Guardians of the Future

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.

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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.

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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 about their record setting day for stolen bases and their advanced offense.

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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 also sticks around to talk about:

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's impressive two start week, Bibee's buzzworthy start, Gavin Williams hitting 101, and which prospects are missing from rosters.

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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:

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/

Justin Lada and Willie Hood speculate live about who the Cleveland Guardians will protect from the Rule 5 draft on the roster deadline day, November 15 at 6PM ET.  The guys live react to news of the Carlos Vargas for Ross Carver swap with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and then the other 3 additions of Angel Martinez, Joey Cantillo, and Tim Herrin. The Nolan Jones to Colorado trade for Juan Brito was announced after we finished live recording, so you won't hear that reaction here.

The Guardians of the Future podcast is back. Justin Lada and Willie Hood breakdown the Cleveland Guardians 2022/2023 offseason ahead.

On this week's episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada and Willie Hood discuss:

On this week's episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada and Willie Hood discuss:

On this episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada and Willie Hood disucss

On this week’s episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, Willie Hood joins Justin Lada to talk about:

On this week's episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, IBI/GBI's first Carolina League reporter, Josiah Elmore, joins Justin Lada to discuss:

We also run through Cody Morris' first start in the majors, Cleveland's pitching plans with Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale down, and other players debuts at new levels.

On this week's episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada and Willie Hood discuss:

On this 8/22/22 episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, Will Cunningham (https://twitter.com/willocunningham) joined Justin Lada to talk about:
- The Lake County Captains 2022 season thus far

- Promotions of Johnathan Rodriguez, Angel Martinez and Mason Hickman

- Mason Hickman taking off as a reliever?

- Why Rodriguez>Planez

- Petey Halpin's late season run of success

- What players have stood out for Will this season

- Other moving parts in the Guardians system including Nolan Jones, Richie Palacios and Cody Morris

This week on the Guardians of the Future podcast, Guardians Baseball Insider's Akron RubberDucks beat reporter John Elrod joins Justin Lada to discuss:

- Debuts of Xzavion Curry and Hunter Gaddis

- George Valera and Johnathan Rodriguez's promotion

- Tanner Bibee's impressive run at Akron

- What they learned about Micah Pries

- The health of Joey Cantillo

- Who might make the next MLB debut for Cleveland

- What will the roster in Cleveland look like a year from now

On this week's episode of the Guardians of the future podcast Justin Lada and Willie Hood

- Discuss the promotions of Will Benson, Tyler Freeman and Hunter Gaddis

- How these moves affect the 40 man roster

- How Cody Morris might impact the roster

- Could we see Bo Naylor in Toronto?

- The Framil Reyes decison

- How Joey Cantillo's recent arm troubles make him more attractive in the Rule 5 draft.

- and more...

On this week's episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada and Willie Hood:

- Record live as the buzzer ticked down on the MLB trading deadline

- Reacted to Cleveland's inactive deadline

- Figuring out how the 40 man roster is going to shape up

- Discuss the callup of Will Benson

- What is the future of Franmil Reyes? 

On this week's Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada and Willie Hood look back at the Cleveland Guardians 2022 draft class, give their favorite picks, their biggest upside and risks, where they rank among the Guardians current prospects and more. 

Here's a link back to the Twitter Spaces Justin and Willie hosted on Night 1 of the MLB draft to talk about Chase DeLauter, Justin Campbell and Parker Messick

https://twitter.com/JL_Baseball/status/1548850629782736896?s=20&t=jE_dMSEZ1CJ3HM0SrPBl0g

On this week's Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada and Willie Hood discuss:

On this week's episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada and Willie Hood discuss:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/lenny-torres-srs-cancer-fight?qid=1aa3426ebc68266b39731ba5cd0d0ea4

On this week's episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada and Willie Hood of Guardians Baseball Insider discuss

https://twitter.com/longenhagen/status/1436794462714281985

On this week's episode of the Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada is joined by GBI's Columbus Clippers beat writer Megan Husslein (https://twitter.com/meganhusslein) to check in on some of the storylines in Columbus lately. 

- Franmil Reyes' rehab

- The Clippers loaded outfield of Will Brennan, Will Benson, Nolan Jones, and Alex Call

- Tyler Freeman's recent hot streak

- James Karinchak's rehab

- Update on Bryan Lavastida's hamstring injury and Bo Naylor's promotion

- Some arms in Columbus that are struggling and thriving

- Carlos Vargas' return

and some questions...

