk to him about his
hot start next on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians or Radio
Network Jimmers announced back with you from Seattle t Mobile
(18:37):
Ballpark where the Guardians are taking on the Mariners on
opening weekend. And if you want to catch our show
each week on the radio, you can do so at
seven am on our flagship station WTAM in Cleveland, also
WMAN in Mansfield and WMRN and Marion a little bit
later on Saturday mornings on WKBN over in Youngstown and
(18:59):
of course or you could hear it whenever you like,
as it turns into a podcast after it airs on
the radio, and you can check that out wherever you
download your favorite podcasts. Well, it's been a great start
to the career of Chase the Laughter. Remember he was
called up and participated in the American League Wild Card
Series against the Tigers last year. But now his regular
(19:24):
season major league career begins, and it can't have begun
any better than it has so far. Two home runs
on opening night, another one in Game two. And we
caught up with him after the opening night to Homer
Barrage and we talked to him about carrying over a
great spring into the regular season, and he talked about
(19:45):
what it meant just to make the big club for
the first time in his career. Coming out of camp. Yeah,
I mean it was great. You know, I was more
excited to just have an opportunity to play with the
guys in this clubhouse kind of be around them all spring.
You know, it's first spring in a while I was,
you know, for all spring and able to practice and
be out there.
Speaker 6 (20:02):
So it was great. I mean, got to know the
guys really well, and I think the best part is,
again I've said this many times, but just having the
opportunity to play like meaning full winning baseball. Again, it's great.
Speaker 3 (20:13):
And that opportunity to play obviously, but you've been able
to stay on the field and produce in spring training?
When did you have a pretty good idea that things
were going to work out the way they did?
Speaker 6 (20:24):
Honestly until Voter came up and had mentioned it to
me during during one of the games there at the end.
You know, I had a hunch, but for me, I
never something I just am not truly bought into until
you know for sure. You know, my main goal is
to make sure I was doing whatever I needed to
to be available every night and just hoping the rest
(20:46):
kind of took care of itself.
Speaker 3 (20:47):
And last night you have an opening night to remember
for anybody. Uncommon a couple of home runs, they say
sometimes the transition to the regular season from spring training
is difficult because of scattering reports pitchers pitched to that.
Did you notice much different last night or were you
able to stay with what you do?
Speaker 1 (21:05):
Well?
Speaker 6 (21:06):
Yeah, I mean I was able to stick to my plan.
I mean, you know, Gilbert had a great nineties, you know,
got got on a slider there in the first at bat,
but after that, you know he was able to get
me with cutter and you know, another good heater there
and my third at that. So you know, you can
definitely tell that the guys you know, pitch a little
differently than mean, they all just know how to how
to pitch. Well, it's not necessarily just stuff up here,
it's it's they know how to pitch with their stuff.
(21:29):
So that's gonna be a big transition. I think for me,
it's just you know, being calm again, making sure I'm
available every night and kind of letting the rest take
care of itself.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
And had the plate it. It doesn't seem to matter
if it's a fastball or off speed. You're ready for it.
And how did that develop over the course of your
career where you can hit any type of pitch. It
seems like that and not that you know what's coming,
but you're able to make good contact no matter what
it is.
Speaker 6 (21:54):
Yeah, I mean, I'm always you know, trying to make
sure I'm ready for the for the firm stuff. You know,
all these especially Nowaday, everyone throws so hard, even the
breaking stuff is hard, but just kind of making sure,
I'm on time for the fastball, and I think that
kind of just helps me react to the other stuff.
Speaker 3 (22:09):
So you have this big night, it's across the country
from where you're from, but you have family here. What
did that mean to you?
Speaker 1 (22:15):
Oh?
Speaker 6 (22:16):
Yeah, it was great. I mean just having having them
by my side is unreally, you know, they don't they
don't really travel much like that. You know, drivable places
for sure, but getting on flights and going across the
countries is something that's new for my entire family. So
I was glad they were able to make it out here.
It's actually my mom's birthday tomorrow, so it was cool
good for them to be able to come out here.
Speaker 3 (22:37):
Team reaction. Do you notice said what the guys are
saying and doing when you do something big?
Speaker 6 (22:43):
No, not necessarily, I mean I haven't. I haven't seen
anything but personally, but.
Speaker 3 (22:48):
It seems like a fun group that allows you to
play your game and have fun.
Speaker 6 (22:52):
Oh yeah, absolutely, I mean this is this is what
guardians are all about. You know, it's just having a
close bond playing guards ball and you know, being there
for each other no matter what. So it's a good feeling.
