Zack Meisel

1 day ago | nytimes.com | Zack Meisel

NEW YORK - People have been asking about the vaunted Cleveland pitching factory. They've been wondering if it's still functioning, if grizzled coaches are still studying arm slots and crafting arsenals, if quarter zip-wearing data hounds are still clutching onto iPads that spit out spin rates and movement profiles. They've been concerned that the assembly line that, for years, churned out proficient big-league pitchers has ceased production.

2 days ago | nytimes.com | Zack Meisel

NEW YORK - The last time the Cleveland Guardians visited Yankee Stadium, during the ALCS in October, the customary José Ramírez prompt surfaced in a press conference with New York manager Aaron Boone. Why is Cleveland's six-time All-Star third baseman so underrated? Boone dismissed the notion altogether, saying the suggestion that Ramírez isn't appreciated made him "want to rip my arms off and throw (them) at the TV."There's at least something to it, though.

4 days ago | nytimes.com | Zack Meisel

CLEVELAND - The clock has started. Barring any setbacks, Shane Bieber could rejoin the Cleveland Guardians at the end of June. Bieber made his first minor-league rehab start Saturday for the organization's Arizona Complex League team. His outing aired on just about every TV in the Guardians' clubhouse and coaching areas. The guy on the mound looked familiar. Bieber struck out five, didn't walk a batter and allowed one hit in 2 1/3 innings.

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Zack Meisel

Editor's note: The Athletic is marking 2025 by naming an MLB All-Quarter Century Team, selected by Jayson Stark. We invited readers to take our survey and make their picks for the best players at each position since 2000, with the results announced in an upcoming story. Some of our beat writers are picking All-Quarter Century Teams for the teams they cover. Check this page to find all of our All-Quarter Century Team coverage.

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Zack Meisel

CLEVELAND - Carlos Santana, about 10 months shy of his 40th birthday, is the elder statesman on the Guardians' roster. Santana said his teammates often call him "Grandpa." José Ramírez said Santana particularly shows his age with how he waddles from one place to the next. On Wednesday, Santana will square off against Clayton Kershaw in the club's series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Once upon a time, nearly 20 years ago, Santana was Kershaw's catcher for the Class A Great Lakes Loons.