SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Emmanuel Clase #48 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch ... More against the San Diego Padres during the eighth inning at Petco Park on April 02, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) Getty Images The major decision makers on the Cleveland Guardians are dealing with a team that has shown uneven results in every facet of their major league club. The three principal individuals charged with making Guardians player personnel decisions are: Chris Antonetti-President, Baseball Operations Mike Chernoff-General Manager Stephen Vogt- Manager Each is highly respected in Major League Baseball. Each appears to be unflappable; capable of remaining calm and collected in adversity. Each has the knowledge and expertise to manage challenges faced in baseball operations decisions. In this young season, the Guardians brass must cope with uneven play in every aspect of their big league club. Antonetti, Chernoff, and Vogt have been responsive, but have remained confident in their abilities to shepherd their team through both good and bad times. MORE FOR YOU Google’s Update Decision—Bad News For 50% Of Android Users ‘NYT Mini’ Clues And Answers For Thursday, May 1 NYT ‘Strands’ Today: Hints, Spangram And Answers For Thursday, May 1st Arizona Diamondbacks' Josh Naylor waits his turn to bat against the Atlanta Braves during the first ... More inning of a baseball game Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved Challenges Everywhere: In the first month of the season, the club is adjusting to: -The trade, and loss of slugger Josh Naylor in the middle of their batting order -The loss of defensive wizard Andres Gimenez, who was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays -The total collapse in command and control of starter Triston McKenzie -The loss of offense from David Fry, who is on the Injured List following elbow surgery -Inconsistent offensive production from right field, shortstop, and catcher, in particular. -Uneven starting pitching performances by starters Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Luis Ortiz, Ben Lively, and Logan Allen. Each has shown signs of effectiveness, but each has struggled as well. -Shaky performances from closer Emmanuel Clase, who was rocked in several appearances. He has indicated his shoulder has been barking, but his performances have been uneven. Yes, the front office traded Naylor and Gimenez. And yes, they are feeling the consequences. But their reasoning was sound for both transactions. Naylor is eligible for free agency after this season, making his future presence uncertain. The Guardians received pitcher Slade Cecconi, who is still in development, and is currently injured. The Guardians didn’t feel Gimenez offered enough offense to justify his long-term contract, which becomes increasingly expensive. Naylor is thriving in Arizona. Gimenez is hitting below .200 for Toronto. CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 28: Starting pitcher Gavin Williams #32 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches ... More during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field on April 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) Getty Images Inconsistency Throughout: The Guardians have flashed solid starting pitching at times. Then there are starts when the pitcher labors to throw strikes and dispatch the opposition’s offense efficiently. Triston McKenzie, looked upon as a potential starter, was so erratic in spring training, he was dispatched to the Guardians bullpen to start the season. Unable to find command and control, McKenzie was designated for assignment. A tough decision, yes. The right decision? Without a doubt, in the opinion of this old scout. The Guardians offense has flashed signs of run production, with the home run being a major component of the team’s arsenal. There are frequent times when the offense goes dormant. The players seem to slump collectively. Base hits are few and far between. Scoring runs is a challenge. The Guardians bullpen has turned in some outstanding performances, eating innings that should be thrown by the starters. However, the bullpen, being taxed to the max, has seen some erratic performances, led by the struggles of Clase. Clase simply doesn’t look like the same pitcher that was almost unhittable last season. Was Clase’s poor showing against the New York Yankees in last season’s playoffs a harbinger of pending problems? The Guardians don’t have much help waiting in the minor leagues. Versatile Angel Martinez was promoted, and has shown good contact ability, with a fine approach at the plate. Will Wilson, a Triple-A Rule-5 acquisition was promoted, but has not shown much to earn his keep. Several relievers have come and gone from the major league club, back to Columbus. On The Farm: Cleveland Guardians first-round draft pick Travis Bazzana, of Australia, speaks at a news conference ... More before a baseball game against the San Diego Padres in Cleveland, Friday, July 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Phil Long) Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Outfielder Will Brennan is hitting well at Triple-A, but he won’t bring much power if he is recalled. Juan Brito, who many feel is a potential offensive force in the infield, is dealing with a ligament strain in his right thumb. Outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez spent minimal time with the Guardians, but he didn’t get much opportunity. This old scout thinks he can hit for power. Travis Bazzana, the Guardians first overall draft pick in 2024, continues to learn his craft at Double-A. He has promise. First baseman C.J. Keyfus has upside as a potential offensive force. He’s the prospect that most intrigues this writer. Catcher Cooper Ingle can hit. He’s currently at Double-A Akron. The Guardians continue to wait for often-injured Chase DeLauter to recover from recent abdominal issues. Angel Genao is a masterful defensive shortstop. He’s a guy to watch, as he has Gold Glove skill at shortstop. Can he hit? Other prospects, like outfielder Jaison Chourio, and first baseman Ralphy Velazquez are further away in their progress. Inconsistency is the prevailing word for the 2025 Cleveland Guardians. That said, they have the management team in place to overcome the adversity. Follow me on Twitter. 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