News and Notes for Sunday, June 29th, 2025
I was just listening to a podcast asking whether it was worse for fans to have an inept offense or an unreliable bullpen. Right now, the Guardians have both.
The Guardians lost 9-6 to the Cardinals after taking a 6-1 lead. This was a team effort from Slade Cecconi who faltered in the fifth, giving up two runs, Matt Festa who couldn’t get an out and Tim Herrin who couldn’t clean it up, and Stephen Vogt who stuck with Kolby Allard forever. Frustratingly, Festa has been good – had a 2.49 FIP headed into that game. But, he was not good yesterday and may not be good anymore because that is how bullpen guys do.
The offense was good for one inning. Kyle Manzardo and Gabriel Arias hit home runs, Lane Thomas and Nolan Jones hit doubles. For just a minute, it looked like the players only meeting the team held after getting dominated by Sonny Gray had worked. But, it didn’t take in the bullpen.
This is a rough time. The Tigers are good and their minor league system looks very good. Chips are down; we have to see who steps up.
Chris Antonetti had his mid-season check-in with reporters. He didn’t say anything of particular note, just repeating the company line that it is hard to compete and develop young players at the same time, and that they believe their young hitters will figure it out like their young pitchers (mostly) have.
Optimistic Chris Antonetti, the #Guardians president of baseball operations, is confident the hitters will improve. Including Bo Naylor. pic.twitter.com/LuFRy9OBij
— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) June 28, 2025
#Guardians President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti on RF Chase DeLauter’s work in Columbus this year, the factors they weigh when considering recalling him and what he thinks about the fanbase’s passion to see him and other young talent get the call-up. pic.twitter.com/hUKb4Qm8a8
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) June 28, 2025
The past 12 years have been pretty good to Guardians fans, so maybe I shouldn’t complain about how rough things feel right now. But, it certainly feels like the team needs to make some significant changes both now and for their future. Like promoting Chase DeLauter, of course. But they’ve got Terry Pluto out doing propaganda about how DeLauter just hasn’t played enough games in Triple-A.
Oh, and, finally, I hope Kevin Gausman is doing some weeding and doesn’t see some poison ivy and then he has to use the restroom but doesn’t wash his hands first.