Surprise, surprise, surprise!
Hope this shot in the dark works out.
Why not hire someone with no managerial / coaching experience?
Oh, I forgot he was the bullpen quality control coach for the Mariners ( he's the guy that holds the clipboard and counts the pitches)
Maybe he smiles alot and is the best ass kisser they could find.
And he'll work cheap.
Welcome aboard!
Re: Articles
10037Sea,
Seems to have a lot of current and retired major leaguers who think he will be a very good manager and they said they would be willing to run through a wall for the guy.
i believe the great philosopher "Seagull" once said that a good manager was only worth a few wins every year. So no big deal !
Seems to have a lot of current and retired major leaguers who think he will be a very good manager and they said they would be willing to run through a wall for the guy.
i believe the great philosopher "Seagull" once said that a good manager was only worth a few wins every year. So no big deal !
Re: Articles
10038A site I never heard of predicts likely landing spots for his top 25 rated free agents. He links 2 to Cleveland, which is likely 2 too many.
Michael Conforto, his Number 25, and Lucas Giolito based on the good impression he made in one excellent start with the Gs overlooking the others.
Michael Conforto, his Number 25, and Lucas Giolito based on the good impression he made in one excellent start with the Gs overlooking the others.
Re: Articles
10039Post
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Marc Topkin
@TBTimes_Rays
Hearing #Rays LHP Jalen Beeks was claimed by #Rockies and C Christian Bethancourt by #Guardians. Could be a few other Rays moves coming
3:25 PM · Nov 6, 2023
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Marc Topkin
@TBTimes_Rays
Hearing #Rays LHP Jalen Beeks was claimed by #Rockies and C Christian Bethancourt by #Guardians. Could be a few other Rays moves coming
3:25 PM · Nov 6, 2023
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13.2K
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Re: Articles
10040Guardians Reportedly Claim Christian Bethancourt From Rays
By Darragh McDonald | November 6, 2023 at 2:29pm CDT
The Guardians have claimed catcher Christian Bethancourt from the Rays, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The latter club had placed the backstop on waivers over the weekend.
By Darragh McDonald | November 6, 2023 at 2:29pm CDT
The Guardians have claimed catcher Christian Bethancourt from the Rays, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The latter club had placed the backstop on waivers over the weekend.
Re: Articles
10041The Rays placed Bethancourt on outright waivers Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Bethancourt will join five teammates on the waiver wire in an effort from the Rays to clear space on the 40-man roster. The 32-year-old backstop slashed .225/.254/.381 across 332 plate appearances in 2023 and could be picked up by another team in search of a backup catcher.
Bethancourt will join five teammates on the waiver wire in an effort from the Rays to clear space on the 40-man roster. The 32-year-old backstop slashed .225/.254/.381 across 332 plate appearances in 2023 and could be picked up by another team in search of a backup catcher.
Re: Articles
10042Stephen Vogt’s path to Cleveland Guardians manager was a long time coming
By Zack Meisel
18m ago
Save Article
CLEVELAND — In their mid-20s, as the part-timers clutched onto big-league roster spots with every ounce of willpower they could muster, they would joke about their future gigs, the instructor roles they would settle into once their joyrides as baseball journeymen reached their end.
You’ll be the hitting coach. He’ll be the bench coach. He’ll be the pitching coach.
When it came to Stephen Vogt, though, the light-hearted conversation always carried overtones of reality.
“We knew he was going to be a manager,” said Chris Gimenez, his former teammate and roommate with the Rays. “That was evident from the very beginning.”
Every year, the Rays would hold a talent show during spring training. Every year, Vogt won. Even before he attended big-league camp, his infectious personality had spread through the organization enough to land him an invitation to perform. He would sing. He would strap on a headband and mimic NBA referees. He would impersonate Chris Farley, sending teammates and coaches convulsing with laughter every time he leaned forward and shouted that he lived in a van down by the river, a nod to Farley’s Matt Foley character on “Saturday Night Live.”
“He’s a man of the people,” Gimenez said. “He can adapt to the room he’s in. He has that innate ability.”
That’s a trait Terry Francona leaned on for the last quarter-century during a managerial career that should eventually earn him residency in Cooperstown. Now, Vogt, who built a reputation for winning over anyone he interacts with, will succeed Francona, the longest-tenured manager in the league and the winningest manager in the 123-year history of Cleveland’s franchise.
Vogt in the A’s dugout shortly after his retirement as a player in October 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Guardians held a Zoom call with Vogt on Friday to offer him the job. Vogt had just finished shoveling some horse manure when he accepted the club’s three-year proposal. The team figures to have the rest of its staff rounded out by the end of the week, sources said, and the expectation is there will be plenty of continuity, though third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh and bullpen coach Rigo Beltran are not in the plans to return.
After a messy divorce with the Red Sox, Francona relocated to Cleveland in October 2012 because of relationships he had forged a decade earlier while working as an advisor in the Indians’ front office. Francona, Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff formed a close partnership during Francona’s 11 years as Cleveland’s manager. They strategized in Francona’s office after every game. They shared a text chain that Chernoff surmised was, 75 percent of the time, Francona cracking jokes.
So when they set out in September to find Francona’s replacement, they sought someone who could collaborate, someone who could connect with people from various walks of life and history within the sport and someone who could keep things light when necessary. They also haven’t had to hire a new manager in, really, 14 years, when they selected Manny Acta over Bobby Valentine. Even when Francona got the job after the 2012 season, he essentially made the decision for them. So, to gain a better understanding of what they were looking for, they asked Francona about the attributes and priorities that can make a person successful in the role. They consulted a dozen or so active managers to learn their perspectives on managerial credentials.
