Cleveland Sports Forum

MLB owners are buzzing about ‘golden at-bat’ rule concept, according to commissioner

Updated: Dec. 03, 2024,

By Joe Noga, cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Picture the scene at Progressive Field: In the bottom of the ninth inning, the Guardians have the bases loaded with two out in a close game and are facing their opponent’s hard-throwing closer.

Austin Hedges is due up after entering as a defensive substitute in the eighth. The Guards’ chances at a comeback look bleak with their light-hitting backup catcher in the box. In the past, there would be nothing Cleveland could do because manager Stephen Vogt’s most dangerous hitters were two or three spots away in the lineup.

But this time, Vogt has an ace in the hole: the “golden at-bat.”

Suddenly, José Ramírez emerges from the dugout. The golden at-bat concept gives each team a chance to send their best hitter to the plate one time during a game, regardless of whether or not it is that player’s turn in the lineup.

It sounds like some sort of fantasy, or a rule designed by the owner of the Savannah Bananas to create the kind of circus atmosphere heretofore unheard of for a sport steeped in regulations and traditions, which have gone largely unchanged for the better part of 150 years.

But we are already living in a reality of pitch timers, pickoff limits and ghost runners in extra innings. Could the golden at-bat soon be a part of baseball, whether we like it or not?

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, during an October appearance on John Ourand’s The Varsity podcast, floated the very idea of teams being able to randomly substitute their best hitter — one time — at critical moments in any game.

And, even more telling, Manfred said baseball’s owners are warm to the idea.

“There are a variety of [rule changes] that are being talked about out there,” Manfred said during the podcast. “One of them — there was a little buzz around it at an owners’ meeting — was the idea of a golden at-bat. That rule, and things like that, are in the conversation-only stage right now.”

ayson Stark, writing for The Athletic, proffered several variations of the rule, including limiting it to being used by teams who are trailing or tied, or only allowing a golden at-bat in the seventh inning or later.

The golden at-bat rule is aimed at creating more of baseball’s signature dramatic late-inning moments from the offensive side of things. Think Aaron Judge vs. Emmanuel Clase in the ninth inning of a playoff game.

On second thought, maybe think Jhonkensy Noel vs. Luke Weaver and David Fry vs. Clay Holmes. Yeah, that’s better.

There are still plenty of aspects that need to be ironed out. What happens if a manager uses his golden at-bat to start an inning, and that hitter is also scheduled to bat later in the inning? Can players who have exited the game re-enter to take a golden at-bat?

The goal here is to showcase MLB’s biggest stars and create opportunities for them to produce dramatic moments. So, would only All-Stars be allowed to take a golden at-bat? Or could managers manipulate the rule using analytics in order to get the most favorable matchup, regardless of whether or not that includes Judge, Ramírez, Shohei Ohtani or Juan Soto?

A golden at-bat could artificially manufacture a steady flow of drama late in games during the regular season. It could also do away with endings that fizzle due to undesirable matchups. Imagine if Terry Francona had a golden at-bat up his sleeve in the 10th inning of Game 7 in 2016 and could have sent Francisco Lindor to the plate instead of Michael Martinez.

That would have been a golden at-bat that every Cleveland fan could get behind.

Stark theorized that MLB could potentially test the rule at next year’s All-Star Game. But while several players he talked to seemed open to the idea, most front office personnel and several players and coaches voiced their opposition.

The concept seems to take away from the idea of baseball as the ultimate team sport, raising individuals with star power above all others in an effort to produce moments that have, up to now, happened organically throughout the game’s history.

That is what made the Guardians so special in 2024, their ability to get contributions from both the star players in their lineup as well as the rookies and unheralded backups on a daily basis. Sure, everybody would like to see Ramírez bat more often with the game on the line, but Fry hit two walk-off home runs in the playoffs this year. Would a golden at-bat rule have robbed Cleveland fans of those moments if Vogt had that option?

For now, the golden at-bat is still just a concept. One that will surely ignite passions throughout the sport. But the fact that Manfred is talking about it in the open means there is support at baseball’s highest levels. And once an idea like this gains momentum, there is no telling how far it could go.

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Guardians Bring In Former Dodgers And Astros Pitching Mind

December 4, 2024

By Andres Chavez

There are very few organizations with a better reputation of developing pitching than the Cleveland Guardians.

They have worked wonders with many top starters for longer than a decade now, and deserve every bit of praise they get.

To coach and develop reliable pitchers every year, the Guardians have to employ the right personnel.

They made a solid hire on Wednesday, bringing in Ezra Bye from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Bye also has experience working with the Houston Astros.

“Guardians land former Dodgers/Astros pitching mind into new pitching dev role. Those orgs have done a great job historically with pitching and Cleveland obviously has a reputation and looking to improve there again,” Guardians reporter Justin Lada posted on X.