Justin Lada returns from vacation and is joined by Willie Hood to talk about Will Brennan's recent tear in Columbus, Oscar Gonzalez's hot start in Cleveland, if they're worried about Brayan Rocchio or Tyler Freeman, Jack Leftwich's future, Nolan Jones' return and new swing, and more...

This week, Justin Lada and Willie Hood discuss:

Justin Lada and Willie Hood of Guardians Baseball Insider talk about the Player of the Week honored earned by RHP Hunter Gaddis and INF Milan Tolentino at Akron and Lynchburg respectively. They also discuss Jhonkensy Noel in OF, George Valera and Bo Naylor's hot week, more good pitching from Joey Cantillo, the best performers from the 2021 draft class, and a look at risers and fallers in the rankings.

This week on the Cleveland Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada is joined by GBI's RubberDucks beat report, John Elrod

Some of the topics covered:

Logan T. Allen's good start but a strange start Sunday

Who stands out from the impressive Akron rotation?

Thoughts on the 'Ducks bullpen of Enright, Marman, Herrin and Kelly?

What’s up with the hitting? Geroge Valera and Bo Naylor are drawing walks, but are having a hard time getting the bats going.

Will Brennan's hot start

Injury updates on Espino/Rocchio/Burns

Thoughts on adding Gavin Williams to Akron’s rotation

https://twitter.com/johnelrod_19

https://twitter.com/JL_Baseball

On this week's Cleveland Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada and Willie Hood discuss:

- The big pitching performances in Cleveland's system this week led by THE Logan Allen, Gavin Williams, Hunter Gaddis, Joey Cantillo and Tanner Bibee

- More injuries to the Guardians prospects including Brayan Rocchio and Tanner Burns

- What Richie Palacios going back to Triple-A means for the Guardians OF, Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez

- What Bobby Bradley's spot in Triple-A means for Nolan Jones

- Willie Two Bags stays hot

- Your questions

Justin Lada and Willie Hood of Cleveland Guardians Baseball Insider are joined by Cleveland Guardians pitching prospect Peyton Battenfield. We discussed many topics with Peyton, including the baseballs at Triple-A, the pitch clock, how he applies data and metrics in his approach to pitching, what he's working on with his pitches right now, how he spends his free time, and a quick scouting report on a potential Guardians draft prospect pitching at his alma mater (Oklahoma State).

Before the interview, Justin and WIllie also discuss

https://guardiansbaseballinsider.com/2022/05/03/2022-gbi-mock-draft-version-1-part-1/

https://northsidebound.com/2022/05/03/two-heads-are-better-than-one-a-collaborative-mock-draft/

https://guardiansbaseballinsider.com/2022/05/03/justinside-baseball-5-3-22-daniel-espinos-dominance-and-injury-logan-t-allens-new-pitch-jake-fox-in-cf-and-more-%ef%bf%bc/

Justin Lada and Willie Hood of Cleveland Guardians Baseball Insider delve into:

The 2022 minor league season is underway. Justin Lada and Willie Hood talk about the hot starts by Cleveland Guardians prospects in Daniel Espino, Gabriel Arias, Will Brennan, Gavin Williams and more, and discuss the first impressions by the 2021 draft class. 

DOWNLOADED AUDIO from Guardians Baseball Insider's Twitter Spaces chat on April 6, 2022 - The Guardians Baseball Insider team of Justin Lada, Joe Collins, Arthur Kinney, and special guest appearances from Pat Ellington Jr. and Spencer Carlson preview the Cleveland Guardians 2022 season ahead. 

The Cleveland Guardians have a very complex 40 man roster situation heading into the 2022 season. Justin Lada and Willie Hood debate how the organization is going to fit what they need on the opening day roster with injuries and lack of options, along with any chance of Jose Ramirez signing an extension. 

MLB is back with a new CBA, ending the arduous lockout. but the Cleveland Guardians haven't made any moves within the first week. Well, they did add Luke Maile. Justin Lada and Willie Hood talk about the new CBA's effects on Cleveland, why the Guardians haven't made any moves yet, and what they might do.

Justin Lada, Willie Hood and Pat Ellington Jr. complain about MLB's lockout issues a little bit, but if you fast forward past the first 20 minutes, the last 1+ hours are spent on the 2022 Guardians Baseball Insider prospect rankings.

https://guardiansbaseballinsider.com/cleveland-guardians-prospect-rankings-reports/

With the owners still locking out the players and no progress being made in MLB's CBA, Justin Lada and Willie Hood talk about Guardians Baseball Insider's top prospect rankings by way of a prospect draft. Willie and Justin each draft a team of all Guardians prospects and our listeners will decide which team they like better. 