Speaker 3 (23:04):
You mentioned all that and it doesn't seem you've been
here for a minute, But do you feel that coming
up through the system and as you get closer you
know what it's about.
Speaker 6 (23:12):
Yeah, absolutely, I mean I think you start building connection
with these guys, and you know it starts in the
off season.
Speaker 7 (23:17):
You know you have.
Speaker 6 (23:19):
I mean most of the guys were here February late January,
so being able to practice with them and just be
in the building together, I think builds that culture. It
was a fun night night to remember. I'm sure thanks
a lot for coming back, sir, appreciate it. Thank you.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
Man has chased a lotter and well he is something
special so far. Look, he's going to have his ups
and downs, every rookie does. But there's a lot to
like so far and he is certainly off to a
great start. What's the next wave of young players? Well,
they're at Triple A Columbus and when we come back,
we'll talk about it with Vice president of player Development,
Stephen Ostro. That's next the Cleveland Clinic, Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
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Speaker 3 (24:42):
Welcome back to Guardians Weekly, our final segment and our
first farm report of the season. Triple A Columbus began
its season on Friday night in Iowa against the Triple
A Cubs and a couple of games of note. Travis
Bisana with the and his season opener and five trips
to the plate. Juan Brito had a three hit night
(25:05):
as the Cubs won that game five to two. The
Clippers season underway, and we had a chance to visit
with Stephen ostro Or, the vice president of player development
for the Guardians, and talk about the Columbus roster and
who some of the key names are there to keep
an eye on. They will once again be managed by
Andy Tracy, who's had an outstanding run as the Clippers manager.
(25:28):
In a very difficult spot. Triple A managing might be
the most difficult on the minor league ladder. And we
talked to Osty about what has made Andy Tracy so
effective in preparing players to get either back to the
big leagues or make it for the first time.
Speaker 7 (25:45):
Yeah, it's so valuable to have someone like Andy lead
the charge at the Triple A level, just having experienced
it himself as a player and now having a ton
of experience managing it. He understands what it's like to
be in the player's shoes, to go up and have
the tough conversation when they're coming down, and how to
support them and find out or figure out and help
(26:06):
support the staff figure out how to get them back.
Speaker 8 (26:08):
So and and he's.
Speaker 7 (26:11):
Well experienced on both sides of this as a player
and as a staff member, and having him there to
steady the ship is something that we're very fortunate.
Speaker 3 (26:19):
To have and on his staff as part of the
pitching team. Assistant pitching coach is Nick Whitgren, a familiar
name I'm sure to a lot of fans.
Speaker 7 (26:28):
Yeah, we're really excited that Nick decided to join us
as a coach this year.
Speaker 8 (26:32):
We've been talking to him for.
Speaker 7 (26:33):
A couple off seasons about you know, what it could
look like from a coaching standpoint after playing, and you know,
he had a lot of opportunities, and I think he
just had such a great experience with the Guardians organization
that he decided to choose us of a number of
different orgs and opportunities that he had. So having them
there is going to be great for some of those
younger players that.
Speaker 8 (26:54):
Get into that level.
Speaker 7 (26:55):
And similar to Andy, the experience of being up at
the big league level and then also being is gonna
be really impactful for us.
Speaker 3 (27:02):
All Right, let's get to the good stuff on the
field with Steven Ostro, the Guardian's vice president of player
Development and OSTI. Travis Bizana obviously the big name at
Columbus after a huge spring training for him, what is
the key now as he begins his year at Columbus
to make sure he continues what has been a really
(27:22):
nice development track.
Speaker 7 (27:24):
Yeah, I mean I would even go backwards a little
bit about just some of the conversations and his mindset
heading into the off season. So just given what we know,
but Travis, we knew he's going to be incredibly intentful
with his work, and it's not surprising that he translated
all of the work into just some productive offseason or
was it had a really productive offseason, he got to
(27:46):
live out his dream playing for Australia in the WBC.
He had a really strong major league camp and I
think just the mindset right now about taking it pitch
by pitch.
Speaker 8 (27:55):
Is what's going to drive a lot of the success
this year.
Speaker 7 (27:58):
His offensive profile has just such a high floor, and
he's incredibly disciplined. He knows his own well, he's got
great back to ball skills and he can pull in
elevate mistakes when he needs to. It's about putting it
all together and I think that mindset's going to really
help him this year, hopefully at the big league level
at some point. But Travis has really worked a great
(28:19):
camp and made a lot of strides this offseason. We're
just couldn't be more excited about what this year is
going to look like for him.
