WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 18: Slade Cecconi #43 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches in the second … [+]
Few teams have the track record of success revitalizing pitching careers like the Cleveland Guardians.
Last year, for example, the Guardians signed and provided starting pitching opportunities to veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd, and right-handers Alex Cobb, and Ben Lively.
Each made a significant contribution to the Guardians coming within one game of representing the American League in the World Series.
A competitor who is tough as nails, Lively, 32, returns to the rotation this spring, hoping to build on his excellent 13-10 season.
Boyd, 34, has signed with the Chicago Cubs as a free agent.
Cobb, 37 signed with the Detroit Tigers, where he is currently sidelined with hip inflammation.
The Guardians traded infielder Spencer Horwitz to the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-handed starter Luis L. Ortiz, who is ready to claim a role in the rotation.
The Guardians are also hoping for a resurgence of quality performances from right-handers Gavin Williams, and Triston McKenzie, as potential starters.
Lefty Joey Cantillo, who gained valuable MLB experience last year with Cleveland, is hoping to build on his spotty rookie season.
The Guardians will also look at lefty Logan Allen to retain the consistency that eluded him as a starter early last season.
The Guardians traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks for right-hander, Slade Cecconi.
Cecconi has major league experience, but he will likely be among the projects turned over to Cleveland’s master pitching guru, Carl Willis to unlock Cecconi’s potential.
This year, the Guardians pitching coaches will have plenty of projects to instruct.
New (Veteran) Starting Pitching Candidates:
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 14: Slade Cecconi #43 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a first inning … [+]
Slade Cecconi-RHP-Age 25
Cecconi is 6-4, 219 pounds.
It is important to note that Cecconi was a former 1st round selection of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2020.
To this old scout, Cecconi has outstanding upside remaining, with a superb arm, and untapped potential.
Cecconi can become a real sleeper, but not immediately.
He needs work on his delivery, on his mechanics, and he must regain confidence.
There is nobody better to help Cecconi than Carl Willis.
Last year with Arizona, his second with the team, Cecconi went 2-7, with a 6.66 ERA, and 1.41 WHIP in 20 appearances, including 13 starts.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 08: Kolby Allard #49 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a first inning … [+]
Kolby Allard-LHP-Age 27
Allard is a former 1st round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves.
Allard is 6-1, 195 pounds
Allard has parts of 7 Major League Baseball seasons of experience, most recently with the Philadelphia Phillies. All have been as a starter. Allard has a record of 11-24, with a 5.99 career ERA.
Allard is the pitcher this old scout feels has the best chance for success in 2025 as a potential member of the Guardians rotation.
For this old scout, Allard may be among countless lefties who have found success a bit later in their careers. And with the help of Willis and the Cleveland pitching team, Allard could be a wonderful addition to the pitching room.
PITTSBURGH, PA – APRIL 08: Vince Velasquez #27 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first … [+]
Vince Velasquez-RHP-Age 32
Velasquez is 6-3, 210 pounds.
Velasquez was a 2nd round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2010
Velasquez has parts of 9 years experience, with five different teams, most recently the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Last year, Velasquez did not pitch in Major League Baseball. He is coming off surgery to repair his right ulnar collateral ligament.
Velasquez has made 144 career starts, and has pitched in 191 games. He has a career record of 38-51, with a 4.88 ERA.
This old scout believes Velasquez will be quite a project for the pitching team.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 07: Jakob Junis #47 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the first … [+]
Jakob Junis-RHP-Age 32
Junis signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with Cleveland.
Junis could be a spot starter, or work in relief on the big league club.
Junis is 6-3, 238 pounds
Junis has pitched for the Kansas City Royals, the San Francisco Giants, the Milwaukee Brewers, and last year, for the Cincinnati Reds.
Junis pitched mostly in relief for the Reds.
Junis has parts of 8 seasons of experience, with a 42-45 record, and 4.48 ERA in 192 games, including 116 starts.
Junis threw 177 innings for the Royals in 2018, and was seen as a potential top starter for Kansas City.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – MAY 04: John Means #47 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the first inning … [+]
John Means-LHP-Age 31
The Guardians are finalizing a deal with John Means.
This is so important, look for a separate article on this signing from this writer in the near future.
