Smoke Signals

The voice of Huntington Park and the Columbus Clippers, Matt Leinginger, joins the podcast to share what powers he does and doesn't have over the Columbus Clippers roster, working in minor league baseball and social media, why he's optimistic about Jhonkensy Noel, Angel Martinez, Kyle Manzardo, Cade Smith and others. And we also discuss what makes a good minor league ballpark experinece, and why he never settles for just good enough. https://x.com/CLBClippers?s=20 https://www.tiktok.com/@clbclippers https://www.milb.com/columbus/schedule/2024-04 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/heNIGFVAxYc

Akron RubberDucks broadcaster Marco LaNave joins the podcast to put the bow on the 'Ducks 2023 season. Even though Akron didn't make the playoffs, there was plenty to talk about from Chase DeLauter's brief stint at the end of the season, Franco Aleman's incredible run in Double-A, and what he needs to work on. We talked about Will Dion's impressive output at Double-A and how he's able to keep it up despite the low velocity. We also talked about Juan Brito's future in Cleveland, Aaron Bracho's resurgence, Tanner Burns' move to the bullpen, Ross Carver being an underrated pitcher, and what may be ahead for the RubberDucks in 2024. Subscribe and watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WInH_QRwniU Subscribe to the newsletter: https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/ Follow Marco on Twitter: https://x.com/LaNaveMarco?s=20 Link to Jim Clark articles: https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/news/akron-rubberducks-broadcaster-calls-3500th-game https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2

The Lynchburg Hillcats finished the 2023 season over .500 for the firs time since 2018, despite making the playoffs in 2022. They did it with interesting hitters between Jose Devers' surprising power at the end of the year, Guy Lipscomb's wheels, Wuilfredo Antunez's tenacity and more. Hillcats broadcaster Jason Prill stops by to put a bow on the Hillcats 2023 season.We get into Devers' season, Jaison Chourio's brief stint, why strikeouts and walks are inconsistent at the Low-A level, if Yorman Gomez is going to be an interesting international pitching prospect, and what the 2024 Hillcats will look like. https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/

As minor league baseball winds down for the 2023 season, the Lake County Captains season has come to a close. It was an interesting year with the biggest story being Chase DeLauter's exciting second half once he was healthy, showing why he was a first round pick. On this week's Guardians of the Future, Michael Mahoney, a game day operator for the Captains, joins Justin Lada to talk about the Captains roster in 2023 including Chase DeLauter, Parker Messick, Ethan Hankins, Dayan Frias, Jake Fox, Kahlil Watson, Franco Aleman, Steven Hajjar, Cooper Ingle and more. Follow Mike on social media https://twitter.com/MMahoney157?s=20 and subscribe to the Next Year in Cleveland newsletter https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/ Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CzTbsMNub8I

On this episode of the Guardians of the Future, we discuss the recent rehab games from new prospect Kyle Manzardo and if he could and will come up before the end of the year. We also talk about if George Valera should come up in September for Cleveland, what prospects could be promoted in the system like Jaison Chorio and Ralphy Velazquez. We talk about who's hot and who's not in the minors for the Guardians, why they didn't make Bryan Lavastida the backup option when Cam Gallagher got hurt, and I chat with Parker Messick after his 10 strikeout performance last week in Lake County. Subscribe to the newsletter: https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7pfq43LvsQ

The Cleveland Guardians had an interesting and somewhat controversial trading deadline. On this episode of Guardians of the Future, we discuss why the Guardians decided to move Aaron Civale now, why Kyle Manzardo could solve a long term need for the team, and how the Guardians got a lot of potential out of the Josh Bell deal. We also discuss some the 2023 draft class debuting in the minors this week and why the Guardians are suddenly having these guys play in games in their draft year. This week's episode wraps up with an interview with Guardians OF Jake Fox after his 4-4 day two weeks ago and how he's improved a the plate and in the field throughout the year. And our final interview with Akron manager Rouglas Odor, who discusses Will Dion's ability to pitch, the current roles of Tanner Burns and Jack Leftiwch, Juan Brito's success and health, Franco Aleman's breakout, and what got Angel Martinez and Jose Tena promoted. https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/

Justin Lada and Willie Hood run through the Cleveland Guardians 2023 draft class, their thoughts on first round pick Ralphy Velazquez, high upside high school arm Alex Clemmey, interesting day two and day three players and answer your draft questions. https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/ Watch on YouTube

Justin Lada, Jared Sziber and Joe Werner banter about the first round of the 2023 MLB draft leading up to the Guardians pick at 23 and then react to the pick. A long one, but plenty of fun draft and Guardians banter.