Speaker 3 (28:26):
And the talent's obvious because he's a one to one,
But the growth in a year's time, how impressive has
it been from this time a year ago to where
he is now?
Speaker 7 (28:37):
Yeah, And I think he's grown a ton obviously, but
I think part of that is just how he's done
it too. It's also been battling through some injuries and
not being fully healthy, and it's about his day to
day so you know, the process that he brings every
single day to try to be intentful with his work
is what has given him the runway.
Speaker 8 (28:58):
And the success that we've had in some of those areas.
Speaker 7 (29:00):
His defensive work is something that maybe hasn't talked about
as much in terms of how much he's grown, but
we've seen a lot of improvement in his range and
he always makes the plays, so there's a lot of
growth that we've seen. But I think honestly it's it's
also the way that he's done that and having to
battle through some things and then you get a little
bit earlier readiness to go out and perform this year
(29:23):
at the WBC and all these other little challenges that
otherwise players wouldn't have.
Speaker 3 (29:29):
Let's touch on the outfield, and you have some older
players there, but some young ones who made a nice
impression in Major league spring training. Let's start with PD Halpin.
All of a sudden, it seems like he is big
time on the radar for a lot of different reasons.
What did you see this spring that was really impressive.
Speaker 7 (29:47):
Yeah. PD has grown a lot as a person and
as a professional, And to your point, he had a
really really good camp. I think it started even just
in last year in Triple A, so he was really
for the level was put on the forty man, but
he just grew so much being around some of those
more experienced players and then got to experience major league
(30:08):
playoff baseball and what that looked like. So he carried
I think a lot of that vision of what he
could become into the offseason work. He made some really
nice swing adjustments this offseason and we think that will
make him more resilient in the box. We already know
he can play center field, and he's a really good
defender out there. You know, he made some strides in
being able to take more bags and we think there's
(30:29):
probably more room to grow there. But overall, I think
it's just the professionalism and the understanding of what it
takes to be a big league player. Was a bit
of an Aha moment for PD last year. And he's
always been a good worker, but now he's a little
bit more intentful of the specifics day to day, and yeah,
he's at a really good camp.
Speaker 3 (30:48):
Some similarities in terms of growth for Khalil Watson, who
really had a nice camp while he was in Major
league camp.
Speaker 7 (30:54):
Yeah, he opened up a few eyes of spring. He
was added to the forty man in the off season.
I think he's We've seen like a nice, steady upward
trajectory of development over the last couple of years. He
made the switch to exclusively playing in the outfield, and
we saw the athleticism translate. I think we're also impressed
by just like the natural talent out there. His reads
(31:17):
are really good, his reactions are really good, and he
picked things up really quickly, so his back came alive
towards the end. You know, he's got great bad speed,
he's got great power, and we just got to continue
to gain the reps against better competition, so you can
understand the approach and maybe work to pull some pull
some of the whift down. But Khalil is similar to PD.
(31:37):
He's just he's still young, and he was really young
at the level last year, and just being around that
and seeing it and getting the cues and the clues
from some of the more experienced players, I think has
helped him grow as a professional and just as a
player as.
Speaker 3 (31:50):
Well a couple of other position players. Before we head
to the mound, we'll go behind the plate. Cooper Ingle,
you love to have good catching and what are some
of the next steps for him that you're looking for
development wise?
Speaker 8 (32:02):
Yeah, this is going to just be a theme.
Speaker 7 (32:05):
But Cooper, I think he played just twenty eight games
last year in Columbus after getting called up, he got
to see the level, experience some of the challenges of
facing better pitching and everything that comes with that, and
then gave a bunch of time in the major league
environment in the spring.
Speaker 8 (32:20):
I think he took a lot out of it.
Speaker 7 (32:22):
I think Coop just being around and paying attention to
Bow and Hedgy and Fry was was really really.
Speaker 8 (32:29):
Important for him.
Speaker 7 (32:30):
And you know, he said in our conversations, like he
paid a lot of attention to how they support the pitchers,
how they talk to this, to the coaching staff, how
they even just like think about creating culture around.
Speaker 1 (32:41):
All of that.
Speaker 7 (32:41):
And I think those are obviously really important things for
our organization and how much we value the catching position.
And you know, Cooper was really intentful and attentive to
those things in this camp.
Speaker 8 (32:52):
Which is great. You know, I think offensively, that's that's his.
Speaker 7 (32:55):
Carrying trade, and he got a little taste of what
triple A exposure can do to you in the box.
So you know, the way that he described it to
us was, you know, he had to learn a little
bit more about his actual approach when he has someone
on the mound pitching against his weaknesses and able to
execute on that. So yeah, I think similar to Travis,
it's like some of that exposure, the mindset of the
(33:17):
day to day that's going to be really big for him.
