Unfinished Business For The Guards - podcast episode cover

Unfinished Business For The Guards

Mar 15, 202539 min
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Episode description

Guardians leadoff man Steven Kwan joins the show to talk about high expectations for this season. Also, playoff hero David Fry talks about how his rehab from Tommy John surgery is going. Plus, young slugger Kyle Manzardo has been a standout player this spring, he talks about building off the momentum he gained last year. That's all on this edition of Guardians Weekly with Jim Rosenhaus on the Cleveland Guardians Radio network.

Transcript

Speaker 1

Welcome to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Guardians Radio Network. Guardians Weekly is brought to you by Progressive helping Guardians fans save hundreds on car insurance.

Speaker 2

Hi, everyone, welcome to Guardians Weekly, Himro and how So along with you as we continue our shows from Guardian spring training in Goodyear, Arizona. And we are heading in to the final week of games now, as it won't be long before the start of the regular season begins two weeks from this past Thursday, so we are closing in on the final days of spring training. Still a lot to be decided, including who would be that opening day second basement and the regular second basement on this team,

if indeed there is one. They may end up rotating several players through that position over the course of at least the early portion of the season, and right field still very much up for grabs. It may yet be a platoon like it was for much of the second half last season with Will Brennan and John Kenzie Noel

in that platoon. We'll see, Still a lot to be decided there, maybe some spots or a spot in the starting rotation, and certainly some spots in the bullpen up for grabs too, as we had down the stretch, but not many, so really not a whole lot to be decided at this point in terms of the roster. Good show lined up for you today. Coming up in just a little bit, we will hear from David Frye, who won't be on the roster to start the season. He's recovering from Tommy John surgery, but one of the heroes

from last season's postseason run. He'll join us and talk about his recovery from the surgery, when he's expected back, and some of the things that he's looking forward to when he does return to play. We'll hear from All Star outfielder and Gold Glove winner Stephen Kwan, looking forward to another big season at the plate as well. Catcher Bo Naylor will stop by and chat with us as well, and we'll bring you up to date on some of the great summer camp opportunities for kids in Northeast Ohio

courtesy of Guardian Summer Camps. That's coming up a little bit later on in our show today, but first we had a chance to visit recently with first baseman Kyle man Zardo, who had a strong finish to his season a year ago, had a big home run in the postseason and figures to be a key bat in the

lineup for this year's Guardians. Is he'll see some more time at first base this year instead of just as a designated hitter as he was a season ago, and he says his solid finish to the regular season and performance in the postseason a year ago helped him get things done in a positive note this past off season.

Speaker 3

Yeah, it was. It was a great offseason. I went into it, you know, feeling really inspired and ready to work, just based off of how last season went and you know how it ended, unfortunately, So I kind of I just went to work, did did this a lot of the same things I've done, and then you know, made some some adjustments that I learned that you know, I needed to do, kind of as I've gotten.

Speaker 4

A little bit older.

Speaker 2

When you look at your season a year ago, you get that ear call up and then go back down and then come back and you really had good success when you came back. I think that's happened. There's so many players at this level, so it's not anything new, but but what is the difference when when you do come back after having a chance to have seen it earlier in the season.

Speaker 3

Yeah, I think, I mean a lot of it kind of comes down to you just don't know what you don't know. So whenever, whenever I had came back up, there was a I mean a lot of things that I had learned, you know, from the first first trip up and h nothing, nothing really came as like a shock to me the second go round. So I was able to, you know, show up and just be ready to play baseball.

Speaker 2

And you had some big home runs down the stretch and then also home run in the postseason. What was that postseason run like for you, and especially as a rookie to go through.

Speaker 3

That, Uh, Man, that was a that was a dream. It was cool and it was I was happy that it came in a game that we won. Uh definitely makes it feel a little sweeter.

Speaker 2

Well, I'm getting back to your your off season, most of it spent back home in Idaho, but you did come down here for a week to good year. What was the purpose of that and why can't that be really helpful for you.

Speaker 3

Just to just to check in, make sure the coaches and stuff are seeing where my swing's at. That way, It's it was still early enough to where I was able to make any any adjustments and you know, tweak anything that I needed to. And then obviously nice to see some some sunshine in the middle of the winter.

Speaker 2

But yeah, yeah, none of that in Idaho.