Bye himself had broken the news of his hiring on X.

A former pitcher himself (he logged some stats in 2016 in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference), Bye has been on the ‘other’ side of the game for a few years now.

He was with the Dodgers in 2024, where he helped implement a new rehab throwing program, among other things.

He left LA after being one of many pieces that contributed to winning a World Series title.

Cleveland knows that the recipe for a solid player development program starts with prepared, forward-thinking people like Bye.

His official job title will be assistant of pitching development and analysis.

He seems to be eager and excited for his new opportunity in an up-and-coming organization like the Guardians.

He surely has a lot to contribute to help keep Cleveland pitching near the top of the league.

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Marlins Southpaw Makes For Exciting Trade Target For The Guardians

December 4, 2024

By Andres Chavez

[ Posted about this guy last spring. I'd love to land this fish ]

The Cleveland Guardians need to add two or three quality arms to their rotation during the off-season.

It feels like we have said that more than enough times, but it’s important to keep that in mind especially with the Winter Meetings right around the corner.

There are many free agents the Guardians could potentially afford that would dramatically improve the outlook of the staff: Walker Buehler, Shane Bieber, Alex Cobb, and many more.

The trade market has traditionally worked out just fine for Cleveland and, once again, appears as a potential solution.

Guardians of the Land identified Jesus Luzardo from the Miami Marlins as one of the best fits for Cleveland.

“Jesús Luzardo had a top-10 spin rate on his fastball, top-5 on his cutter, and top-25 on his changeup in 2023. His 2024 campaign was mired with injuries, but if his medicals look OK, he probably has the highest ceiling of any realistic SP target aside from Bieber/Buehler,” he posted on X.

Jesús Luzardo had a top-10 spin rate on his fastball, top-5 on his cutter, and top-25 on his changeup in 2023. His 2024 campaign was mired with injuries, but if his medicals look OK, he probably has the highest ceiling of any realistic SP target aside from Bieber/Buehler.







Luzardo was limited to 12 starts last season, due to a left flexor muscle strain (an elbow issue) and a lumbar stress reaction.

The results were poor, as he put up a 5.00 ERA, but it’s easy to see why.

A healthy Luzardo is capable to post a 3.58 ERA and 208 strikeouts, like he did in 2023.

Those are basically 2024 Garrett Crochet numbers that could be acquired with a slight discount.

Again, only if Luzardo’s medicals check out, he makes sense as a trade acquisition for the Guardians.

The talented lefty has incredible stuff and the Guardians work wonders with their pitcher, so he is destined to succeed in Cleveland if the organization goes for it.

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Perhaps they can find a Ben Lively, someone who's DFA'd and will cost then less than $1M and hope to get supremely lucky again. They like cheap strategies.
they scooped a couple of such guys mideason last year who were as bad as anticipated:

Spencer Howard and Darren McCaughan totaled 11 innings matched by 11 runs.
Lively's pedigree was no better but he worked out.

Like the Brewers, the Guardians were a playoff qualifier. But it should surprise no one that Cleveland is open to trade offers for first baseman Josh Naylor and outfielder Lane Thomas, both of whom are entering their walk years. MLB Trade Rumors projects Naylor to earn $12 million in arbitration, Thomas $8.3 million. Rinse and repeat: When a player’s salary rises and his years of control diminish, small-market teams often look for a way out.



The Guardians are unsettled in center and right, but Thomas might be the easier player to part with, considering he only joined the club at the trade deadline. Naylor, acquired from the San Diego Padres at the 2020 deadline, has emerged not only as one of the Guardians’ most valuable position players, but also as a galvanizing force in the clubhouse and dugout.



Kyle Manzardo looms as a potential replacement for Naylor, but the Guardians’ best lineup against right-handed pitching would include both left-handed hitters, one at DH. Coming off a magical run to the ALCS, the Guardians should be adding to their offense, not subtracting. As they face the losses of Shane Bieber and Alex Cobb on top of Matthew Boyd in free agency, they also could use rotation help. Per FanGraphs, their estimated payroll of $98 million is below last year’s figure of $104 million.

Ken Rosenthal

I would think dealing Naylor could make more sense since we have Manzardo who's a majorleague bat, not sure about his defense; Kayfus coming along fast finished at Akron; and Velazquez finished at lake County. I like Naylor's offense and he's improving as a first baseman, but he's at a position where they have depth.

I don't know how they replace Thomas since he filled a large gap in the first place. Petey Halpin is hardly ready for the majors. I don't think we want to bring Myles Straw back; or re-try Freeman as the CF.

Martinez would be the first guy in CF.

