BACKFIRE: Cleveland Guardians IGNORE Data With Postseason Bullpen Usage | How Will They Adapt in 26?

The Cleveland Guardians hired a pitching analyst that data on reliever over-usage, but continued to over-use its bullpen. How can the team adapt its approach for future success? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis dissect the Guardians' over-reliance on certain relievers, exploring data on batter-pitcher familiarity and its impact on playoff performance. The show analyzes potential improvements to Cleveland's bullpen management, including deeper starts and diversifying reliever usage. We also dive into Trade Talk Thursday to consider targets like Jacob Melton, Brendan Donovan, and the intriguing possibility of acquiring Ketel Marte from the Diamondbacks. Join the discussion with insights on how the Guardians can optimize their pitching strategy and bolster their roster for a deeper postseason run in 2026. 0:00 Intro: Guardians' bullpen over-reliance in postseason 5:30 Data shows hitters improve vs relievers in playoffs 15:35 How Guardians can improve bullpen usage in 2026 22:29 Jeff's trade target: Astros' Jacob Melton 25:38 Justin's trade targets: Cardinals' Donovan and Nootbaar 30:26 Discussing potential trades with Cardinals 34:26 Outro: More trade ideas coming in future episodes Charity Rally Dino T-Shirt https://www.jni1.com/shop/modern-merch/VFJE2TR4R2LNVYFF7J2FW5TU Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks — Run Your Game. Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB Rugiet Ready to level up your confidence ? Head to https://rugiet.com and use promo code LOCKEDONMLB for 15% off your first order. Monarch Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at https://monarch.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOGuardians?sid=YouTube Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB #Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.