Speaker 3

No, no, no, we don't see the sun for a few months up there.

Speaker 2

But you do have a good spot to work out. And I know your batting practice thrower is someone you know very well, dell Us who helps you out with that.

Speaker 3

Yeah, so my my dad throws me bp uh kind of throughout the off season and then we mix in some machines and stuff too, so able to see some velocity.

Speaker 2

How long has he been doing that and helping you with your game?

Speaker 3

Long as I can remember, long as I can remember?

Speaker 2

And it's is that something that you know you look back on, he said, And maybe you don't even realize it now, but is it something you think you might look back on at some point say, that's pretty cool that I was able to do that with my tame.

Speaker 3

Yeah, I mean it's something I look back at even now and realize, you know, how special that is, very very grateful and appreciative for that, because it's you know, it's not a very common experience.

Speaker 2

We talked so much about hitting, but I know you want to play some first base this year, And what do you think you or what are you working on to become a better defensive first basement? And how far along do you think you've come?

Speaker 5

Uh?

Speaker 3

Yeah, I mean, just just trusting, trusting the work that I've been putting in for the last yes, you know, a year and a half or so, a few I mean it's been a few years now, and you know, just staying staying dedicated to my work, making sure that I'm getting everything I need to get done done, and try to put myself in the best position I can.

Speaker 2

That's first basement. Dhkyl Manzardo, looking forward to his first full season in the major leagues. Stay with us, We'll have more to come as Guardians Weekly continues from Goodyear, Arizona after this time out on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.

Speaker 6

With Progressive Customer Service. There are lots of ways to connect with us so you never have to miss a second of your favorite sport, because you'd much rather watch a ball go through a net one hundred and twenty four times in forty eight minutes when you don't really have to pay attention until the last two and then somehow those two minutes will take an hour. You don't

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Speaker 2

Welcome back to Guardian's weekly Jim Rosenhouse back with you from Goodyear, Arizona and Guardian Spring training. And here in spring training but not participating in games just yet is David Frye, who was such a key especially in the first half a year ago. He was catching, playing some outfield, some first base, a DH as well, and he hit well enough to be a part of the American League All Star team. But a sore elbow really hampered his efforts in the second half of the season to stay

on the field defensively. In fact, was used mainly as a DH down the stretch. Tommy John surgery after the season followed. So he's behind everyone else here this spring. But fry is at spring training and he's around his teammates, and he says that is especially important to get back here and finish his rehab amongst his teammates.

Speaker 4

Yeah, I mean, huge part as soon as they got out got out here obviously, like rehaven's not fun. You want to be on the field plane, but just being around the guys, joking around in the clubhouse makes everything a lot easier.

Speaker 2

And you look back at last year, when did things start barking on you for your arm and how much of a challenge was it to at least stay available at the plate.

Speaker 4

Yeah, it was one of those things kind of started a little before All Star break and kind of continued for a little bit, and then probably a little after All Star break there was like, hey, you're just gonna hit play first if we absolutely need you to, which was really cool by them to let me stay active and kind of be a part of that run.

Speaker 2

And when you look back on last year, you're an All Star and you're part of a postseason run. Could it go any better? I mean, obviously you want to take that last step team wise, but when you look back on it, what were your thoughts at during the offseason.

Speaker 4

Yeah, I mean really cool year.

Speaker 2

Special.

Speaker 4

Obviously would have rather not had the arm injury, but I mean it was a really fun year, and I think we got another really good chance this year, hopefully win two more series this year.

Speaker 2

And when you look back at coming through in key spots, obviously the huge home run in the Tiger Series and another one in the Yankee Series, did it teach you a little bit about yourself and that ability to come through in a key situation.

Speaker 4

Yeah, maybe a little bit. A lot of it was just I mean, Voter and Albie put me in good spots. I mean, whether it was a pinch hit late or it just seemed like every get bad I had was like runners on base, two outs, and it didn't help my wife's nerves. But I definitely had plenty of opportunities to have those moments.

Speaker 2

And it sounded like it gave you an opportunity to get in touch with some people that you hadn't heard from in a long time, in terms of coaches and all players too. Yeah, for sure, after those games there were a lot of techs and stuff, but yeah, good good old friends kind of reaching out and stuff. That was cool. David Fry joining us recovering from Tommy John surgery.