During the interview process, sources said Vogt’s engaging personality and wit wowed the Guardians. They were enamored by his humility, self-confidence and eagerness to learn. Gimenez, who spent the bulk of his professional career with Cleveland, said he could envision Antonetti and Chernoff in Vogt’s office, “not wanting to leave.” Even as a rookie in Tampa, Vogt was the player to drop the perfect line in the clubhouse after a tough loss to lift everyone’s spirits. When the moment arose, he also was willing to have difficult conversations with teammates, which earned him respect from his peers.
Of course, Vogt and Francona couldn’t have a greater contrast in terms of experience. Vogt, who turned 39 last week, hit a home run in a major-league game less than 400 days ago. He has the least coaching experience of any candidate the Guardians seriously considered. He spent last season as Seattle’s bullpen and quality control coach. He did serve as a coaching apprentice in 2018, when a shoulder injury knocked him out for the season. He landed a summer internship of sorts to learn alongside Craig Counsell and his Brewers staff. Vogt had managerial aspirations, and figured there were more beneficial ways to spend an injury-marred season than sulking from the sideline.
Five years later, Counsell and Vogt were Cleveland’s top choices to replace Francona. Counsell shocked the industry and signed a record-setting deal with the Cubs. The Guardians hired Vogt, preferring his potential over that of other candidates such as Carlos Mendoza, Craig Albernaz and Clayton McCullough.
Vogt called his way onto two All-Star teams during his decade in the big leagues, but for the most part, he was a backup catcher who worked hard to endear himself to teammates, coaches and fans. He had Oakland’s faithful chanting “I believe in Stephen Vogt” to the cadence of the famous Team USA soccer cry. Anytime he offered some offense, the shouts echoed throughout the cavernous coliseum by the Bay. The Guardians and their new skipper, by the way, will open the 2024 season in Oakland.
Vogt was a 12th-round pick from little-known Azusa Pacific University, a guy who went hitless in his first 32 big-league at-bats, a catcher hamstrung by shoulder injuries, who considered walking away early in his professional tenure, who played winter ball to hone his craft, who bounced to six teams in 10 seasons. He studied in forward-thinking organizations such as Tampa, Oakland, Milwaukee and Atlanta. He gained postseason experience with the A’s and a World Series ring with the Braves.
The experiences made him relatable to so many people he crossed paths with in the game. And the charisma and willingness to help made him memorable.
“Some guys have ‘it,’” Gimenez said. “He’s one of those guys. I’m not saying everything is going to be completely perfect from the beginning, but he has the communication skills to get through stuff.”
By Zack Meisel
18m ago
Save Article
CLEVELAND — In their mid-20s, as the part-timers clutched onto big-league roster spots with every ounce of willpower they could muster, they would joke about their future gigs, the instructor roles they would settle into once their joyrides as baseball journeymen reached their end.
You’ll be the hitting coach. He’ll be the bench coach. He’ll be the pitching coach.
When it came to Stephen Vogt, though, the light-hearted conversation always carried overtones of reality.
“We knew he was going to be a manager,” said Chris Gimenez, his former teammate and roommate with the Rays. “That was evident from the very beginning.”
Every year, the Rays would hold a talent show during spring training. Every year, Vogt won. Even before he attended big-league camp, his infectious personality had spread through the organization enough to land him an invitation to perform. He would sing. He would strap on a headband and mimic NBA referees. He would impersonate Chris Farley, sending teammates and coaches convulsing with laughter every time he leaned forward and shouted that he lived in a van down by the river, a nod to Farley’s Matt Foley character on “Saturday Night Live.”
“He’s a man of the people,” Gimenez said. “He can adapt to the room he’s in. He has that innate ability.”
That’s a trait Terry Francona leaned on for the last quarter-century during a managerial career that should eventually earn him residency in Cooperstown. Now, Vogt, who built a reputation for winning over anyone he interacts with, will succeed Francona, the longest-tenured manager in the league and the winningest manager in the 123-year history of Cleveland’s franchise.
Vogt in the A’s dugout shortly after his retirement as a player in October 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Guardians held a Zoom call with Vogt on Friday to offer him the job. Vogt had just finished shoveling some horse manure when he accepted the club’s three-year proposal. The team figures to have the rest of its staff rounded out by the end of the week, sources said, and the expectation is there will be plenty of continuity, though third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh and bullpen coach Rigo Beltran are not in the plans to return.
After a messy divorce with the Red Sox, Francona relocated to Cleveland in October 2012 because of relationships he had forged a decade earlier while working as an advisor in the Indians’ front office. Francona, Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff formed a close partnership during Francona’s 11 years as Cleveland’s manager. They strategized in Francona’s office after every game. They shared a text chain that Chernoff surmised was, 75 percent of the time, Francona cracking jokes.
So when they set out in September to find Francona’s replacement, they sought someone who could collaborate, someone who could connect with people from various walks of life and history within the sport and someone who could keep things light when necessary. They also haven’t had to hire a new manager in, really, 14 years, when they selected Manny Acta over Bobby Valentine. Even when Francona got the job after the 2012 season, he essentially made the decision for them. So, to gain a better understanding of what they were looking for, they asked Francona about the attributes and priorities that can make a person successful in the role. They consulted a dozen or so active managers to learn their perspectives on managerial credentials.
During the interview process, sources said Vogt’s engaging personality and wit wowed the Guardians. They were enamored by his humility, self-confidence and eagerness to learn. Gimenez, who spent the bulk of his professional career with Cleveland, said he could envision Antonetti and Chernoff in Vogt’s office, “not wanting to leave.” Even as a rookie in Tampa, Vogt was the player to drop the perfect line in the clubhouse after a tough loss to lift everyone’s spirits. When the moment arose, he also was willing to have difficult conversations with teammates, which earned him respect from his peers.
