The Guardians have several prospects in the middle infield. Angel Martinez is making a bid to stand out from the pack. AP



Who is the big surprise prospect for the Guardians this spring? –

Updated: Mar. 10, 2024, 5:02 a.m.|Published: Mar. 10, 2024, 5:00 a.m.

By Terry Pluto, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — It’s spring training, so you should expect stories like this out of the desert.

I’m talking about Angel Martinez, the infielder who is 9 of 17 this spring with a pair of homers, a triple and two doubles.

Will Martinez make the opening day roster? Nope. Is he a prospect? Yep. Of course, Cleveland has seemingly had millions of middle infield prospects on the roster in recent years, several highly regarded.

But you haven’t heard Martinez mentioned in the same sentence with Gabriel Arias, Brayan Rocchio, Juan Brito and Tyler Freeman.

But maybe, just maybe, Martinez could end up surpassing several of those players.

As you read this story, you’ll follow the research I did on Martinez.

At the age of 21, Martinez split last season between Class AA and AAA. He batted .251 (.715 OPS) with 14 HR and 79 RBI.

Martinez was promoted to Class AAA Columbus for the final two months of the season, hitting .268 (.722 OPS). The numbers seem modest. But Martinez was 21 playing in the International League where the average age is 26.

He spent most of the winter in Goodyear, refining his swing by adding an open stance with his hands held a bit higher. It’s a way to add more power.


Angel Martinez is the No. 6 rated Cleveland prospect by Baseball America. Carolyn Kaster, AP


WHAT ABOUT SCOUTING REPORTS?

At the start of the 2023 season, the analytics site FanraGaphs highlighted Martinez in “Some Sleeper Hitter Candidates” in the minors.

Ben Clemens wrote: “

An up-the-middle defender with bat-to-ball skills and at least acceptable extra-base pop? It’s the profile that this series loves most, and doing it at Double-A at age 20 (in 2022) only makes it better … If he weren’t on the Guardians, a team with so many promising young middle infielders that they blot out the sun, he might be on a fast track to the major leagues or at least to an up-and-down role. He even draws walks!”

Martinez is the son of Sandy Martinez, who was an MLB backup catcher for eight seasons. He played a game with Cleveland in 2004. Sandy Martinez is a manager in the Washington Nationals farm system.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Angel Martinez signed with Cleveland in 2018 for $500,000. He was 16.

Baseball America ranks him the No. 6 prospect in the Guardians system:

“Martinez isn’t the most tooled-up of Cleveland’s middle infielders, but his baseball IQ and maturity make all his tools play up. The switch-hitter has a simple swing from both sides and can drive the ball to all fields with solid power potential, though it plays as doubles pop now. Martinez is a disciplined hitter and makes a lot of contact, priding himself in his ability to make quick adjustments at the plate.

“After initially struggling in pro ball versus lefthanders, he has improved dramatically as a right handed hitter as he has matured. Martinez is an average runner but still covers a lot of ground thanks to his instincts and makes sound decisions defensively. He also has worked hard to improve his arm strength, which now grades as plus. Martinez can play anywhere on the infield and in 2023 mostly played second base at Double-A Akron and then mostly third base in Columbus, with a solid amount of time at shortstop at both spots. That versatility should help him find a spot in Cleveland.”

Talking to some people in Goodyear, they like his quick swing and believe he can add power. Those 14 HR at the age of 21 between Class AA and AAA show promise. Martinez is 6-foot and 200 pounds, so there is room on his frame to get stronger.


Can Tyler Freeman find a spot in the lineup in center field?Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com


ABOUT THE GUARDIANS

1. Cleveland seems serious about Tyler Freeman in center field. They believe he has the natural skills to play the outfield, even though his pro outfield experience is limited to one inning prior to this spring. Early returns on Freeman in center are positive.

2. Will Freeman hit? That’s the question. The Guardians see him hitting the ball harder this spring after making some adjustment during the winter. Freeman is a career .311 hitter (.812 OPS) in the minors. In 254 MLB plate appearances, he’s batted .244 (.641 OPS) with four homers. He’s 24 and this is a chance for Freeman to show he’s more than a utility player.

