WAITING GAME: Why the Cleveland Guardians Are Having TOP Prospect Travis Bazzana Start in the Minors

The Cleveland Guardians weigh future with Travis Bazzana’s starting the year in the minors. Do they need him on the roster NOW or the best version of Bazzana later in the year, and buy an extra year of service time? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis debate whether keeping Bazzana in the minors bolsters roster flexibility or risks a slow offensive start in the AL Central race. We analyze the ripple effects of George Valera’s continued injury struggles and explore the outfield depth chart, raising tough questions about Nolan Jones, Stuart Fairchild, and lineup construction. We also see optimism rise as Shawn Armstrong, Colin Holderman, Tim Herrin, and prospect Peyton Pallette show promising signs this spring.   03:15 Second Base Defense vs. Offense Debate 08:10 Positional Value in Baseball 14:15 George Valera Injured Again 18:04 Strategic Roster and Payroll Decisions 19:40 Uncertainty Surrounding Valera's Spot 27:45 Holderman's Sweeper Location Adjustments 30:08 Reliever Concerns and Bounce-Backs 33:38 Guardians Pitching Schedule Shuffle   Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonguardians.supercast.com/   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PlayStation This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit https://mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.   Turbo Tax Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot.     Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today.   Robinhood You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.   FanDuel FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   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://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-guardians/   Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/   #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.