Of course, Vogt and Francona couldn’t have a greater contrast in terms of experience. Vogt, who turned 39 last week, hit a home run in a major-league game less than 400 days ago. He has the least coaching experience of any candidate the Guardians seriously considered. He spent last season as Seattle’s bullpen and quality control coach. He did serve as a coaching apprentice in 2018, when a shoulder injury knocked him out for the season. He landed a summer internship of sorts to learn alongside Craig Counsell and his Brewers staff. Vogt had managerial aspirations, and figured there were more beneficial ways to spend an injury-marred season than sulking from the sideline.
Five years later, Counsell and Vogt were Cleveland’s top choices to replace Francona. Counsell shocked the industry and signed a record-setting deal with the Cubs. The Guardians hired Vogt, preferring his potential over that of other candidates such as Carlos Mendoza, Craig Albernaz and Clayton McCullough.
Vogt called his way onto two All-Star teams during his decade in the big leagues, but for the most part, he was a backup catcher who worked hard to endear himself to teammates, coaches and fans. He had Oakland’s faithful chanting “I believe in Stephen Vogt” to the cadence of the famous Team USA soccer cry. Anytime he offered some offense, the shouts echoed throughout the cavernous coliseum by the Bay. The Guardians and their new skipper, by the way, will open the 2024 season in Oakland.
Vogt was a 12th-round pick from little-known Azusa Pacific University, a guy who went hitless in his first 32 big-league at-bats, a catcher hamstrung by shoulder injuries, who considered walking away early in his professional tenure, who played winter ball to hone his craft, who bounced to six teams in 10 seasons. He studied in forward-thinking organizations such as Tampa, Oakland, Milwaukee and Atlanta. He gained postseason experience with the A’s and a World Series ring with the Braves.
The experiences made him relatable to so many people he crossed paths with in the game. And the charisma and willingness to help made him memorable.
“Some guys have ‘it,’” Gimenez said. “He’s one of those guys. I’m not saying everything is going to be completely perfect from the beginning, but he has the communication skills to get through stuff.”
Re: Articles
10043I'm still preaching the "no big deal" message.rusty2 wrote: Mon Nov 06, 2023 4:44 pm Sea,
Seems to have a lot of current and retired major leaguers who think he will be a very good manager and they said they would be willing to run through a wall for the guy.
i believe the great philosopher "Seagull" once said that a good manager was only worth a few wins every year. So no big deal !
It's the players, stupid !
He was probably their 3rd choice and a lot easier to get rid of if they made a mistake.
Re: Articles
10044Cleveland Guardians hire Stephen Vogt as manager
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 22: San Francisco Giants Catcher Stephen Vogt (21) during the regular season MLB game between the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants on July 22, 2019 at Oracle Park in San Francisco Ca. (Photo by Stephen Hopson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
By Zack Meisel
4h ago
113
To replace baseball’s longest-tenured manager and the winningest manager in Cleveland history, the Guardians are turning to a journeyman catcher a year removed from retirement who turned 39 last week.
Stephen Vogt, a charismatic leader in big-league clubhouses for a decade, will direct the next era of Cleveland baseball. Vogt has the least experience of any candidate the Guardians seriously considered to replace Terry Francona, but the organization is betting on his demeanor and communication skills.
“Stephen earned a reputation as one of the best teammates in the game across his 16-year career as a player, and we’ve greatly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know him over the past several weeks,” Chris Antonetti, Cleveland’s president of baseball operations, said in a statement. “Stephen has thought critically about the type of leader and manager he wants to be. His deep care for others, his ability to build meaningful relationships with those around him, and his open-mindedness and curiosity make him an ideal fit to lead our club moving forward. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Stephen.”
Vogt couldn’t be a greater contrast from Francona in terms of experience. Francona was old enough to be a grandfather to the Guardians’ youthful clubhouse. Vogt, meanwhile, hit a home run in a major-league game less than 400 days ago. He spent last season as Seattle’s bullpen and quality control coach.
Where he might resemble Francona, however — and how the Guardians hope he can connect with his players and fellow coaches — is with his personality and his presence.
He’s been a compelling figure in the league for years, a part-time catcher who had Oakland fans chanting for him like preteens anticipating the on-stage arrival of a pop star. For years, “I believe in Stephen Vogt” shouts echoed throughout the cavernous coliseum by the bay anytime he mustered some offense. He bonded with teammates with his Chris Farley impersonations, his singing and his exaggerated mimicking of NBA referees — and with the harsh reality of his career.
He was a 12th-round pick from Azusa Pacific University. He went hitless in his first 32 big-league at-bats. He played for six teams in 10 seasons. He clawed his way onto two All-Star teams, but his exploits never came easy. He considered bailing while toiling away in the minors. He played winter ball. He dealt with significant shoulder injuries that hampered his work behind the plate. The experiences, more than anything, made him relatable to so many people he crossed paths with in the game.
When he was sidelined for the 2018 season, he and the Brewers struck an agreement on him serving as a coaching apprentice. He had managerial aspirations, didn’t know how much longer his career would last and wanted to make the most of a lost season, so he landed a summer internship of sorts to study Craig Counsell and his staff.
Five years later, Counsell and Vogt were Cleveland’s top choices to succeed Terry Francona. The Guardians hired Vogt, who wowed them in interviews over the last few weeks.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 22: San Francisco Giants Catcher Stephen Vogt (21) during the regular season MLB game between the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants on July 22, 2019 at Oracle Park in San Francisco Ca. (Photo by Stephen Hopson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
By Zack Meisel
4h ago
113
To replace baseball’s longest-tenured manager and the winningest manager in Cleveland history, the Guardians are turning to a journeyman catcher a year removed from retirement who turned 39 last week.