You don't hear about it a whole lot with position players How different is it though for you as opposed to being a pitcher where you rely so much out of your throwing off.

Speaker 4

Yeah, that's what I mean. It's kinda not as like you know, a pitcher has it's like, all right, he's gonna be out for the year. Luckily as a hitter can kind of come back a little quicker and my whole game doesn't just rely on me throwing the ball. So just hopefully progress quick and get to join the boys soon.

Speaker 2

And maybe a different perspective for you because of the spring you're having. But what are you seeing in this room that has you excited about what could be this season for the team?

Speaker 4

Honestly, just the way guys came in was I mean, I feel like now it used to be you show up spring training and get ready for the year. Now everybody shows up spring training ready to go. But just the arms that we have, like depth and depth of the arms is ridiculous. And then guys came in ready to play.

Speaker 2

That's David Frye, who figures to be someone who can help this ball club. Maybe around the midway point, as he has been cleared to take some dry swings in the cage, he's been doing some receiving work as a catcher and gradually implementing more and more facets of his game as that elbow gets stronger. Stephen Kuan is looking forward to a big start to the season. This will be his fourth major league season. He's won three Goal Glove awards as one of the best left fielders defensively

in the game. And last year, what a start he had, as he was flirting with the four hundred mark batting average wise for quite some time in the first half of the season, tailed off with some injury issues in the second half, but performed extremely well in the postseason. And here he is heading into year number four in the major leagues, and he says, man, those first three have moved awfully fast.

Speaker 7

Yeah, I guess it's both both yes and no. I remember that first spring so vividly. I can't believe it's already been three years. But yeah, like you said, there's been so many things that have happened, got Mary. We've been the playoffs twice. I mean, what is that three times one sixty two? You know, a lot of games to play. It's been a blessing to be part of all this. But yeah, it just feels like yesterday we were talking on the patio and I got that call.

Speaker 2

And so along those lines. You look at it now, and as is the case every offseason, there's some changes to the roster. Do you feel like a veteran guy yet and someone who can take over more of a leadership role too.

Speaker 7

I don't know about veteran, but you know, a little more comfortable with kind of know anybody's name now, knowing where to go the schedules. Yeah, it definitely is less chaotic than my first year. But I know something about coming into spring and everything just feels new and exciting. So I'm excited.

Speaker 2

How about your game? Last year, you made some adjustments to your approach and it led to a career best in home runs and you still maintained your average. What did you take away from that at the end of the season as you prepare for this season.

Speaker 7

Yeah, just being able to, you know, attack my a pitch, want the ball, middle, middle end. I think before I've been scared to kind of let it go because my game was singles the other way, working account kind of giving myself the grace to go out and get it and see what happens with with home runs. I think that builds up all my confidence. I think it builds the kind of import against pictures too, where they can't just attack the zone, get ahead, and then I have

to fight with two. It changed the game a little bit, which just I'm excited for. But the game's always evolving as well.

Speaker 2

Stephen Kwan joining us, We love to talk hitting. It's fun. Defense such a big part of your game, a goal glove multiple How much effort and time do you need to put into that, especially this time of year to make sure you're ready to go?

Speaker 7

Yeah, definitely a ton of work, especially being out in Chicago where it's cold outside you can't get too many live reads. But JT keeps us on top of that, especially when we get to spring. We hit the ground running with all that, even if we can't, you know, lengthen it out just to keep our legs safe. We're doing glove work, really small, short, intentional work that works the gloves. Yeah, it takes a whole village to achieve those kinds of things. So I'm grateful for JT.

Speaker 2

And now, wait a minte January in Chicago, you're not going down to the lakefront and taking flyballs?

Speaker 3

Yeah?

Speaker 7

I might be able to walk on the lakefront at that time and get those flyballs.

Speaker 2

Hey, your off season, though, you had some great things happen in your life. Tell us about it.

Speaker 7

Yeah, got married this offseason, had a really small little event which was really cool. I was able to make it about us, which I was super happy about. So, yeah, best off season so far.

Speaker 2

Change your outlook coming into too spring training in a new season.

Speaker 7

Yeah, one hundred percent. Yeah, it's just crazy to wrap my head around. But having her here, understanding what she's been able to do for my career as well, it just makes it that much more serious. So I'm really excited for that.