But he just continues to grow. He hasn't caught a
ton behind the plane in his entire career. He's basically
half the games that Bocott as a professional at this point,
so there's still so much to grow. He works really
hard in that area, and you know, just like last year,
just the eyes are opening to all the things that
(33:37):
he can and will do in the future.
Speaker 8 (33:39):
So similar with the other guys, it's like a lot
of growth. I'm really excited about Cooper.
Speaker 3 (33:44):
And with Wan Brido, it seems like an interesting case
for him and that he's developing. It looks like he's
trying to find that niche though, where does he fit?
So how does he go about just trying to get
better and then let that other stuff take care of itself.
Speaker 7 (33:59):
Yeah, just are for him in general. Last year he
only played I think twenty four games for Columbus after
battling all the injuries, and he worked really hard this offseason.
I don't think he would say that he had the
major league camp that he wanted to. But he's still
a really good player with a great track record. He's
a well rounded switch hitter, he can control the own
(34:20):
he gets on base. To your point, he's a reliable
defender in a number of different positions, and he's probably
gonna move around a little bit. That versatility piece is
just so important to the major league composition, and we're
going to probably get him to move around a little
bit so that when the opportunity comes, there are a
number of pieces in places that he can play at.
(34:40):
So yeah, I again, yeah, tough year last year, the
major league camp maybe not as good as he wanted to,
But this is still a really good player and he's
got a lot of baseball to play this year and
we're excited to see him take off.
Speaker 8 (34:56):
Honestly, all right, on the mound.
Speaker 3 (34:59):
Great story the comeback of Daniel Espino healthy pictures, So
now you can see what he can do. What's the
plan at Triple A Columbus starting relieving? How are you
going to take care of that at the outset?
Speaker 7 (35:11):
Yeah, So this was something that we talked to Daniel
about quite a bit, and there was a lot of
conversation internally, and I think at the end of the day,
we want to do what's best for him in terms
of continuing to get him on the mound and get
back into games more consistently, while also respecting and having
an appreciation for how he's feeling and how he's viewing
(35:33):
that question. So he's going to be built up as
a reliever for now. Intentionally, we're going to take it
day by day. I mean, he told us the other
day that he's excited to do that, and there's a
bit of a challenge to it. And if you ask
anyone in the org, the one person you don't want
to bet against, it's Daniel Spino of like living up
to a challenge. So just generally speaking, I think there's
(35:55):
just so many people here that are incredibly excited and
joyful and happy to see him out there competing against
hitters every other day, and you know, we're gonna do
everything we can and support him, but god, it's just
such a treat to see him go out and compete
right now. We're all really happy that he's able to
do it.
Speaker 3 (36:14):
One of the nice guys in the game for sure.
Jor Mongolme is a name that maybe doesn't get as
much notoriety on the outside, but I know you guys
like him. What are you seeing there and what has
you excited?
Speaker 7 (36:27):
I would say this is probably one of our favorite
development stories in the time that I've been here in
the last six years. He was a low dollar sign
internationally in twenty nineteen.
Speaker 8 (36:38):
He didn't come in with a ton of baseball experience
or knowledge.
Speaker 7 (36:42):
Honestly, he's grown a ton as a person, not just
as a player, and he's always had talent.
Speaker 8 (36:50):
It was just a.
Speaker 7 (36:50):
Matter of building all these other blocks around that and
piecing it together. And he kind of did that last
year and things started to click. So, yeah, he's going
to start in Columbus and we're just incredibly excited to
see him build off of last year. And similar to
the rest of these guys, when you got young players
like every year they grow and get better. And this
(37:11):
is also a great human being who works really hard
and as a phenomenal teammate, so similar to all these guys.
Speaker 8 (37:19):
We think it's going to be a great year and
we're excited for.
Speaker 7 (37:21):
Him to continue to develop and live up to another
challenge that he's going to get interplay.
Speaker 3 (37:28):
But a lot of names right there to keep an
eye on this season, and you can be sure that
many of those teams that Steven Ostro had just talked
about will be in the major leagues before it's all
set and well, that's going to do it for our
show this week is always thanks to Brian Lotsay for
helping to put together our show each and every week
until we join you next week from back home. Finally,
(37:50):
we will be at Progressive Field next weekend for our
show as that home opening series against the Cubs will
be underway. We'll talk to you then. Until then, this
is Jim rosen House reminding you that you've been listening
to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.
Speaker 1 (38:19):
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