3. Cleveland traded Cody Morris to the Yankees for Estevan Florial. He’s a 26-year-old center fielder who hit 28 HR in Class AAA last season. He’s out of minor league options. He’s off to a rough start: 2 of 16 with eight strikeouts. The good news for Florial is the spring is young and he’ll receive a lot of chances to impress. So far, he’s been chasing a lot of high pitches. The Guardians have seen some better at bats lately.

4. There are reasons to be excited about Chase DeLauter. I fell in baseball love with him last season when watching him at Class A Lake County and wrote about him. He has had only 242 pro at-bats (.345, .945 OPS). He batted .299 (.914 OPS) in the Arizona Fall League, where some of baseball’s top prospects play.

5. DeLauter is 5 of 11 this spring with a homer. The lefty hitter has a strong arm and would be a natural right fielder. But DeLauter has been a pro for only one year. At the end of last season he rose to Class AA Akron, where he was 8 of 22 (.364). So his experience is limited. Will they start him in Class AA or Class AAA? He’s only 22.

6. Kyle Manzardo is 5 of 12 this spring. Like DeLauter, he’s a lefty hitter who has Cleveland justifiably excited. Acquired from Tampa Bay in the Aaron Civale deal, Manzardo is a career .284 hitter (.926 OPS) in 862 minor league plate appearances.

7. Manzardo played with DeLauter in the Arizona Fall League, batting .272 (.905 OPS) with six homers in 103 plate appearances. He is more MLB ready than DeLauter, having spent all last season in Class AAA.

8. I like both of these hitters. They don’t have a high strikeout rate. They aren’t strictly pull hitters and show power to the opposite field. Manzardo is a so-so first baseman. He’s only 23.

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FRANCO ALEMAN



Hard-throwing right-hander makes eye-opening save:
Guardians spring training breakfast

Updated: Mar. 10, 2024, 12:49 p.m.|Published: Mar. 10, 2024, 10:47 a.m.

By Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If you’re a pitcher trying to get a manager’s attention, well, Franco Aleman has the right idea.

The 6-foot-6, 235-pound right-hander entered the ninth inning of Friday’s game with the Guardians leading the White Sox, 2-1. Aleman, throwing in the upper 90s, struck out three of the four batters he faced for the save.

“That was fun, holy cow,” manager Stephen Vogt told reporters at the team’s training facility in Goodyear, Arizona. “The fastball is real. The breaking ball is real. The presence is real.

“There’s a lot to be excited about with Franco. You could tell when he was coming in, he was closing the game. It wasn’t just, ‘Oh, I’m going to throw an inning in a spring training game.’ He took it very serious. You could tell by his demeanor. We enjoyed that.”

Aleman, a 10th-round pick in 2021, hasn’t pitched above Class AA. Last year he combined to strike out 84, while walking 18, in 55 innings at Class A Lake County and Class AA Akron.

After being promoted to Akron, Aleman did not allow a run in 24 innings for the RubberDucks. He went 2-2 in 19 games, while striking out 38 and walking five.

Aleman, Cade Smith and Tim Herrin have had good springs working in relief. Herrin and Smith are closer earning a spot in the Guards’ pen.

“For that group, it comes down to pounding the zone,” said Vogt. “We’ve seen when they get behind, when they have to give in, that’s when they get hit. Or it’s walk, walk, hit.

“But when pitchers with that kind of stuff get ahead, they put themselves in position to succeed.”

Saturday’s game


Guardians left-hander Logan Allen made his second start of the spring on Saturday when he faced the Angels at Goodyear Ballpark.AP


An eighth-inning rally fell short for the Guardians in a 5-4 loss to the Angels at Goodyear Ballpark.

The Guards, trailing 5-0, scored four times in the eighth before the rally lost steam. Kyle Manzardo, Raynel Delgado and Alexfri Planez drove in runs. Catcher Eric Rodriguez scored the first run of the inning on a wild pitch after reaching on a single.