Stephen Vogt, a charismatic leader in big-league clubhouses for a decade, will direct the next era of Cleveland baseball. Vogt has the least experience of any candidate the Guardians seriously considered to replace Terry Francona, but the organization is betting on his demeanor and communication skills.
“Stephen earned a reputation as one of the best teammates in the game across his 16-year career as a player, and we’ve greatly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know him over the past several weeks,” Chris Antonetti, Cleveland’s president of baseball operations, said in a statement. “Stephen has thought critically about the type of leader and manager he wants to be. His deep care for others, his ability to build meaningful relationships with those around him, and his open-mindedness and curiosity make him an ideal fit to lead our club moving forward. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Stephen.”
Vogt couldn’t be a greater contrast from Francona in terms of experience. Francona was old enough to be a grandfather to the Guardians’ youthful clubhouse. Vogt, meanwhile, hit a home run in a major-league game less than 400 days ago. He spent last season as Seattle’s bullpen and quality control coach.
Where he might resemble Francona, however — and how the Guardians hope he can connect with his players and fellow coaches — is with his personality and his presence.
He’s been a compelling figure in the league for years, a part-time catcher who had Oakland fans chanting for him like preteens anticipating the on-stage arrival of a pop star. For years, “I believe in Stephen Vogt” shouts echoed throughout the cavernous coliseum by the bay anytime he mustered some offense. He bonded with teammates with his Chris Farley impersonations, his singing and his exaggerated mimicking of NBA referees — and with the harsh reality of his career.
He was a 12th-round pick from Azusa Pacific University. He went hitless in his first 32 big-league at-bats. He played for six teams in 10 seasons. He clawed his way onto two All-Star teams, but his exploits never came easy. He considered bailing while toiling away in the minors. He played winter ball. He dealt with significant shoulder injuries that hampered his work behind the plate. The experiences, more than anything, made him relatable to so many people he crossed paths with in the game.
When he was sidelined for the 2018 season, he and the Brewers struck an agreement on him serving as a coaching apprentice. He had managerial aspirations, didn’t know how much longer his career would last and wanted to make the most of a lost season, so he landed a summer internship of sorts to study Craig Counsell and his staff.
Five years later, Counsell and Vogt were Cleveland’s top choices to succeed Terry Francona. The Guardians hired Vogt, who wowed them in interviews over the last few weeks.
Re: Articles
10045Guardians Designate Cam Gallagher For Assignment
By Darragh McDonald and Anthony Franco | November 6, 2023 at 5:59pm CDT
The Guardians announced that right-hander Tanner Bibee was activated from the 60-day injured list, a procedural move since there’s no IL from today until Spring Training. To open a 40-man spot for him, catcher Cam Gallagher was designated for assignment.
Gallagher looked like a non-tender candidate entering the offseason. After signing last offseason, the right-handed hitter ran a .126/.154/.168 line across 149 plate appearances as a backup catcher. Even with a modest projected arbitration salary of $1.3MM, the complete lack of offense made it difficult for Cleveland to keep him on the MLB roster.
It became clear they’d move on once they claimed Christian Bethancourt from the Rays this afternoon. The Guards will now have a week to trade Gallagher or put him on waivers. Assuming he goes unclaimed, he’ll become a free agent.
By Darragh McDonald and Anthony Franco | November 6, 2023 at 5:59pm CDT
The Guardians announced that right-hander Tanner Bibee was activated from the 60-day injured list, a procedural move since there’s no IL from today until Spring Training. To open a 40-man spot for him, catcher Cam Gallagher was designated for assignment.
Gallagher looked like a non-tender candidate entering the offseason. After signing last offseason, the right-handed hitter ran a .126/.154/.168 line across 149 plate appearances as a backup catcher. Even with a modest projected arbitration salary of $1.3MM, the complete lack of offense made it difficult for Cleveland to keep him on the MLB roster.
It became clear they’d move on once they claimed Christian Bethancourt from the Rays this afternoon. The Guards will now have a week to trade Gallagher or put him on waivers. Assuming he goes unclaimed, he’ll become a free agent.
Re: Articles
10046Guardians Claim Christian Bethancourt From Rays
By Anthony Franco and Darragh McDonald | November 6, 2023 at 2:29pm CDT
The Guardians have claimed catcher Christian Bethancourt from the Rays, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The latter club had placed the backstop on waivers over the weekend. Cleveland has yet to officially announce the move.
This ends Bethancourt’s tenure with the Rays, which began a little before the 2022 trade deadline. Tampa Bay acquired the right-handed hitter in a deal with Oakland, sending a pair of minor leaguers to the A’s. The Panamanian catcher owned a .249/.298/.385 line with the A’s and provided similar production down the stretch in St. Pete, hitting .255/.265/.436 over 45 games.
That was enough to hold his roster spot into 2023. Bethancourt’s low on-base numbers became more of a problem this past season. Over 332 trips to the plate, he hit .225/.254/.381. The one-time top prospect connected on 11 home runs but walked at a 3.9% clip while striking out 27.4% of the time. His strikeout rate was pushing 30% in the second half, contributing to Tampa Bay’s decision to give an increasing share of the reps to René Pinto.
Once the season came to a close, it became apparent Bethancourt would no longer be in the Rays’ plans. He was projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz for a $2.3MM salary if tendered a contract. While that’s not an outlandish figure, the Rays have a huge arbitration class and intended to look for a catching upgrade. Rather than wait until the non-tender deadline, they placed him on waivers a few weeks early.
