The Cleveland Guardians did not waste any time finding their next manager to replace Terry Francona.
Francona is a baseball legend, but he was ready to step away from the game for good.
The Guardians seemed interested in bringing in another “players’ coach.”
Someone who can relate to the players and motivate them to be at their best.
It appears the Guardians found the best man for the job in former Oakland Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt.
Vogt last played in the Major Leagues during the 2022 season.
So you can bet he is familiar with the landscape of the league and how players like to be managed.
The new Guardians manager had his introductory press conference with the team on Friday.
When asked about having the youngest roster in baseball, Vogt said: “There’s nothing harder than making it to the Big Leagues and believing you belong.”
He wants to make all the Guardians’ young players feel like they belong.
It's a youth movement and Vogter knows exactly what he signed up for.
We're ready to run through a brick wall for this man.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/0QuBB6ZCwu
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) November 10, 2023
Having a former player in the clubhouse is invaluable.
Many teams do not have that luxury.
Vogt is privy to everything going on in the sport and can relate to all of his players.
It should not surprise anyone if the Guardians are back in postseason contention next year.
They have a solid roster and play in the AL Central which is a weak division.
Sometimes all it takes is a change in the clubhouse to get the team to start playing better.
All of Cleveland hopes Vogt will be the right man for the job and help turn this team back into contenders.
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