Speaker 2

And you walk into this clubhouse and not too deep in the spring training yet, but it just seems like there's that good vibe again, which has been such a great characteristic of this team. What are you seeing early on in spring training that has you excited about what could be again?

Speaker 7

Yeah, just the team's focus I think right now, had a ton of really good meetings, addressing the elephant in the room I think has been really important. Twenty two we had a really great year. Twenty three we didn't have the year that we wanted, and I think that could have been choked up to complacency or you know, a bunch of different things. So I think we as a staff talked about, you know, we don't want to

have that happen again. We had a great twenty four, but you know, twenty five we have to build off that. We can't get comfortable, We can't assume that things are going to be like that. We have to go out and get what we earned. And you know, in twenty three there was a target on our back a little bit, and I think maybe we didn't live up to that.

This year, we understand we're not going to surprise as many people before making the alcs last year, so we got to come out really confident, really strong, and then you know, take it by the horns.

Speaker 2

It's interesting you mentioned that you worked hard going into twenty twenty three, but is there just that something extra that you need to do to really be successful in this game? And if you miss that, there's that fine line.

Speaker 7

I'd like to think, so almost having that like desperation anxiety almost of like you know, we have to get better, we need to get better. If not, you know, there's gonna be some big changes around here, and you don't want to be there when when changes are made, it's a lot easier. When you have a successful year, you know, you feel a little more comfy, and then in that complacency comes you don't work just as hard. I think we're trying to erase that, make sure we have that

kind of edge, still trying to achieve that. And Voter and all of them such a great job implementing that. But I think that can be a factor, especially for young teams going in.

Speaker 2

And what did you see in Steven Vote last year that that allowed this team to continue on a great path that had been set before him.

Speaker 1

Yeah.

Speaker 7

Just trusting the players I think was super important. He didn't come in and, you know, puff his chest and say I'm the manager, you have to listen to me. He developed so much trust early on camaraderie, and it was genuine too. It wasn't this you know, fake kind of thing where he had to impress a lot of people. He was just Stephen Vote, And at least for me, I grew up watching him play with the A's, so you know, I was already starstruck. But he seemed to

get everybody else's attention and get everybody on board. Super quickly, and I think that that shows just him as a person, him as a manager, so excited for your two for all of us.

Speaker 2

That is Stephen Kwan looking forward to a big season here in twenty twenty five. Stay with us when we come back. We'll hear from catcher bow Naylor. That's next on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.

Speaker 1

Now the one pitch swing in a high drive deep right field. This bull's got a chance. Go on, bow Nailer onto the concourse beyond the seats and right and the Guardians catcher sends a liner toward the gamp and right center on the runners. Robert It drops of acent.

This will score two runs. Here's the set. Here's the one to one runner goes ithit's outside Nailor good throw to second tag, got him tato of the tag on the feet first sliding Remolard Man, you can't make a better throw than bon Naylor just made.

Speaker 2

Here's the one two pitch.

Speaker 1

I'll swing of the line right pasin right center, game winner bone Nayler.

Speaker 2

Kim Rosanow's back with you from Goodyear, Arizona and Guardian spring training. The Guardian's getting ready to take on the Kansas City Royals later this afternoon. You can hear that game right here on the Guardians Radio Network, beginning with a four to zero five first pitch from Surprise Guardians on the road today taking on the Royals and Hamm. He'll have that first pitch coming your way shortly after for a'clock. Bo Naylor maybe in the lineup today as

he continues what has been an impressive spring. He has swung the bat well, he has played well defensively as he continues to work on his game. And that's after a season where he caught more than one hundred games, his first full season in the Major League from start to finish, and certainly a learning experience for him both at the plate and behind the plate. And these are some of his thoughts on his progression a season ago.

Speaker 8

The season definitely, you know, kind of had its toll physically, but I feel like I came out of it feeling really good. You know, I definitely had a good idea as to what I wanted to work on moving into the offseason physically and mentally, you know, offensively, defensively, all

that stuff. So had a clear picture and got on the same page really well with the team as well, So I think the transition to the off season and the off season being had now to this point, it's it's been a great time for sure.

Speaker 2

I know a lot of it spent here in the Phoenix area, not necessarily here at the at the complex, but some of it. I'm sure, how do you approach that, especially offensively? What what did you try and do and who helped you in that regard?