Cleveland’s decision to place a claim indicates they’re likely to tender Bethancourt at that price. The Guardians have lefty-hitting Bo Naylor as their #1 option. Cleveland didn’t get much out of Cam Gallagher this year, though, making him a non-tender candidate. Bethancourt could take on the backup role as a righty-swinging complement to Naylor. Statcast pegs him as a below-average framer and blocker but credits him with excellent arm strength, a plus he has had dating back to his prospect days.
Bethancourt has between four and five years of service. He’d therefore be eligible for arbitration again next offseason if he holds his roster spot all year.
By Anthony Franco and Darragh McDonald | November 6, 2023 at 2:29pm CDT
The Guardians have claimed catcher Christian Bethancourt from the Rays, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The latter club had placed the backstop on waivers over the weekend. Cleveland has yet to officially announce the move.
This ends Bethancourt’s tenure with the Rays, which began a little before the 2022 trade deadline. Tampa Bay acquired the right-handed hitter in a deal with Oakland, sending a pair of minor leaguers to the A’s. The Panamanian catcher owned a .249/.298/.385 line with the A’s and provided similar production down the stretch in St. Pete, hitting .255/.265/.436 over 45 games.
That was enough to hold his roster spot into 2023. Bethancourt’s low on-base numbers became more of a problem this past season. Over 332 trips to the plate, he hit .225/.254/.381. The one-time top prospect connected on 11 home runs but walked at a 3.9% clip while striking out 27.4% of the time. His strikeout rate was pushing 30% in the second half, contributing to Tampa Bay’s decision to give an increasing share of the reps to René Pinto.
Once the season came to a close, it became apparent Bethancourt would no longer be in the Rays’ plans. He was projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz for a $2.3MM salary if tendered a contract. While that’s not an outlandish figure, the Rays have a huge arbitration class and intended to look for a catching upgrade. Rather than wait until the non-tender deadline, they placed him on waivers a few weeks early.
Cleveland’s decision to place a claim indicates they’re likely to tender Bethancourt at that price. The Guardians have lefty-hitting Bo Naylor as their #1 option. Cleveland didn’t get much out of Cam Gallagher this year, though, making him a non-tender candidate. Bethancourt could take on the backup role as a righty-swinging complement to Naylor. Statcast pegs him as a below-average framer and blocker but credits him with excellent arm strength, a plus he has had dating back to his prospect days.
Bethancourt has between four and five years of service. He’d therefore be eligible for arbitration again next offseason if he holds his roster spot all year.
Re: Articles
10047I don't know why they waited so long to dump Gallagher. He should have been gone as soon the season ended.
Another below average catcher like Bethancourt does nothing to improve this team.
GM meetings in Scottsdale this week. Time to dump some of those infielders for some outfield pop.
Another below average catcher like Bethancourt does nothing to improve this team.
GM meetings in Scottsdale this week. Time to dump some of those infielders for some outfield pop.
Re: Articles
10048Stephen Vogt’s path to Cleveland Guardians manager was a long time coming
Jul 4, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Seattle Mariners bullpen coach and quality control coach Stephen Vogt (13) walks on the field before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
By Zack Meisel
Nov 6, 2023
69
Save Article
CLEVELAND — In their mid-20s, as the part-timers clutched onto big-league roster spots with every ounce of willpower they could muster, they would joke about their future gigs, the instructor roles they would settle into once their joyrides as baseball journeymen reached their end.
You’ll be the hitting coach. He’ll be the bench coach. He’ll be the pitching coach.
When it came to Stephen Vogt, though, the light-hearted conversation always carried overtones of reality.
“We knew he was going to be a manager,” said Chris Gimenez, his former teammate and roommate with the Rays. “That was evident from the very beginning.”
Every year, the Rays would hold a talent show during spring training. Every year, Vogt won. Even before he attended big-league camp, his infectious personality had spread through the organization enough to land him an invitation to perform. He would sing. He would strap on a headband and mimic NBA referees. He would impersonate Chris Farley, sending teammates and coaches convulsing with laughter every time he leaned forward and shouted that he lived in a van down by the river, a nod to Farley’s Matt Foley character on “Saturday Night Live.”
go-deeper
GO DEEPER
Power ranking MLB’s managerial openings, version 2.0 : Who has the best vacancy?
“He’s a man of the people,” Gimenez said. “He can adapt to the room he’s in. He has that innate ability.”
That’s a trait Terry Francona leaned on for the last quarter-century during a managerial career that should eventually earn him residency in Cooperstown. Now, Vogt, who built a reputation for winning over anyone he interacts with, will succeed Francona, the longest-tenured manager in the league and the winningest manager in the 123-year history of Cleveland’s franchise.
Vogt in the A’s dugout shortly after his retirement as a player in October 2022. (Godofredo A. Vásquez / AP Photo)
The Guardians held a Zoom call with Vogt on Friday to offer him the job. Vogt had just finished shoveling some horse manure when he accepted the club’s three-year proposal. The team figures to have the rest of its staff rounded out by the end of the week, sources said, and the expectation is there will be plenty of continuity, though third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh and bullpen coach Rigo Beltran are not in the plans to return.
After a messy divorce with the Red Sox, Francona relocated to Cleveland in October 2012 because of relationships he had forged a decade earlier while working as an advisor in the Indians’ front office. Francona, Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff formed a close partnership during Francona’s 11 years as Cleveland’s manager. They strategized in Francona’s office after every game. They shared a text chain that Chernoff surmised was, 75 percent of the time, Francona cracking jokes.