Lefty Logan Allen, in his second start of the spring, pitched three innings. He had some control problems, walking three, but allowed just one run.

Eli Morgan relieved Allen and allowed two homers while pitching one-plus inning.

Herrin and Smith came out of the pen after Morgan and pitched well. Herrin allowed a run in two innings, while striking out two. Smith followed with two strikeouts in a scoreless inning.

Sunday’s game

Right-hander Xzavion Curry will make his second start of the spring on Sunday when he faces the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark at 4:05 p.m. ET. cleguardians.com will carry the game.

It will be Curry’s first start since he opened the Cactus League season against the Reds on Feb. 24. In that game he allowed one run in two innings.

Anthony Banda, Joey Cantillo, Jack Leftwich, Adam Oller, Aleman and Mason Hickman are scheduled to follow Curry to the mound.

The Guardians have three openings in the bullpen, but Aleman might need more experience before getting called to Cleveland.

Sunday’s lineup:

DH Steven Kwan, CF Myles Straw, C Bo Naylor, LF Estevan Florial, SS Gabriel Arias, RF Will Brennan, 3B Angel Martinez, 1B Deyvison De Los Santos, 2B Jose Tena and RHP Xzavion Curry. Straw is making his first start since Feb. 27 after recovering from a viral infection. Florial continues to struggle at the plate, but the G’s keep giving him at-bats.

What’s next

Here are Cleveland’s next five games following Sunday’s game against the Reds.

Dodgers @Goodyear Ballpark on Monday at 4:05 p.m. ET. Bally Sports Great Lakes and WTAM are not scheduled to carry the game. RHP Triston McKenzie is scheduled to start for Cleveland.

@Texas on Tuesday at 4:05 p.m. WTAM will carry the game between at Surprise Stadium against the Rangers. Shane Bieber is scheduled to start for Cleveland.

Cubs @Goodyear Ballpark on Wednesday at 4:05 p.m. The game will be carried on cleguardians.com webcast. RHP Tanner Bibee will start for Cleveland.

Rockies @Goodyear Ballpark on Thursday at 4:05 p.m. WTAM will carry the game
.
@Royals on Friday at 4:05 p.m. at Surprise Stadium. WTAM will carry the game.

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Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams.

GUARDIANS

Guardians scratch promising right-hander from Sunday’s start with sore right elbow

Updated: Mar. 10, 2024, 1:54 p.m.|Published: Mar. 10, 2024, 1:44 p.m.

By Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The longer spring training goes, the more Guardians pitchers keep getting hurt.

Right-hander Gavin Williams, after two strong starts this spring, was scratched from Sunday’s start with a sore right elbow. Williams, scheduled to be in the opening day rotation, was leading the team with nine strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings over his last two starts.

Xzavion Curry started against the Reds in place of Williams at Goodyear Ballpark.

Manager Stephen Vogt told reporters on Sunday in Goodyear, Arizona, that Williams felt discomfort in his right elbow during a drill. He will be shut down for a couple of days before he starts throwing again.

“Gavin a couple of days ago was doing his normal weighted ball routine,” said Vogt. “He did an awkward throw and felt some discomfort in his elbow. We’re just acting out of an abundance of caution. He should be back to throw again in the next few days.”

Relievers Trevor Stephan (right elbow) and James Karinchak (right shoulder) are expected to open the season on the injured list.

Vogt also announced that shortstop Gabriel Arias was scratched from Sunday’s lineup because of a viral infection that is making the rounds in Cleveland’s clubhouse. Brayan Rocchio replaced him at short.

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GAVIN WILLIAMS


Injuries & Moves: Williams dealing with elbow discomfort

March 10, 2024 38 minutes ago

LATEST NEWS

March 10 RHP Gavin Williams dealing with right elbow discomfort

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Williams made an awkward throw during his weighted-ball workout and felt discomfort in his throwing elbow, which is why he didn't make his regularly scheduled start on March 10. Vogt said the hope is that Williams will be throwing again in a couple of days. There's no need to panic just yet. The Guardians don't seem overwhelmingly concerned that this will be a long-term issue, but it's certainly something to keep an eye on.

