The Cleveland Guardians have found some balance.
Despite not having the most talent in the American League, or the most prominent rotation in baseball, they’re back in the mix for a playoff spot.
That comes on the heels of a somewhat surprising trip to the ALCS last season.
That’s why former Guardians manager Mike Hargrove doesn’t want to hear anything negative about current skipper Stephen Vogt.
Hargrove recently showered his colleague with praise and called out the naysayers.
“Stephen Vogt does a great job with his lineup. Anyone who second guesses him is just whistling in the wind,” Hargrove said, via the “Carlos Baerga Show.”
"Stephen Vogt does a great job with his lineup. Anyone who second guesses him is just whistling in the wind." #GuardsBall
Mike Hargrove has strong praise for Guardians' manager Stephen Vogt.
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— Carlos Baerga Show (@BaergaShow) August 11, 2025
Even when the Guardians looked completely out of sorts in June, Vogt managed to stay calm and in control.
The team struggled at the plate yet continued to find ways to win games.
That speaks volumes about the manager.
More than that, the fact that they were able to bounce back from such a lengthy slump and never wavered goes to show that they never lost faith in one another.
Motivation and player management are big parts of the job, but Vogt is not flawless.
There’s a legitimate case to be made for Kyle Manzardo to get more playing time.
Yet, the balance under Vogt has been more positive than negative, and he’s earned the benefit of the doubt.
NEXT: Guardians Player Is Turning Heads As 'A Truly Dangerous Hitter'
