A controversial question looms over the Cleveland Guardians' star pitcher, Emmanuel Clase. Will his impressive save record be tarnished by a potential guilty verdict for rigging pitches?
CDL from Strongsville asks, "If Clase is found guilty, will his 181 saves as the Guardians' all-time leader be marked with an asterisk?"
Here's where it gets interesting: Hoynsie believes Clase's record will stand, citing similar cases like the 1919 White Sox, whose stats remain unasterisked despite eight players being banned for life for throwing the World Series.
And this is the part most people miss: even Pete Rose, banned for life for gambling, still holds the MLB record for most hits with 4,256.
Clase and teammate Luis Ortiz are set to face court on May 4, not just for criminal charges but also a potential lifetime ban from baseball for gambling on games.
But here's the real kicker: Commissioner Rob Manfred's ruling last year could open the door for Rose and others to gain election to the Hall of Fame, despite their bans.
So, will Clase's record be treated differently?
In other Guardians news:
- The Guardians announce their 2026 spring training broadcast schedule.
- A court filing reveals Clase's pitch-fixing scandal is far worse than initially reported.
- The Guardians' historic 15 1/2-game comeback is voted the Best Cleveland Sports Moment.
Base from the Bronx asks if the Guardians will add a right-handed bat now that the Tigers have strengthened their left-handed pitching. Hoynsie thinks it's unlikely before the regular season starts, but if the need arises and the Guardians are contending, they might make a move.
Andy Mees from Sandusky wonders why the Guardians recently started their season with a long West Coast trip. Hoynsie explains it's due to construction at Progressive Field, allowing more time to prepare the ballpark, and it also saves fans from frostbite!
John Reyes asks if the Guardians are ready to trade Steven Kwan, similar to their approach with Jose Ramirez in 2022. Hoynsie senses less urgency with Kwan, but notes that Ramirez signed a $141 million extension two years away from free agency, just like Kwan.
Virgil Houser from Gustavus, Ohio, argues that the World Baseball Classic should be played after the season to avoid player injuries. Hoynsie agrees, saying managers and general managers would likely share this view.
Skip from Broadview Heights suggests Hoynsie write a book about the Guardians and Indians, believing it would be a bestseller. Hoynsie declines, citing the exhaustion of writing during the offseason and his poor memory.
Steve Buzon from Alexandria, Va., hopes David Fry is recovered and asks if he's competing for an outfield spot. Manager Stephen Vogt says Fry will spend most of spring training at catcher, but could play other positions towards the end.
Mark Desimone from Bakersfield, Calif., wonders if Cal Raleigh or the Guardians' outfield will hit more home runs this season. Hoynsie, the wise guy, reveals that Raleigh hit 60 homers last season, while the Guardians' outfielders combined for 38.
Doc from Hickory, N.C., asks if the Guardians are embarrassed by their lack of offensive improvements and low payroll. Hoynsie thinks they're not, as Chris Antonetti stated it's not a matter of money, and they'll have resources to improve the team during the season if needed.
Jim Harris from Newark believes the Guardians' young hitters and solid pitching will keep them competitive against the Tigers in the AL Central. Hoynsie acknowledges Jim's optimism, especially given the harsh winter weather, and reminds us that the Guardians have proven their ability to win in the AL Central.