March 8: OF George Valera, RHP Daniel Espino optioned to Triple-A Columbus

The Guardians made their first roster moves of Spring Training, but there were no surprises. Valera sustained a hamstring strain during camp that will sideline him for a few weeks and Espino is working his way back from shoulder surgery. Since they were unable to get into Cactus League play, their moves to Minor League camp were inevitable.

March 6: C Bo Naylor returns to lineup

Naylor was in the Guardians’ lineup for the first time since Feb. 26, starting against the Brewers on Wednesday. Naylor, who took over regular catching duties for the Guards in 2023, had been dealing with back spasms.

“So excited to get him back into game action,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “He's feeling good. He’s had a couple of days where he hasn't felt anything. And we’ve got plenty of time to build him up.”

INJURY UPDATES

RHP Trevor Stephan (right elbow bruise)

When Stephan's elbow was examined for discomfort on Feb. 28, a deep bone bruise was discovered. Although it was good news that there were no structural issues, Stephan will be shut down from throwing for three weeks. (Last updated: Feb. 28)

RHP James Karinchak (right shoulder fatigue)

Expected return: Hopefully by end of Spring Training

Karinchak will be on a slower schedule than the rest of the pitchers and catchers who reported to camp on Feb. 13 due to fatigue in his throwing shoulder. He got a cortisone shot on Feb. 25 and is excited to get back to throwing in the near future. (Last updated: Feb. 28)

OF George Valera (left hamstring strain)
Expected return: TBD

After dealing with hamate and hamstring issues in 2023, the injury bug bit Valera once again. In the early days of camp before Cactus League games got underway, Valera took a misstep during popup drills and strained his left hamstring. The Guardians aren't sure of an exact timetable for his return just yet, but manager Stephan Vogt said it'll at least be a few weeks.

"I feel really bad for the kid," Vogt said. "Never want to hear that or see that. He won't be in games for a while." (Last updated: Feb. 24)

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Mandy Bell

Arias went home sick today. Brayan Rocchio will take his spot in the lineup at short.

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Gavin Williams "made an awkward throw during his weighted'ball workout and felt discomfort in his elbow."
So he's scratched from today's start.
Vogt said "the hope is that Williams will be throwing again in a couple of days."

Says mlb.com: "There's no need to panic just yet. The Guardians don/t seem overwhelmingly concerned that this will be a long-term issue"

OK, it's no big deal. he's already worked 4 2/3 innings, loooking great, with 9 K If healthy his prospects are even better than Bibee's

injury updates, the Valera healing period is, naturally, lengthening: now it's 4 weeks.

Sunday lineup, highlights:

MIles Straw sighting
Red hot Angel Martinez at 3rd base
Ice cold trio of Brayan Rocchio at ss De Los Santos at 1st and Florial in CF
Curry stating in place of Williams

1 hit in 3 innings, from Martinez, who then promptly was thrown out stealing. Only Rocchio struck out, everyone else made contact.
2 runs off Curry in the first: leadoff homer, then double-steal-sac fly produces the 2nd.

GUARDIANS

Guardians out-hit Reds, but get beat by the long ball, 5-3

Updated: Mar. 10, 2024, 7:23 p.m.|Published: Mar. 10, 2024, 7:20 p.m.

By Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com

CINCINNATI -- The Reds used the one thing that the Guardians couldn’t get a handle on last season to beat their intrastate rival, 5-3, Sunday in a spring-training game at Goodyear Ballpark.

Four of Cincinnati’s five runs came on home runs. Jonathan India opened the first inning with a homer off Xzavion Curry. Tyler Stephen added a three-run homer in the fourth inning off lefty Joey Cantillo for a 5-0 lead.

