About this episode
Could calling pitches from the dugout be the answer to the Cleveland Guardians offensive issues at catcher? The Miami Marlins tested this NFL-style system in 2025, where pitch sequences are called from the dugout rather than by catchers. Justin Lada breaks down how Cleveland could implement this innovation to maintain their elite pitching development (3rd in defensive catching metrics) while addressing their 25th-ranked catcher offense. The show covers Daniel Espino's impressive Arizona Fall League comeback, Trenton Denholm's knuckleball experiments with former Cleveland pitcher Tom Candiotti, as well as a interesting change by Jhonkensy Noel. Plus, our Halloween special ranks the franchise's worst trades, from the Myles Straw disaster to the legendary Rocky Colavito curse. Discover how the Cleveland Guardians could transform their catching strategy while keeping their pitching dominance intact. 0:00 Intro - Pitching Innovation and Catcher Offense 5:07 Game Calling Issues and First Pitch Problems 15:17 Pitch Clock Impact on Game Calling 20:21 Winter League and AFL Updates on Daniel Espino, Alfonsin Rosario, and Jhonkensy Noel 25:29 Trenton Denholm Knuckleball Development 30:05 Most Horrifying Trades in Cleveland history for Halloween 34:10 Outro - Center Field Discussion Preview 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 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. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, 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.