I was truly excited to be on a Zoom Call the other day with Stephen Vogt, Austin Hedges and Hunter Gaddis representing NEO Sports Insiders along with affiliates News-Talk 1480 WHBC and WOBL. Talking Cleveland Guardians warmed me up.
First up was skipper Stephen Vogt. He was truly pumped about the starting pitching and 6 potential starters to fill the rotation plus the bullpen and pitchers added in the off season. He noted there is QUANTITY and DEPTH! I did ask about Cade as the closer and he mentioned there was no need to sit down with him last year when this became a reality. Shawn Armstrong’s name also came up as a huge positive from everyone on the Zoom!
He also talked about the offense (or lack of last year) and mentioned all the players were back. He specifically noted the following:
– Kyle Manzardo is the everyday first baseman. He put on weight, is stronger and after his first full season he will be a monster.
– George Valera, CJ Kayfus, and the other youngsters have busted tail in the off season, and he is looking forward to seeing all the younger players and how all the work they put in has improved their games.
One other note from the Skipper was this: Come to Spring Training expecting to win the World Series or do not bother to come!
Austin Hedges was up and next and he truly treasured the fact that he is a ten-year man in the bigs. He loves the starters and reminded us October is another season.
He mentioned the ACE Gavin plus Bibee, Messick, Slade, Joey, and Logan in that order. It was important that all have been in the playoffs and have taken their mental prep to the next level. Something else he noted made me smile when talking about the catching corps of the Guards! Of course, Bo came up but so did David, as in Fry, who will return to the field this year. He spoke about challenges in the game this year and how judicious they must be in using them. I treasured the fact he noted “we all know what strikes are and that will assist us greatly.” Thought it was cool too that these would be posted on the scoreboard for all to see. Austin also talked about that once the Holidays are over he is ready for baseball.
Hunter Gaddis was up next, and this gent is soft spoken unlike the workhorse he was for the pen. He took a month off and is ready to go. Carl Willis came up and Hunter bluntly said that he was a rock and a sounding board who was always around for the staff.
My thoughts: Carl has been amazing and has done wonders with the pitching factory known as the Guards. Yes, it drives me crazy when Cleveland Guardians pitchers walk leadoff hitters and give up first inning home runs. Carl needs to drill it into these guys to throw strikes. Very cool of Hunter to note about last season and “how did they get there”? I immediately thought about the Talking Heads tune “Once in a Lifetime” and yes, this team was dead and buried and they “GOT THERE.”
Read more of my musings, thoughts and takes at NEO Sports Insiders and I am thankful to be powered by the Ken Ganley Automotive Group & Ken Ganley Chevy Of Aurora!
Please take care of each other and it’s your world, pay attention. Life IS precious, enjoy every sandwich and for now adios amigo, long may you run.
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