So when they set out in September to find Francona’s replacement, they sought someone who could collaborate, someone who could connect with people from various walks of life and history within the sport and someone who could keep things light when necessary. They also haven’t had to hire a new manager in, really, 14 years, when they selected Manny Acta over Bobby Valentine. Even when Francona got the job after the 2012 season, he essentially made the decision for them. So, to gain a better understanding of what they were looking for, they asked Francona about the attributes and priorities that can make a person successful in the role. They consulted a dozen or so active managers to learn their perspectives on managerial credentials.
During the interview process, sources said Vogt’s engaging personality and wit wowed the Guardians. They were enamored by his humility, self-confidence and eagerness to learn. Gimenez, who spent the bulk of his professional career with Cleveland, said he could envision Antonetti and Chernoff in Vogt’s office, “not wanting to leave.” Even as a rookie in Tampa, Vogt was the player to drop the perfect line in the clubhouse after a tough loss to lift everyone’s spirits. When the moment arose, he also was willing to have difficult conversations with teammates, which earned him respect from his peers.
Of course, Vogt and Francona couldn’t have a greater contrast in terms of experience. Vogt, who turned 39 last week, hit a home run in a major-league game less than 400 days ago. He has the least coaching experience of any candidate the Guardians seriously considered. He spent last season as Seattle’s bullpen and quality control coach. He did serve as a coaching apprentice in 2018, when a shoulder injury knocked him out for the season. He landed a summer internship of sorts to learn alongside Craig Counsell and his Brewers staff. Vogt had managerial aspirations and figured there were more beneficial ways to spend an injury-marred season than sulking from the sideline.
Five years later, Counsell and Vogt were Cleveland’s top choices to replace Francona. Counsell shocked the industry and signed a record-setting deal with the Cubs. The Guardians hired Vogt, preferring his potential over that of other candidates such as Carlos Mendoza, Craig Albernaz and Clayton McCullough.
Vogt called his way onto two All-Star teams during his decade in the big leagues, but for the most part, he was a backup catcher who worked hard to endear himself to teammates, coaches and fans. He had Oakland’s faithful chanting “I believe in Stephen Vogt” to the cadence of the famous Team USA soccer cry. Anytime he offered some offense, the shouts echoed throughout the cavernous coliseum by the Bay. The Guardians and their new skipper, by the way, will open the 2024 season in Oakland.
Vogt was a 12th-round pick from Azusa Pacific University, a guy who went hitless in his first 32 big-league at-bats, a catcher hamstrung by shoulder injuries, who considered walking away early in his professional tenure, who played winter ball to hone his craft, who bounced to six teams in 10 seasons. He studied in forward-thinking organizations such as Tampa, Oakland, Milwaukee and Atlanta. He gained postseason experience with the A’s and a World Series ring with the Braves.
The experiences made him relatable to so many people he crossed paths with in the game. And the charisma and willingness to help made him memorable.
“Some guys have ‘it,’” Gimenez said. “He’s one of those guys. I’m not saying everything is going to be completely perfect from the beginning, but he has the communication skills to get through stuff.”
By Zack Meisel
Nov 6, 2023
69
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CLEVELAND — In their mid-20s, as the part-timers clutched onto big-league roster spots with every ounce of willpower they could muster, they would joke about their future gigs, the instructor roles they would settle into once their joyrides as baseball journeymen reached their end.
You’ll be the hitting coach. He’ll be the bench coach. He’ll be the pitching coach.
When it came to Stephen Vogt, though, the light-hearted conversation always carried overtones of reality.
“We knew he was going to be a manager,” said Chris Gimenez, his former teammate and roommate with the Rays. “That was evident from the very beginning.”
Every year, the Rays would hold a talent show during spring training. Every year, Vogt won. Even before he attended big-league camp, his infectious personality had spread through the organization enough to land him an invitation to perform. He would sing. He would strap on a headband and mimic NBA referees. He would impersonate Chris Farley, sending teammates and coaches convulsing with laughter every time he leaned forward and shouted that he lived in a van down by the river, a nod to Farley’s Matt Foley character on “Saturday Night Live.”
go-deeper
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Power ranking MLB’s managerial openings, version 2.0 : Who has the best vacancy?
“He’s a man of the people,” Gimenez said. “He can adapt to the room he’s in. He has that innate ability.”
That’s a trait Terry Francona leaned on for the last quarter-century during a managerial career that should eventually earn him residency in Cooperstown. Now, Vogt, who built a reputation for winning over anyone he interacts with, will succeed Francona, the longest-tenured manager in the league and the winningest manager in the 123-year history of Cleveland’s franchise.
Vogt in the A’s dugout shortly after his retirement as a player in October 2022. (Godofredo A. Vásquez / AP Photo)
The Guardians held a Zoom call with Vogt on Friday to offer him the job. Vogt had just finished shoveling some horse manure when he accepted the club’s three-year proposal. The team figures to have the rest of its staff rounded out by the end of the week, sources said, and the expectation is there will be plenty of continuity, though third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh and bullpen coach Rigo Beltran are not in the plans to return.
After a messy divorce with the Red Sox, Francona relocated to Cleveland in October 2012 because of relationships he had forged a decade earlier while working as an advisor in the Indians’ front office. Francona, Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff formed a close partnership during Francona’s 11 years as Cleveland’s manager. They strategized in Francona’s office after every game. They shared a text chain that Chernoff surmised was, 75 percent of the time, Francona cracking jokes.