Just before the 2023 MLB draft, Justin Lada and Willie Hood look at the latest mock drafts from over at Next Year in Cleveland, the big outlets and look at possibilities for the Guardians at pick 23, 534 and 62, and then deeper in the draft. A deep dive on the Guardians draft philosophies, strengths, weaknesses, what to know, tyes like Brock Wilken, Nolan Schaunel, Colt Emerson, some of our favorite pitchers and deep sleeper hitters. If you love the Guardians and the MLB draft, this one's for you! Latest Next Year in Cleveland mock draft: https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/p/next-year-in-clevelands-2023-mock Next Year in Cleveland draft coverage: https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/p/cleveland-guardians-mlb-draft-coverage Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J6_4srC3dOo

For the first time this year, Willie Hood is back to join Justin Lada to recap the highlights and lowlights from the first half of the minor league baseball season from the Cleveland Guardians minor league system and then a whole lot of 2023 MLB Draft talk and who the Guardians could take at 23/58/96. Subscribe to the newsletter for more: https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube

Former Guardians Baseball Insider intern and current Baseball Prospectus/Red Black Green Baseball writer Pat Ellington joins Justin Lada on this week's episode of Guardians of the Future to discuss Cleveland Guardians prospects in High-A Lake County. Topics/players discussed: Juan Brito and the unfair comparisons to Jose Ramirez Ethan Hankins' first few starts back Other standout players in Lake County Which Lake County starter deserves a promotion Sleeper pitcher Reid Johnston Gavin Williams' dominance but a deeper question about his arsenal and pitch usage Joey Cantillo's promotion to Triple-A Can Bo Naylor finish off his development at the big league level? Will George Valera continue to have little injuries? Should Gabriel Arias be the next shortstop or is he better utilized in other roles? Parker Messick is ready for a promotion Gabriel Rodriguez's recent power surge and how he can do it more often Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4Z6qy9yYOiM Subscribe to N

Akron RubberDucks broadcaster Marco LaNave joins host Justin Lada for this week's episode of the podcast. Marco gives some insight into Joey Cantillo's efforts to attack the zone and be more consistent following his 13 strikeout performance a few weeks ago, as well as looking into what has Aaron Bracho off to a potentially resurgent start to the season. Also discussed is the tandem starter group of Doug Nikhazy and Jack Leftwich that is loaded with potential, how Bryan Lavastida can respond from his removal from the 40 man roster, what has helped Cade Smith become the top closer in the Eastern League, and getting Angel Martinez turned around. Justin also discusses the return of George Valera, the differences between Brayan Rocchio and Amed Rosario as prospects, what's holding Bo Naylor back, Parker Messick winning Pitcher of the Week in the Carolina League, and the return of Ethan Hankins, including two interviews with Hankins before his start back and following his second start last week. Subsc

This week on the Guardians of the Future podcast, we check in on the Double-A Akron RubberDucks. What does the pitching depth look like in Akron with Gavin Williams up to Double-A?How will Akron replace Williams' innings? What's with Angel Martinez's slow start and the lack of hitting so far by the prospects on the RubberDucks? We also review the impressive rookie debuts of Logan Allen and Tanner Bibee, discuss why the Guardians decided to give David Fry a try in their three catcher experiment. We discuss the return of Ethan Hankins to an affiliate for the first time since 2019, Bryan Lavastida's future now that he cleared waivers. I also give as many injury updates on guys as I can, talk a little bit about the pitching pipeline looking suspect below Double-A and answer some listener questions. Make sure you're subscribing to the newsletter - https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/ You can watch the podcast as well: https://youtu.be/_LYNevuGWSc