MLB might not be able to find a fair deal to offer the MLBPA to get the CBA finished, but that's not stopping Justin Lada and Willie Hood from talking about Guardians Baseball Insider's 2022 Cleveland Guardians top prospect list coming out on 2/2. CBA talk, prospect rankings talk and more...

Justin Lada and Willie Hood recap the Cleveland Guardians 2022 International Signing Day class with some focus on Jaison Chourio and Victor Izturis. They also take a look at the latest CBA proposal from MLB to the MLBPA and what could work and what won't work. They also take your question.  

Justin Lada and Willie Hood look at the Cleveland Guardians trade of Francisco Lindor to the New York Mets a year later and where the franchise has gone since the big move. They also break down a little of the January 15 International Signing Class, and answer a bunch of questions. 

On the final episode of 2021 for the Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada, Willie Hood and Joe Coblitz look back at the 2021 Cleveland Indians season and the farm system. We go over the developments of the 2021 season and look ahead to who we're excited to see in 2022 and some predictions as well.

In the penultimate Guardians of the Future podcast in 2021, Justin Lada and Willie Hood of Guardians Baseball Insider take a look at the news that David S. Blitzer is reportedly buying a 35% stake in the Cleveland Guardians and what it means. They also look at the top-10 prospect lists of Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus, as well as ZiPS projections for the team in 2022. 

Travis Sawchik of The Score joins Justin Lada on a special Cleveland Guardians of the Future podcast to talk about MLB's lockout and the CBA negotiations. Travis educates us on some of the finer points of the labor issues in MLB, some ideas for the CBA and if baseball could have missed games due to the lockout in 2022.

Travis is a native Clevelander and has covered baseball for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, The Athletic, Fangraphs, 538 and now The Score. He is also the author of Big Data Baseball

Follow him on Twitter @Travis_Sawchik https://twitter.com/Travis_Sawchik/status/1466577614143905798

Read his coverage of the CBA at The Score here - https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/2241177/manfreds-letter-ought-to-be-a-call-for-players-to-dig-in

It's day 5 of the Major League Baseball lockout of 2021. Justin Lada and Willie Hood of Cleveland Guardians Baseball Insider are talking about the lockout issues, what it means for the Guardians, the MLB and MiLB Rule 5 draft, an interesting nugget of info on Jhonkensy Noel, some possible moves for Cleveland after the lockout and take your questions.

The 40 man roster deadline has passed and the Cleveland Guardians added 11 new players, and removed 7. Justin Lada and Willie Hood break those moves down, looking at the trade for Tobias Myers, what the plan looks like for the rest of the off-season, and are the Guardians hard to trade with?

Decision day is coming soon for the Cleveland Guardians 40 man roster additions. Justin Lada and Willie Hood of Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider are here to break the decisions and options down, make some choices and talk about the MLB offseason a little in the process

Justin Lada and Willie Hood welcomed some listeners/fans of the show onto a live recording of the podcast to talk about the Cleveland Guardians offseason ahead, including the 40 man roster decisions, losing coaches, the CBA negotiations as it relates to Cleveland, among other MLB topics. IBI's Pat Ellington also joined the show.

For the die-hard Cleveland Indians baseball and Cleveland Guardians prospect fans, Justin Lada and Joe Coblitz break down Richie Palacios' hot AFL start and his future, among other Arizona Fall League topics.

Justin and Joe also review the Arizona Complex League season and Lynchburg Hillcats season.

Some thoughts on baseball finally helping to provide minor leaguers housing in some form, your questions and a dog protecting Joe from a scorpion.

On this week's episode of the Cleveland Guardians of the Future podcast, Justin Lada and Willie Hood discuss the end of the year for the Cleveland Indians at the major league level and minors.

- Some thoughts on the 40 man roster decisions coming up

- Players who impressed this year and took a step forward

- Cody Morris' future role

- More exciting pitching coming

- What to do with Oscar Gonzalez

- Why there will be a lot of discussion around the team all winter

On this week's episode of (Cleveland) Guardians of the Future Justin Lada and Joe Coblitz discuss:

- The Akron RubberDucks championship victory 

- Nolan Jones' surgery and future now

- Anthony Gose's impressive debut as a pitcher

- Wrapping up the season's for the Lake County Captains, Lynchburg Hillcats and the ACL/DSL teams

On this week's episode of (Cleveland) Guardians of the Future with Justin Lada and Willie Hood:

- More on the Nolan Jones/Jose Ramirez situation

- Gabriel Arias' season and comparing him with Brayan Rocchio

- Daniel Espino's impressive finish to the season

- Akron RubberDucks' playoff rotation

- Who is the next Jose Ramirez?