So when they set out in September to find Francona’s replacement, they sought someone who could collaborate, someone who could connect with people from various walks of life and history within the sport and someone who could keep things light when necessary. They also haven’t had to hire a new manager in, really, 14 years, when they selected Manny Acta over Bobby Valentine. Even when Francona got the job after the 2012 season, he essentially made the decision for them. So, to gain a better understanding of what they were looking for, they asked Francona about the attributes and priorities that can make a person successful in the role. They consulted a dozen or so active managers to learn their perspectives on managerial credentials.
During the interview process, sources said Vogt’s engaging personality and wit wowed the Guardians. They were enamored by his humility, self-confidence and eagerness to learn. Gimenez, who spent the bulk of his professional career with Cleveland, said he could envision Antonetti and Chernoff in Vogt’s office, “not wanting to leave.” Even as a rookie in Tampa, Vogt was the player to drop the perfect line in the clubhouse after a tough loss to lift everyone’s spirits. When the moment arose, he also was willing to have difficult conversations with teammates, which earned him respect from his peers.
Of course, Vogt and Francona couldn’t have a greater contrast in terms of experience. Vogt, who turned 39 last week, hit a home run in a major-league game less than 400 days ago. He has the least coaching experience of any candidate the Guardians seriously considered. He spent last season as Seattle’s bullpen and quality control coach. He did serve as a coaching apprentice in 2018, when a shoulder injury knocked him out for the season. He landed a summer internship of sorts to learn alongside Craig Counsell and his Brewers staff. Vogt had managerial aspirations and figured there were more beneficial ways to spend an injury-marred season than sulking from the sideline.
Five years later, Counsell and Vogt were Cleveland’s top choices to replace Francona. Counsell shocked the industry and signed a record-setting deal with the Cubs. The Guardians hired Vogt, preferring his potential over that of other candidates such as Carlos Mendoza, Craig Albernaz and Clayton McCullough.
Vogt called his way onto two All-Star teams during his decade in the big leagues, but for the most part, he was a backup catcher who worked hard to endear himself to teammates, coaches and fans. He had Oakland’s faithful chanting “I believe in Stephen Vogt” to the cadence of the famous Team USA soccer cry. Anytime he offered some offense, the shouts echoed throughout the cavernous coliseum by the Bay. The Guardians and their new skipper, by the way, will open the 2024 season in Oakland.
Vogt was a 12th-round pick from Azusa Pacific University, a guy who went hitless in his first 32 big-league at-bats, a catcher hamstrung by shoulder injuries, who considered walking away early in his professional tenure, who played winter ball to hone his craft, who bounced to six teams in 10 seasons. He studied in forward-thinking organizations such as Tampa, Oakland, Milwaukee and Atlanta. He gained postseason experience with the A’s and a World Series ring with the Braves.
The experiences made him relatable to so many people he crossed paths with in the game. And the charisma and willingness to help made him memorable.
“Some guys have ‘it,’” Gimenez said. “He’s one of those guys. I’m not saying everything is going to be completely perfect from the beginning, but he has the communication skills to get through stuff.”
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Articles
10049THEY NEED to clear a roster spot for Daniel Espino; if they don't that strongly suggests that his rehab is making no progress.
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10050If not Steven Vogt, then Who? writes TERRY PLUTO
Feel free to believe him if you choose.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – I received emails about how the Guardians were “cheap” because they didn’t hire Craig Counsell. How they made a mistake when targeting Stephen Vogt as their new manager.
Where to begin with this?
Let’s start with Craig Counsell, who interviewed with Cleveland. The veteran manager wanted a large contract. He also wanted to stay near his home in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Counsell has two kids in high school and deep Wisconsin roots.
That’s why the assumption was Counsell would shop around, try to drive up the market and probably end up going back to the Brewers.
If it was purely about money for Counsell, he could have squeezed more than the $40 million for five years out of the New York Mets.
THINKING ABOUT CHICAGO?
The Cubs hired Craig Counsell, shocking many in the baseball world. AP
THE CUBS BIG SURPRISE
The Cubs entered the Counsell hunt on November 1, the day Counsell’s contract with Milwaukee ended. Counsell had received permission to talk to the Mets and Guardians prior to that. When Cubs President Jed Hoyer met with Counsell on November 1, David Ross was still the Cubs manager. In fact, Ross was given a vote of confidence by Cubs ownership after the season ended.
According to The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma, very few people in the Cubs organization knew of their intention of pursuing Counsell. The assumption was Ross would be back.
The Cubs waited until Counsell was officially a free agent before talking to him. That way, no news would leak out of their interest. If they failed to hire Counsell, they hoped no one would know and they’d retain Ross.
Terry Francona speaks at the press conference When Terry Francona retired as Cleveland's manager, he was the MLB's highest paid manager at $4.5 million.
IN THE PAST, THE GUARDIANS HAVE PAID
When people say the Guardians are cheap when it comes to the manager, that ignores the fact that Terry Francona was baseball’s highest paid manager at $4.5 million. Francona received a lucrative contract when he came to Cleveland in 2013 and then emerged as the MLB manager with the highest salary.
The Guardians were willing to offer Counsell at least as much as Francona was paid. Would they have paid him $40 million over five years? I doubt it.
Would Counsell have taken it when he had the same offer from the Cubs? Nope.
Wrigley Field is about 90 miles from Counsell’s home in Whitefish Bay. His two youngest kids can finish high school at home. He doesn’t have to move his family.
The Cubs didn’t exactly play fair with Ross, who didn’t find out about Counsell taking his job until the deal was agreed upon.
WHO SHOULD THE GUARDIANS HAVE HIRED?
My favorite for the Cleveland job was Bob Melvin, whose last stop was San Diego. He is a Bay Area guy. The Giants pursued Melvin and it was an ideal marriage for both sides.
