Guardians’ Stephen Vogt drops truth bomb on replacing Terry Francona

Following Terry Francona’s spectacular tenure in Cleveland, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt became brutally honest about coaching the team.

The Cleveland Guardians selected a new manager in 2024, following Terry Francona’s tenure from 2013 to 2023. Francona was a renowned manager who helped Cleveland achieve tremendous success. However, he elected to retire after the 2023 season, giving veteran major league catcher Stephen Vogt the opportunity. Vogt discussed replacing Francona in Cleveland during a recent MLB Network interview.

“First of all, I couldn’t be more blessed to be in Cleveland,” he stated. “I am having so much fun. This is an excellent chance for us. But it feels good. You are replacing someone like Tito, and you cannot replace him. Everybody asks, “How are you going to fill his shoes?” I am not. It’s understanding; what have we done well? He left this property in such a terrific state, so let’s pick up where you left off and see how much better we can go going forward.”

During Francona’s tenure as manager, the Guardians had six postseason appearances. Cleveland has not won a World Series since 1948, although they came close to ending the skid in 2016. Of course, Guardians fans want to forget all that happened against the Chicago Cubs after Rajai Davis’ amazing Game 7 home run in the 2016 World Series.

Although Francona did not lead the Guardians to a World Series victory, there is little doubt that his time with the team was productive. He will be missed by fans. Vogt isn’t attempting to just “fill his shoes.” Instead, the new manager of the Guardians intends to do anything he can to assist the team succeed in the future.

Stephen Vogt can establish himself as a Guardians legend…

 

 

A newly appointed manager in any sport rarely has the opportunity to establish themselves as a legend with their new team. To achieve that status, managers normally must stay in one place for an extended period of time and assist the team in routinely winning.

Cleveland has not won a World Series since 1948, and the franchise has only two championships in its existence. (The other occurred in 1920). So, if Vogt can lead the Guardians to a Fall Classic victory and end the drought, he will be honored by Guardians supporters. He may manage for just one year and be hailed as a hero if he wins the World Series.

Cleveland underperformed in 2023, but a comeback is not impossible. The Guardians’ excellent pitching staff could help them sneak into the postseason race. At the very least, Cleveland hopes to see great improvement from their young group in Vogt’s first season as manager.