Justin Lada and Stacy Hannan continue to debate where Nolan Jones' future is for the Cleveland Guardians

Also discussed:

- If/where Oscar Gonzalez fits in the OF

- Is Will Benson adding a new position?

- Xzavion Curry's rise in 2021

- Brayan Rocchio makes Baseball America's Top 100

- Francisco Perez is back, but Daniel Johnson is sent back to Triple-A

Follow @Official_IBI @JL_Baseball and @StacyHannan1 on twitter

On this week's episode of (Cleveland) Guardians of the Future: Justin Lada and Joe Coblitz play a game of pick'em between the future middle infielders and outfielders that are on, or need to be on the 40 man roster. Luis Durango Jr.'s gamesmanship is also discussed, what to make of James Karinchak's future, the debate between Bryan Lavastida and Bo Naylor, and more..

Justin Lada and Spencer Carlson talk about the future of the Cleveland Guardians roster

- Does Amed Rosario have to have a spot on the team in 2022?

- Why the bullpen is the most concerning spot going into next year

- Does Bradley ZImmer have a roster spot in 2022?

- Cal Quantrill and Triston McKenzie have provided good answers

- Does Nolan Jones fit this roster next year?

This week on Guardians of the Future with Justin Lada and Joe Coblitz:

- George Valera and Jhonkensy Noel's promotions to Akron and Lake County, respectively

- What relief prospects could be in the Cleveland Guardians bullpen in 2022?

- What are the timelines of Peyton Battenfield and Konnor Pilkington

- Will the 2022 Columbus Clippers pitching rotation be better than some MLB rotations?

- Other debates about who will be on the Cleveland Indians 40 man roster this winter

This week on Guardians of the Future, Justin Lada and Caleb Philips discuss why Baseball America and Fangraphs have the Cleveland Indians farm system ranked so different right now. 

Also discussed:

- When will we see Cody Morris of Nolan Jones?

- What is Richie Palacio's future role?

- Juan Hillman held together the Akron RubberDucks now loaded pitching staff

- Will playoffs push promotions for George Valera and Jhonekensy Noel?

- What happened to Aaron Bracho?

- Which middle infielders will move positions

Follow Justin @JL_Baseball and Caleb at @CalebPhilips8 and read the latest feature on C Bryan Lavastida and check out the latest prospect rankings update

https://indiansbaseballinsider.com/2021/08/16/adapting-quickly-nothing-new-for-cleveland-catching-prospect-bryan-lavastida/

https://indiansbaseballinsider.com/prospect-rankings-reports/

Jacob Benge and Stacy Hannan check-in from Columbus with Justin Lada about Cody Morris' first start for the Columbus Clippers.

Also this week 

- More on the rising Gabriel Arias

- Has Logan Allen improved?

- The promotion of Francisco Perez

- George Valera's rocket keeps rising

- Who will be in the Cleveland Guardians rotation in 2022?

- Who will man SS and 2B for the Guardians in 2022?

Follow @StacyHannan1 and @JacobBenge and @JL_Baseball and @official_IBI

Justin Lada and Spencer Carlson banter about a ton of topics surrounding the Cleveland Indians heading into the 2nd half

- Trading deadline

- Why the team isn't a buyer or a seller

- What to do with Eddie Rosario and Cesar Hernandez

- The future of the team in Cleveland and the future of Jose Ramirez

- The complexity of trading for a long term outfielder

And a bunch of other random topics

Justin Lada and Willie Hood recap the Cleveland Indians 2021 MLB Draft Class going over big picks like Gavin Williams and Doug Nikhazy and then talk about the three Florida Gators they took, the only two bats they drafted, sleepers in Hunter Stanley and Tommy Ventimilgia, Jake Fox, Tanner Bibee, Jack Letwich and more. Plus we answer your draft questions.

Willie Hood and Justin Lada come together for a special 2021 MLB Draft episode of the podcast

- What are the traits the Cleveland Indians look for?