Who also interviewed for the Giants job? Vogt.
Counsell would have been an excellent fit for the Guardians, but the Wisconsin roots kept him close to home.
Teams are scrambling for managers. There are four openings: Astros, Angels, Brewers and Padres. Look for the newly fired Dave Ross to become a candidate for one of those jobs. I heard Milwaukee wanted to talk to Vogt once it heard about Counsell leaving. He had been a catcher there.
The Guardians interviewed Giants bullpen coach Craig Albernaz, Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza (now the Mets manager), Clayton McCullough (Dodgers first base coach) and Andy Green (former Padres manager and now Cubs bench coach). Does anyone on that list excite you? Those men do have more experience than Vogt. That could make a difference. Maybe.
WHO REALLY KNOWS?
I don’t know if Vogt will become a good manager after only one year as a coach in Seattle’s bullpen. I don’t know if Mendoza will succeed with the Mets after a long career in the Yankees farm system and coaching staff.
I don’t know about any of these guys. I wrote an earlier column about why the Guardians hired Vogt. They won’t say so publicly, but they see him a little like Kevin Cash.
A former big league catcher (like Vogt), Cash was Cleveland’s bullpen coach for only two years before being hired to manage Tampa Bay. It took a few years, but the Rays became a consistent winner and he’s considered an elite manager.
Vogt is respected. Other teams were interested in him. Guardians President Chris Antonetti and GM Mike Chernoff believe in him. We’ll see if they are right. But right now, who knows? It’s that way with many of the managers who are (or will be) hired since the season ended.
Feel free to believe him if you choose.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – I received emails about how the Guardians were “cheap” because they didn’t hire Craig Counsell. How they made a mistake when targeting Stephen Vogt as their new manager.
Where to begin with this?
Let’s start with Craig Counsell, who interviewed with Cleveland. The veteran manager wanted a large contract. He also wanted to stay near his home in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Counsell has two kids in high school and deep Wisconsin roots.
That’s why the assumption was Counsell would shop around, try to drive up the market and probably end up going back to the Brewers.
If it was purely about money for Counsell, he could have squeezed more than the $40 million for five years out of the New York Mets.
THINKING ABOUT CHICAGO?
The Cubs hired Craig Counsell, shocking many in the baseball world. AP
THE CUBS BIG SURPRISE
The Cubs entered the Counsell hunt on November 1, the day Counsell’s contract with Milwaukee ended. Counsell had received permission to talk to the Mets and Guardians prior to that. When Cubs President Jed Hoyer met with Counsell on November 1, David Ross was still the Cubs manager. In fact, Ross was given a vote of confidence by Cubs ownership after the season ended.
According to The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma, very few people in the Cubs organization knew of their intention of pursuing Counsell. The assumption was Ross would be back.
The Cubs waited until Counsell was officially a free agent before talking to him. That way, no news would leak out of their interest. If they failed to hire Counsell, they hoped no one would know and they’d retain Ross.
Terry Francona speaks at the press conference When Terry Francona retired as Cleveland's manager, he was the MLB's highest paid manager at $4.5 million.
IN THE PAST, THE GUARDIANS HAVE PAID
When people say the Guardians are cheap when it comes to the manager, that ignores the fact that Terry Francona was baseball’s highest paid manager at $4.5 million. Francona received a lucrative contract when he came to Cleveland in 2013 and then emerged as the MLB manager with the highest salary.
The Guardians were willing to offer Counsell at least as much as Francona was paid. Would they have paid him $40 million over five years? I doubt it.
Would Counsell have taken it when he had the same offer from the Cubs? Nope.
Wrigley Field is about 90 miles from Counsell’s home in Whitefish Bay. His two youngest kids can finish high school at home. He doesn’t have to move his family.
The Cubs didn’t exactly play fair with Ross, who didn’t find out about Counsell taking his job until the deal was agreed upon.
WHO SHOULD THE GUARDIANS HAVE HIRED?
My favorite for the Cleveland job was Bob Melvin, whose last stop was San Diego. He is a Bay Area guy. The Giants pursued Melvin and it was an ideal marriage for both sides.
Who also interviewed for the Giants job? Vogt.
Counsell would have been an excellent fit for the Guardians, but the Wisconsin roots kept him close to home.
Teams are scrambling for managers. There are four openings: Astros, Angels, Brewers and Padres. Look for the newly fired Dave Ross to become a candidate for one of those jobs. I heard Milwaukee wanted to talk to Vogt once it heard about Counsell leaving. He had been a catcher there.
The Guardians interviewed Giants bullpen coach Craig Albernaz, Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza (now the Mets manager), Clayton McCullough (Dodgers first base coach) and Andy Green (former Padres manager and now Cubs bench coach). Does anyone on that list excite you? Those men do have more experience than Vogt. That could make a difference. Maybe.
WHO REALLY KNOWS?
I don’t know if Vogt will become a good manager after only one year as a coach in Seattle’s bullpen. I don’t know if Mendoza will succeed with the Mets after a long career in the Yankees farm system and coaching staff.
I don’t know about any of these guys. I wrote an earlier column about why the Guardians hired Vogt. They won’t say so publicly, but they see him a little like Kevin Cash.
A former big league catcher (like Vogt), Cash was Cleveland’s bullpen coach for only two years before being hired to manage Tampa Bay. It took a few years, but the Rays became a consistent winner and he’s considered an elite manager.
Vogt is respected. Other teams were interested in him. Guardians President Chris Antonetti and GM Mike Chernoff believe in him. We’ll see if they are right. But right now, who knows? It’s that way with many of the managers who are (or will be) hired since the season ended.