It was a weird week in Columbus with rainouts and promotions and callups. Logan Allen was called up to make his debut with the Cleveland Guardians Sunday, so on this week's episode, we get into his debut and where's been first. While talking about the Clippers we also talk about Tanner Bibee's first start where he "struggled" by his standards and what's next for him. We also get into:- Jhonkensy Noel's slow start and struggles - David Fry's future - Brayan Rocchio's brief call-up - The Touki Toussaint Experiment - Micah Pries slowing down after a strong start We also check in on Akron to talk about another dominant start by Gavin Williams, the decision to designate Bryan Lavastida for assignment, Tanner Burns' most recent solid start At Lake County, also discussed is Juan Brito looking like a good hitter that belongs right away, a live look at Trenton Denholm for the first time, Joe Lampe's hot start and Tyler Thornton's stuff. In Lynchburg, we talk abou

On this week's episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, Lynchburg Hillcats broadcast Jason Prill joins Justin Lada to talk about the Hillcats mature offense and pitching staff, as well as: Jason's background growing up in Cleveland and becoming the Hillcats broadcaster Nate Furman moving into the leadoff spot, being a sparkplug and leader Wuilfedo Antunez's mature approach Manuel Mejias being the youngest position player at a Guardians affiliate this year so far Guy Lipscomb's chances of an early promotion to Lake County Parker Messick dominating early What to look for coming up in Lynchburg Jason also sticks around to talk about: Reid Johnston being underrated Will Dion and Trenton Denholm off to good starts in '23 Joe Lampe's early season success Yordys Valdes' offensive improvement Justin also discusses why it's likely you will see Logan Allen and Tanner Bibee before Joey Cantillo in 2023 despite Cantillo being on the 40 man roster, Allen'

The Guardians of the Future podcast is back with another epsiode before the start of the minor league season this week! Topics discussed this week: Guardians acquire LHP Steven Hajjar to complete the Will Benson trade with the Reds Tim Herrin and Hunter Gaddis make the opening day roster out of the bullpen Taking your prospect questions My Guardians prospect predictions for 2023 https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/

On this week's episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, we give the reminder about how Bo Naylor's role was always going to play out in 2023,  how Cleveland might handle the injuries to Sam Hentges and Cody Morris with regards to Tim Herrin's case in the short and long term, what role we could see for Joey Cantillo in 2023. We also look at the possible role for Peyton Battenfield. Some good news on Ethan Hankins and how Micah Pries and Petey Halpin are getting noticed in spring training. And of course an update on prospects playing in the World Baseball Classic. https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/  https://www.mlb.com/guardians/news/cody-morris-may-find-spot-in-guardians-bullpen  https://www.mlb.com/guardians/news/guardians-prospect-petey-halpin-gets-spring-opportunity  https://theathletic.com/4281077/2023/03/07/guardians-spring-training-observations/

On this episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, I'm joined by new Lake County Captains owner Alan Miller to talk about the exciting changes coming to the Captains franchise and Classic Park this season. We talk about what got Alan into baseball, specifically minor league baseball, his history in marketing and working in baseball and sports, as well as some of the cool changes and promotions we'll see at Classic Park in 2023. I'll also give some spring training thoughts and observations on players making noise right now and some players I think have a chance to be in Lake County this year. https://www.milb.com/lake-county/tickets/promotions https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/

This week's episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast is a solo venture. - Breaking down the Will Benson/Justin Boyd trade with the Cincinnati Reds - Notable Cleveland Guardians minor league coaching assignments - Cleveland's non-roster prospect invitees to spring training - Guardians prospects playing in the World Baseball Classic and the impact of that on those prospects - And which Guardians prospects could benefit from other players on the team playing in the World Baseball Classic https://nextyearincleveland.substack.com/ https://linktr.ee/JLCLE

On this episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, 2022 Cleveland Guardians draft pick Nate Furman was gracious enough to join us to talk about a lot of different things. We talked about his Philadelphia Eagles playing in the Super Bowl, his time in the Cape Cod League and why teams like the Guardians may value players who have had success playing there, his draft day experience, what he's working on as a player and how he approaches the game, all the way to his walkup song and what he's been watching on Netflix, and how important his family is to everything he does.   Find more about Guardians prospects over at Next Year in Cleveland - https://nextyearincleveland.substack. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JL_Baseball  Listen to the show wherever you get podcasts and subscribe while you're here: https://youtu.be/TTzqy-lLbzc https://www.audacy.com/podcast/guardians-of-the-future-34dc9 https://open.spotify.com/show/7cF00JyLELzHAQrthDJYje https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guardians-of