Locked On Indians

Cleveland Guardians’ center field woes reach a breaking point—could Steven Kwan be the surprising solution the team has needed since the Grady Sizemore era? Jeff Ellis explores the risks and upside of shifting the Gold Glove left fielder to the center, weighing how Kwan’s durability, declining second-half offensive numbers, and potential trade value could reshape the team’s 2024 outlook. From Nolan Jones’ tantalizing tools to the organization’s struggle to develop or acquire average center fielders, Jeff Ellis breaks down roster decisions, prospect dilemmas, and why outfield has become Cleveland’s recurring Achilles’ heel. The episode also investigates the mounting challenges facing small-market teams like the Guardians amid shrinking TV revenue, widening MLB parity gaps, and why keeping stars like Francisco Lindor has become a fading hope.     00:00 Guardians Center Field Struggles 04:05 Stephen Kwan Center Proposal 08:17 Kwan’s Durability Concerns 09:53 Lack of Prospect Depth 13:02 Roster Margins Explained