Speaker 8

Yeah, I think the main thing was just you know, a few things movement wise, and then you know, just really you know, hammering out some some concrete approaches to be able to bring into the game and you know, kind of be able to put put them forth and

just just let everything kind of come together. A lot of work was done, mainly with Grant Fink and Josh Tubbs, but it was an all hands on deck effort, you know, kind of again everyone being on the same page and making themselves available for any conversations that I had wanted or needed or anything.

Speaker 2

To be had.

Speaker 8

So super grateful for all the resources that we here, being the coaches, you know, them on me to come in and use the cages and stuff.

Speaker 2

It was. It was awesome and obviously you can't really tell till the regular season begins, but have you noticed things early in the spring that that you worked on that that have made things not easier but allow you to have some success at the play.

Speaker 8

Yeah, for sure, I think especially you know, not just in VP, but you know on field, you know, in the lives. You know, now we're transitioning games. But the movements have been consistent, which I'm really happy about. The ball flight's been good, so yeah, I just that's it's a matter of trusting it and just kind of allowing it to come forth.

Speaker 2

Major development in the offseason, your brother Josh was traded, and and rarity in baseball where you get to play with your brother on the same team, much less making it to the major leagues at the same time, how is the reaction there and how how are you in a place now where you can deal with that. I'm really happy for him.

Speaker 8

I know that the Diamondbacks have really got a good one, really good clubhouse presence and someone who who's going to go out there and play as hard as for that team, those fans and everything that comes with them. So I'm really happy for him. Definitely gonna cherish all the time that we had together. To this point. We shared some amazing moments, not just me and him, but you know, all the other guys in that clubhouse and him, you know,

the team overall. There's been some great years that we had, and I think that my mind is in a spot where I'm really grateful for it, and I'm really grateful for the trajectory that his career is headed in and just how everything's kind of been progressing for us all.

Speaker 2

I feel like you're in a good place on where you are in the major leagues now and having been through some of the ups and downs having had him here though when you first broke in. How is he helpful to you? And maybe more so than than anything you could have hoped for.

Speaker 8

Yeah, Yeah, there's there's a lot to be said, for sure, But I think the biggest thing is just being able to have him in times where you know, you know, you kind of need to hear something, you know, any advice, any anything to be able to take that out that will help elevate your game, not just physically but mentally.

Speaker 6

So.

Speaker 8

Yeah, and and he knows me, He knows me really well, and and I feel like I can definitely get, you know, on a more personal level to be able to have those conversations that need to be had. So yeah, he uh, he definitely had a great experience. I think one of the big the biggest things I'm thankful for is just how he'd really made the transition from the minor leagues

to the major leagues so easy. He's one of the big parts in you know, this clubhouse being so welcoming, you know, definitely continue to make it such an amazing environment, and that made it really easy to be able to transition and you know, get comfortable with the guys, to get comfortable with the game and all that. And I'm sure a lot of you know, of of the young guys that had come up while he was here with would say the same.

Speaker 2

Bo Naylor joining us another mentor for you. And he's back again as Austin Hedges. And look, he's a fun guy to be around. And obviously we see that, but when you get right down to it in terms of how he helps you defensively, what has he done for your game behind the.

Speaker 8

Plate, He's He's done a lot. He's super smart, He's been in this game for a while, has a lot of experience, has a lot of different perspectives on a lot of things, and he has no problem sharing it and you know, being there for you to help to help you grow in different parts of that that are required to be a catcher, you know, game calling, receiving all the things that come with being a catcher in

and out of the game. He's he's something that I've gotten really close with and he's been amazing to me. He's he never shies away from an opportunity to help me grow, whether that's in being a leader, being someone that this team can kind of look to and for any guidance in any type of boy and that that that That's how I've handled the relationship with him as well. I know I can always go to him, and he's continued to help make this experience a great one for the team.

Speaker 2

A wonderful year season ago. Every year is different. It was such a tight knit group last year and so many of those players are back. What are you seeing so far in spring training that says, hey, we they can rerun this thing and maybe take it one step further. Yeah, the the vibes are great.

Speaker 8

Everyone came into camp really early, which I feel like you don't see too often. The like I said, the vibes have been awesome. Everyone's happy, we're in all we're on a good spot. We're all really excited to see each other, be around all the boys again, uh, and really get back to work. I think we understood kind of where we left off, and you know, heading into spring training, Uh, we we understood what we'd done and like voter says, you know, be appreciative of it, but

understand that it's in the past. And you know that's excuse me, that's.

