The Cleveland Guardians Anticipate Discovering Valuable Talents Through their Pitching Reinforcements
The Cleveland Guardians have an impressive track record when it comes to rejuvenating pitching careers. Last season, they gave opportunities to veterans Matthew Boyd, Alex Cobb, and Ben Lively, who all contributed significantly to the team's near-World Series appearance.
Lively, a 32-year-old tough nut, returns to the rotation this spring, eager to build on his impressive 13-10 season from the previous year. Boyd, a 34-year-old left-hander, moved on to the Chicago Cubs as a free agent. Cobb, a 37-year-old right-hander, signed with the Detroit Tigers, currently dealing with hip inflammation.
The Guardians acquired right-handed starter Luis L. Ortiz from the Pirates in a trade for infielder Spencer Horwitz. They're also anticipating quality performances from potential starters Gavin Williams and Triston McKenzie. Lefty Joey Cantillo hopes to improve on his rough rookie season, while Logan Allen aims to maintain consistency as a starter after struggling with it early last season.
The Guardians have also traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for right-hander Slade Cecconi. Cecconi, a former 1st round draft pick of the Diamondbacks, has plenty of potential but needs work on his delivery, mechanics, and confidence. Under the tutelage of the Guardians' pitching guru, Carl Willis, he could develop into a sleeper threat.
This season, the Guardians' pitching coaches have numerous projects to work on, including Slade Cecconi, Kolby Allard, Vince Velasquez, Jakob Junis, and potentially John Means (pending finalization of his deal). Each of these veteran pitchers brings unique skills and potential to the table.
Slade Cecconi, a 25-year-old right-hander, has outstanding upside and excellent arm strength but needs to improve his delivery and mechanics. Allard, a 27-year-old left-hander, has been a starter in the major leagues for seven seasons but has struggled with a high ERA. This old scout believes Allard has the best chance of success in 2025 as a Guardians rotation member with Willis' guidance.
Vince Velasquez, a 32-year-old right-hander, is a potential project due to his recent elbow surgery. Jakob Junis, a 32-year-old right-hander, can serve as a spot starter or reliever with his experience in multiple teams.
John Means, a 31-year-old left-hander, is the latest addition to the Guardians' roster. His deal with the Guardians is still in the works, so keep an eye out for more updates on this potential acquisition.
This revitalization strategy has become a hallmark of the Cleveland Guardians, offering opportunities to veterans and seeking to maximize their potential, regardless of age.
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Cecconi, for instance, was a 1st round selection by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2020, and Allard was a 1st round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves. Velasquez, a 2nd round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2010, had a 3.86 ERA and 3.87 FIP in eight games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023 despite missing the 2024 season due to elbow surgery.
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Boyd's departure to the Chicago Cubs as a free agent opened up a spot in the Guardians' rotation, potentially providing an opportunity for a younger pitcher to shine. The Guardians' revitalization strategy of giving chances to veterans has once again proven fruitful, with the 16e round draft pick Slade Cecconi being a promising candidate. The team's focus on pitching development, led by the pitching guru Carl Willis, could potentially turn Cecconi into a valuable asset in the near future, similar to the transformations of Boyd, Cobb, and Lively in previous seasons.