- Pitchers to know for Cleveland including Chase Petty, Andrew Painter, Anthony Solomento, Frank Mozzicato, Gunnar Hoglund

- Hitters to know for Cleveland including Carson Williams, Harry Ford, Joe Mack, Edwin Arroyo, Peyton Stovall

- More trends and types to watch out for that fit the Cleveland Indians MLB Draft model

Justin Lada and Caleb Philips are back on this week's episode of the Farm report to discuss:

- Oscar Gonzalez continues to prove this is real
- Bo Naylor being selected to the MLB Futures Game
- Logan T. Allen's promotion to the Akron RubberDucks
- Cody Morris & Adam Scott join Akron's rotation
- Will Benson taking off as Akron's leadoff man
- Tyler Freeman's injury
- Bryan Lavastida's bat with the Lake County Captains
- Mason Hickman and Tanner Burns' varying arsenal's in Lake County
and more on the Cleveland Indians farm system

Justin Lada is joined by Jacob Benge on this week's Farm Report to talk about the Cleveland Indians minor league system

- Hot bats for the Columbus Clippers including Andres Gimenez, Nolan Jones, Oscar Mercado and Trenton Brooks

- Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen's most recent starts

- Oscar Gonzalez's bat carrying the Akron RubberDucks in a long week

- George Valera's continued success

- More good starts in Lake County from Xzavion Curry, Logan T. Allen and now Mason Hickman

- Alexfri Planez heating up 

On this week's episode of the Farm Report, Caleb Philips joins Justin Lada to break down the goings on in the Cleveland Indians system:

- George Valera's return
- Xzavion Curry's promotion
- Shane Bieber's injury and its ripple effect on the pitching in the minors
- Trenton Brooks' promotion
- Alex Call and Richie Palacios' offensive success for the Akron RubberDucks
- Nolan Jones' hot streak
- What other promotions could be coming? 

Justin Lada is joined by Willie Hood to split this week's Farm Report podcast up between the Cleveland Indians minor league system and 2021 MLB draft prep.

- Xzavion Curry's promotion

- Is Logan T. Allen not far from a promotion?

- Will Brennan and Trenton Brooks' power surge

- Jhonkensey Noel hurt again

- Angel Martinez stays hot

- Willie drops some names to watch out for in the 2021 MLB draft for Cleveland

Justin Lada and Caleb Philips dive into the Akron RubberDucks early play and another weekly roundup of the Cleveland Indians farm system.

Topics covered

- Tyler Freeman's bat taking off

- Akron's big relievers Nick Mikolajchak, Francisco Perez, Dakody Clemmber

- Columbus' pitching woes with Logan Allen, Scott Moss and players leaving to play for team USA

- Update on Jhonkensey Noel's big bat and injury

- Will Brennan's consistency for the Lake County Captains

- George Valera's absence causing concern

Follow Justin at @JL_Baseball and Caleb at @CalebPhilips8

Justin Lada and Pat Ellington have a realistic conversation about getting Owen Miller to Cleveland, along with realistic expectations. They also cover the speed and base running acumen of Jose Tena, Raynel Delgado and the rest of the Lake County Captains infielders as well as struggles of Nolan Jones/Bobby Bradley and Tyler Freeman's hitting prowess. 

Minor league baseball is back and Justin Lada and Willie Hood are back to breakdown the first week of action in the Cleveland Indians farm system. From the pitching debuts of Tanner Burns, Logan T. Allen, Daniel Espino, Josh Wolf and more, to Jhonkensey Noel hitting balls to moon this week. 

The Cleveland Indians are in first place. Justin Lada and Spencer Carlson talk about how a frustrating April still kept the team .500 as the bats of Eddie Rosario and Josh Naylor get hot. Harold Ramirez has come to save centerfield. Jose Ramirez is somehow getting better. Is Nick Sandlin part of Terry Francona's circle of trust in the bullpen? And a surprising answer on a question about Albert Pujols?

Justin Lada and Spencer Carlson debate the impacts and potential of Amed Rosario's move to CF, other roster decisions and why baseball can't get it's sport on tv en masse.

Justin Lada and John Fanta put the dirt on the coffin of the Cleveland Indians 2020 season, discuss the future of Francisco Lindor and the 2021 season and beyond.

Justin Lada and John Fanta recap the Tribe's final crazy week of the 2020 season and get you ready for the Cleveland Indians matchup in the 2020 Wild Card series against the New York Yankees. Breakdowns of the rotation, offense, bullpen, x-factors and more.

On a special episode of the Smoke Signals Podcast, Justin Lada of Indians Baseball Insider is joined by Tim Shirer of the Lake County Sentinel to dive in to how the Lake County Captains won the 2010 Midwest League title with a roster of names that you may or may not remember and a pretty famous coaching staff. Well remind you of names you may have forgotten and give you some behind the scenes stories of that 2010 Lake County Captains team.

On the edition of Smoke Signals, Justin Lada is joined by IBI writer Willie Hood to talk about Rob Manfred's handling of the Astros situation, Mike Clevinger's knee injury, a (minuscule) chance of a Fransisco Lindor contract extension, Domingo Santana and the Indians crowded outfield. We also address the future of Indians Baseball Insider.