Speaker 2

Our floor now.

Speaker 8

We we want to build on that. I think we have a really good group to be able to do that, and I think everyone's on the same page with that idea as well. So at a lot of good vibes, a lot of a lot of games, a lot of card games, a lot of a lot of opportunities to help one another grow. And you know, when you look around, that's that's nothing short of exciting.

Speaker 2

And maybe along those lines and we'll close with us. Usually the NCP like tournament brings out the pride of guys that went to college where they went. You had a great opportunity about a week ten days ago, the Four Nations tournament for the NHL team Canada with the win, and there's a couple of countrymen in that clubhouse and Sabrowski and Smith and Naylor and what was that like the night of the game and then the next day?

Speaker 8

It was amazing. I mean, first of all, what an amazing game, you know, to say the least, but to be able to have that ending, I can only imagine what it was like to be in that type of environment. But I know I was screaming, I was going crazy, and I knew that there was gonna be a lot of words coming out of my mouth and in the clubhouse the day following.

Speaker 2

So it's good.

Speaker 8

The banter is good to be able to go in there kind of brag about the boys, kind of what they did.

Speaker 2

It was.

Speaker 8

It was awesome, And you know, I know Sebrowski let his voice heard me a little bit for sure, because we know if the situation was reversed, we'd be getting the brunto all of that. But yeah, it's all in good fun. But for sure a special win, special moment, and yeah, what a special game.

Speaker 2

What about the preliminary game with all the fisticuffs in the first nine seconds.

Speaker 8

Yeah, yeah, that was that was definitely a special one for sure, but I think it made the final game that much more exciting. You know, a lot of anticipation, you know, a lot of high emotions. So yeah, just another thing that kind of helped the last one make it that much more special.

Speaker 2

Well, thanks for the time, enjoy the spring, Thank you very much. It's Guardians catcher Bo Naylor and Tandems with Austin Hetches to give the Guardians a really good mix of a good young catcher is going to play a lot and backed up by one of the best veteran catchers in the game and certainly a great teacher. As we heard from Bow, Austin Hedges will help him along and become even better defensively as the Guardian's head end of the season. Stay with us when we come back.

We'll visit with Dan Cohen. He helps out with Guardian summer camps and he'll fill us in on some of the great options for youngsters out there when we come back after this time out on the Cleveland Clant Guardians Radio Network and now the two swung on.

Speaker 1

Hit a ton to right down the line. It goes if it's fair, it's way out of here, and it is fair and a home run for Boone Naylor. Now the one two to bow.

Speaker 2

Naylor swung on hit a.

Speaker 1

Ton deep right field.

Speaker 2

There she goes go on.

Speaker 1

To the party deck. That was more of a line drive home run. He hung the change up bone. Nailor wasn't fooled, and he smashes his second home run in two innings, his first two home runs of the spring. Boone Nailor four, Arizona. Nothing here in the third.

Speaker 9

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Speaker 2

Okay, Guardian's Weekly Continuing from Goodyear, Arizona and Guardian Spring Training. Jim Rosenhause back with you on a Saturday in Goodyear. If you're listening to this on the Guardians Radio Network, our flagship station WTAM airs our show each week at seven am on Saturday mornings. So too does wm AN and Mansfield and WMRN and Marion and over in Youngstown on WKBN, the show airs at eleven o'clock on Saturdays, and of course you can hear it anytime you like

in podcast form wherever you download your favorite podcasts. Dan cohen And is the associate director of Guardian Summer Camps, and they have quite a variety of camps to choose from. For youngsters age six to fourteen, it's baseball and softball options for you. And when we caught up with Dan recently, he talked about some of the great opportunities for kids this summer to grow their game.

Speaker 5

Thanks for having me, Rosie. Yeah, we are really excited where we have over fifteen different programs throughout the summer,

over twelve week long programs. We have a few two day programs all throughout Northeast Ohio from all the way south as Canton to as far west as Avon and Aleyria and as far east as Willoughby, so all throughout the city for great opportunities for kids ages six to fourteen baseball and softball players just to learn and kind of have fun within like the Guardians kind of environment.