The Guardians were last in the big leagues last season when it came to hitting home runs.

Cleveland out-hit the Reds, 10-4, but none of those 10 hits cleared the fence.

Curry, competing for a spot on manager Stephen Vogt’s pitching staff, allowed two runs on three hits in three innings. He struck out three.

He was filling in for scheduled starter Gavin Williams, who was scratched before of a sore right elbow.

The Guardians, 4-10-1 this spring, were held scoreless until the eighth inning when Steven Kwan singled home a run and Lorenzo Cedrola added a sacrifice fly. Kwan, Cleveland’s Gold Glove left fielder, DH’d Sunday so he could get some extra at-bats.

Jhonkensy Noel added Cleveland’s third run with a double in the ninth inning.

The Reds are 2-0 against the Guardians this spring.

Cantillo relieved Curry to start the fourth inning. He retired the first two men he faced, but issued consecutive walks to Jeimar Candelario and Will Benson. Stephenson, the next batter, sent an 0-1 pitch over the center field fence for a 5-0 lead.

In three innings, Cantillo allowed one hit, while walking two and striking out two.

Reds lefty Nick Lodolo started and pitched two scoreless innings for the win.

Daniel Schneemann was the only Guardian with more than one hit as he doubled and singled.

Next:

The Dodgers visit the Guardians on Monday at 4:05 p.m. ET. Triston McKenzie ia scheduled to make his second spring start. RHP Bobby Miller will start for the Dodgers.

Emmanuel Clase, Carlos Carrasco, Nick Sandlin, Hunter Gaddis, Jaime Barria and Nic Enright are scheduled to pitch as well for the Guardians.

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Here's clear proof that the Guardians are in great shape for the season; MLB.com

1 position battle to watch for each team

For most teams it's the 5th starter, the utility IF, the last man on the bench; for Cleveland:

Guardians: Right field (among others)
Um … do we have to pick just one? The Guardians have their hands full in the final weeks of the spring, as they try to determine who will be the best fits at shortstop, center field and right field. Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio will compete for short. Myles Straw will need to prove he can reclaim his spot in center. But because right field seems the most undecided, we can hone in on that. Cleveland has Straw, Will Brennan, Estevan Florial, Tyler Freeman, Johnathan Rodriguez, Ramón Laureano and Jhonkensy Noel to evaluate for an outfield spot. One will win center field, the rest will be battling for right.

Instead of writing about something we knew 2 months ago, how about some news?

Where's the cuts?

Who's the Typhoid Mary spreading a "viral infection" that's getting guys sent away from camp?

How long will Williams be out for his elbow "problem"

How long will it be before they realize Florial is a bust?

Why is this "non-prospect", Schneemann, making Rocchio look like he's not ready for prime time.

How's Vogt doing with his lineup card?

What's the count for gopher balls for and gopher balls against?

Let's sing

Monday, Monday
So good to me
Monday mornin'
It was all I hoped it would be

* Martinez at shortstop today... is the longshot going to sneak in ahead of the two guys who haven't hit anything at all?

* Freeman again starting in center.... is he going to sneak in ahead of Florial? I think we have learned why the Yankees gave up on him. Great AAA bat.
DLS the DH; Vogt and Valaika both said yesterday they're going to keep giving him opportunities till the very end; compared to Florial: 6 years younger, has not played over AA, On a team that is not a serious contender, as we aren't, he's worth carrying for as long as they must and then prepare him for a real major league debut in 2 or 3 years

* McKenzie not scratched from his start; only 1 starter down, 4 to go.

averages soar up and down quickly with so few at bats in the spring; Giminez seemed to be doing nothing but I guess that was his just his first 2 games, going 0-5;
5-15 since then, but it's been a pretty weak 5-15, finally got his first double today, no homers yet

MAJOR GOAL OF THE SPRING: HOMERUNS FROM THE OUTFIELDERS
RESULTS TO DATE: 4 in 15 GAMES
One each by Brennan, Laureano, DeLauter, someone named Cedrola,
GRADE: F