Forgot about him, but I agree with you
[Over the winter names tend to float away from the foreground of my mind; I recline past CFs much better: e.g. Ty Cline, Jose Cardenal, not to mention Vic Davalillo

Bieber re-ups with Guardians (source)
3:59 PM MST
Mandy Bell



CLEVELAND – Shane Bieber is coming back to Cleveland.

The former Cy Young winner agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal with the Guardians for 2025 that includes a $16 million player option for 2026 ($4 million buyout), sources told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Friday. That means it’ll either be a $14 million one-year deal or a $26 million two-year deal if Bieber exercises the option.

The Guardians have not confirmed the deal.

This was a reunion that no one could’ve seen coming just one year ago. At that time, Bieber was entering his final year under Cleveland’s control before heading into free agency. Given his track record, it was clear that Bieber would be well out of the Guardians’ price range. But during the first week of the 2024 season, everything changed.

Bieber was the best he had been since he took home that AL Cy Young trophy in 2020. He talked about falling in love with the game again after tinkering with his arsenal and battling nagging injuries the last few seasons. This was the version of himself he knew he could be. And this was going to be the type of player to rake in big money in free agency.

He struck out 11 batters in six scoreless innings on Opening Day. He started to feel pain in his throwing elbow and during his next start – one in which he fanned nine hitters in another six scoreless frames – the pain intensified. He walked off the rubber after the sixth inning with tears in his eyes, knowing what would come next.

Bieber underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery in April. He knew that the recovery would last well into 2025. Everything he thought this year was building toward was ripped away, including an exhilarating first taste of free agency. But suddenly, a reunion with the Guardians became possible.

At the end of the season, Bieber and Cleveland’s front office met and expressed mutual interest in bringing the ace back. The Guardians desperately need starting pitching and Bieber needs a place to finish his rehab and get back to proving his worth in the Majors. It makes sense on both ends.

Bieber has grown up in the Guardians’ system. The medical staff knows him better than anyone else could during a recovery process like this. He’s seen countless pitchers come back from injuries with this organization and thrive. He’s experienced first-hand what the Cleveland Pitching Factory can do for any type of hurler. He can come back to a familiar environment with coaches who have known him for his entire career and pitch the way he did in the small window he had in 2024. If he does that, even for just a second half of a season, his value next winter will be off the charts again.

The Guardians adding the option into the deal likely gave Bieber a sense of security. If there is a setback in his recovery or if he takes a little while to get his feet under him when he returns to the rubber, he already has a guaranteed option in his back pocket for 2026. Plus, as it’s been reported, Bieber has been vocal about wanting to come back to Cleveland.

This deal provides some security for the Guardians when it comes to their rotation, but not enough. The team knows what it will get in Bieber when he’s healthy enough to return, which is exactly what it needs: a top-tier, frontline starter to pair with Tanner Bibee. However, Bieber can’t provide that until the summer. That means Cleveland still needs help in the first half of the season.

Excellent !!!

Great guy, but unfortunately we get at best 1/2 a season from him if his recovery is on the short end of average.

Guardians Utilityman Getting Reps In Center Field Amid Lane Thomas Trade Talk

December 6, 2024

By Andres Chavez

On Thursday, it was reported that the Cleveland Guardians were open to listen on trade inquiries about two regulars: first baseman Josh Naylor and center fielder Lane Thomas.

Naylor being named as a trade candidate is not surprising.

He is entering the final season of team control before becoming a free agent and the Guardians have Kyle Manzardo ready to take over at first base.

Now, Thomas being available is a bit shocking, although it makes some sense given his salary.

If Thomas goes via trade, the Guards are likely to employ some internal options to replace him, barring a trade for a younger outfielder with more team control.

Angel Martinez, who is a natural infielder, could be one of the alternatives.

He has been getting reps at center field back home in the Dominican Republic.

“Cleveland #Guardians 22yr old switch-hitting (INF/OF) prospect Angel Martinez putting in work defensively in CF and taking live BP out at the organizations Dominican Academy today,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1864839058326774200

If Martinez can show he can be a decent defensive center fielder over a large sample, he has a good chance of winning the job provided Thomas is traded (not a given).

In 150 innings there last season, he had 1 Defensive Run Saved and -1 Out Above Average.

Martinez showed tremendous promise offensively this past season, but the league adjusted to him and he finished with a below-average 83 wRC+ in MLB.

He was at 111 in Triple-A, though, so he can adjust back if given the chance.

His calling card is his ability to draw walks but he also has sneaky power and speed.

His role in 2025 will largely depend on what the Guardians do with Thomas, but he has a chance to be a regular.

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Alex Cobb signs one year contract with Detroit.

Ken Rosenthal
@Ken_Rosenthal


Free-agent right-hander Alex Cobb in agreement with Tigers on one-year contract, sources tell
@TheAthletic
. Deal is pending a physical.
3:40 PM · Dec 9, 202

Giminez is being traded to Toronto !!!!!!!