EXPECTATIONS: Cleveland Guardians, Stephen Vogt Face NEW CHALLENGES Heading Into Spring Training
Cleveland Guardians two time manager of the year award winner Stephen Vogt enters his third season as manager with roster spots up for grabs and the team’s identity in flux. Can the Guardians maintain their playoff streak and overcome more challenges, including Jose Ramirez’s absence for the World Baseball Classic and looming questions about Steven Kwan’s future?
Justin Lada breaks down the challenges of finding a center and right fielder, the uncertainty at second base, and the youth-driven rotation featuring Tanner Bibee, Joey Cantillo, and Gavin Williams. The show highlights dives battles, potential impact of prospects like Chase DeLauter and Juan Brito, and the urgency for an offensive identity. With the AL Central race wide open, will the Guardians’ pitching anchor another postseason run or will questions in the lineup set them back?
00:00 Guardians Talk & Vogt’s Future
04:26 Guardians’ Season 3 Expectations
07:03 Guardians’ Challenges: Kwan & Ramirez
13:19 Guardians’ Transition and Challenge
14:35 Guardians’ 2026 Identity Challenge”
22:54 Rocchio Likely Starting Shortstop
24:07 Guardians’ Roster Debate Intensifies
28:08 Rotation Uncertainty and Cecconi’s Role
31:55 Offensive Identity Challenge
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6 comments
Bro are we making a move or not like legit move
He can't win a 3rd in a row when we finish 3rd in the division this year.
Another great pod especially for the dog days of baseball
Vogt has to win 120 game with a bunch of rookies and the loss of two more pitchers for cheating.
Basically, what I would like to see this year is TWO young position players establish themselves. At this point, I don't care who they are. Yes, I know that we have more than two holes in the lineup but I think two is a realistic goal. I'm not concerned with the pitching unless, of course, there are significant injuries to multiple pitchers. Barring any unexpected trades or free agent signings, this is where I think we stand.
I fear we may be praying for a hot start and keeping payroll down until trade deadline, just to give us chances to grab a major player if we are playing good