Tito talks Bell, Zunino, the Naylors, Straw
Just earlier than the vacations rolled round, supervisor Terry Francona addressed his staff’s offseason to this point.
Here are some highlights of his dialog.
What does Bell deliver to the desk?
The skinny: The Guardians have been in determined want of some pop in the course of their order, which led to the acquisition of first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell. To get Bell extra reps at first, Francona stated he’s talked to Josh Naylor about seeing a while in proper discipline once more in ’23. Whether Bell is within the discipline or not, anticipate his bat to be within the lineup as typically as potential.
Francona: “The biggest thing is hitting from both sides of the plate, and normally equally well. Providing power, regardless of where he hits. … You can pretty much think he’s going to hit in the middle. That’s why we got him. When you have switch-hitters that can hit from both sides, it makes it really difficult for the opposing team.”
What about Zunino?
The skinny: The Guardians have been linked to A’s catcher Sean Murphy earlier than he was traded to the Braves. Instead the membership landed free agent backstop Mike Zunino, who doesn’t fairly have the offensive profile of Murphy however may very well be a greater match for Cleveland, contemplating the membership is trying to cross the baton to prospect Bo Naylor. Despite lacking most of final season as a consequence of thoracic outlet syndrome, Zunino is assured he’ll be prepared for Spring Training.
Francona: “Last year was difficult for him health-wise, and that’s probably why we were able to get a shot at him. But the hope is he’s going to be healthy, and with health comes really good defense, a guy that can run the game and then hopefully add a bunch of power to it also. But if that power isn’t there, we still have a guy that runs the game and catches, which we obviously feel very strongly about.”
Speaking of Bo …
The skinny: Although the Guardians are prepared for the youthful Naylor to get his likelihood behind the plate, he’s not able to deal with the beginning job simply but. It’s anticipated that Naylor will likely be on the massive league roster in 2023. The solely factor left to find out will likely be how shortly he turns into a mainstay on the 26-man roster.
Francona: “I don’t know that we’re done [making moves]. I think we’ve been pretty honest about how much we like Bo Naylor. Does that mean he’s ready for Opening Day? I don’t know if we’re ready to say that. And if he isn’t, that’s not a knock on him. But let’s let his play dictate how much he’s ready.”
Zunino is able to assist
The skinny: When Zunino met with native media on Zoom, he not solely talked about his pleasure about having a wholesome and productive season in ’23, he expressed enthusiasm about serving as a mentor to Bo Naylor all through the season.
Francona: “I saw that, and I was really pleased. … You’re trying to make your team as good as you can, but we also knew that Bo’s coming, and we think so highly of him that that’s also in our thoughts. So, to hear Zunino say what he did, that fit perfect, because we’re in a mode where we want to win today, but we also know what’s coming, and we value that very, very much.”
Can Straw bounce again?
The skinny: There’s little question about Myles Straw’s protection. His Gold Glove efforts in middle discipline are sufficient to maintain him within the lineup, and the Guardians appear assured that he can bounce again from his underwhelming 2022 season, during which he hit .221 with a .564 OPS. He’s already made journeys to Cleveland this offseason to work with the hitting coaches to get again on observe.
Francona: “Having a man that performs a Gold Glove middle discipline that may [hit .250 or .260] actually makes us higher.
“You’re dealing with people, and sometimes people have tough times. You look at stats so much, sometimes you think, ‘Well, that’s going to be the case.’ But guys have ups and downs and things they go through, and sometimes they don’t have very good years and sometimes they pull out of it. Sometimes they don’t. That’s just part of the game.”