Speaker 2

And you mentioned the week long camps. Explain how those go, what's a part of that for these kids and just how fun that can be for a week in the summer.

Speaker 5

Yeah, sure, so our week long camps like their Monday through Friday from nine to three, so it's thirty hours of prime instruction. In addition to time on the field, kids will get a full uniform so at jersey pants camp, hat and belt. They'll get two tickets to a Union game. We have a skills competition throughout the week, and top performers from the summer will be invited back for a champions Day of source towards the end of the summer.

One day a week at each camp, a player, current former or future Guardians player and a prospect will come out and talk to players, take pictures, sign autographs, and they really kids get a really kind of a full spectrum kind of look at what it's like to be a player for a week.

Speaker 2

And when you talk about the learning situation, the Guardians obviously great at player development for their own players. What are some of the things that you try and focus on with the kids, especially, you know, some of them are at that young end of the spectrum of six years old and maybe a little bit older, but just learning the game.

Speaker 5

Yeah, so we try to create kind of good habits and whatever we're doing, So we try to prepare our bodies and minds to like kind of learn every day.

So good good routines in terms of kind of like stretching learning the fundamentals of throwing, fielding, and hitting, and just breaking skills down kind of earlier in the week into like really digestible parts that kind of for deep practice, and then throughout the week kind of challenging those skills, building on and then towards the end of the week having like I said, some of those competitions and some

scrimmagists that kind of test what we've learned. And a lot of kids talk about kind of going into camp in the morning learning something and putting it right into play that night if they have a game or practice and that's a really fun part of things.

Speaker 2

And I know we were talking earlier, a lot of fans and parents have jumped on board already for this summer. How has the growth gone of the programs, especially with more camps available, it seems this summer.

Speaker 5

Yeah, so this is our third year since COVID. The first year, I think we had seven weeks of camp, so seven or eight camps. Last year, I think we had twelve or thirteen. I think this year, I think we're like I said, fifteen to seventeen camps. So we've gotten more kind of on an upward trend every year with the team doing well last year. Success always on the field, always breed success kind of away from the field.

So there's a lot of excitement about camps. And I just know from like our reunion day last year we had a parade on the field. Just seeing the excitement of kind of kids seeing each other after like kind of a few weeks off was pretty cool. Just the camaraderie that's being built. So a lot of good culture to.

Speaker 2

Be around, all right, So the good stuff for parents, I want to know, how do we sign our kids up? How do they go about that to get them ready to go.

Speaker 5

Sure so you can. Everything is available on our website is at Celeague Guardians dot com last Summer Camps. You can find our schedule there. You can find more information about kind of what you can expect, and you can sign up there as well.

Speaker 2

Dan as always great to talk to you. Thanks a lot for the information and we'll talk to you again soon.

Speaker 5

Thanks Rosie too, appreciate it.

Speaker 2

That is Dan Cohen, the associate director of Guardian Summer Camp. Some great opportunities out there, so take advantage. Go to the website cl E Guardians dot com slash Summer Camps for all the information and to sign up. Stay tuned. We'll lot more of Guardians weekly after this time out on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network. Great stuff from Dan Cohen, and once again the spot to go to is cl E Guardians dot com slash Summer Camps. All

the information is right there. Don't wait, as these camps tend to fill up and sell out quickly, so make sure you get your youngster signed up, whether it's boys or girls. They have baseball, softball, whatever you like, and they'll get you squared away and you'll learn baseball and softball. The Guardians way, so it should be a lot of fun this summer at all the different camps throughout northeast Ohio. And it's going to wind down our show this week.

Thanks so much for tuning in, and again we had this week and then next week our last show from Goodyear this spring. As always, it just seems to fly by as not much as left in spring training. Now the Guardians with a game up in surprise later today, a four to zero five first pitch. We'll be on the air shortly before four with just a short warm up show to get you going, and then the Guardians and Kansas City Royals meeting. As the Guardians continue to

get closer to the end of spring training. They're over in Maryville to play the Brewers on Sunday afternoon, and they head into that final week of exhibition play starting on Monday. The final full week of exhibition games next week, So we'll join you next week from right here in Goodyear, Arizona. One final show from spring training. As always, thanks to Brian Matse for helping to put together our shows each

and every week and until next week. This is Jimros and hell Hose reminding you that you've been listening to Guardians Weekly on the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network.

Speaker 1

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