Managing Our Expectations For Stephen Vogt, Guardians

Stephen Vogt still has a lot to learn as the Cleveland Guardians' new manager.

The Stephen Vogt hiring has been widely viewed by players, current managers, and media members as a fantastic addition for the Cleveland Guardians. 

Vogt's youth, energetic personality, and baseball IQ are all qualities that could make him an excellent Big League manager.

It's exciting to have so much backing and approval from those around baseball that the organization made the right decision with its hire.

However, we still have to recognize that this is Vogt's first managerial gig. In fact, he was only a coach for one season before taking the top seat in Cleveland. 

We have to manage our expectations when it comes to the impact that he'll make in his first season with the Guardians.

Filling Big Shoes

Vogt is taking over for arguably one of the greatest managers of all time. Future Hall-of-Famer Terry Francona was Cleveland's skipper for 11 seasons, and finished as the organization's winningest manager with 921 victories.

It would be great if Vogt had a similar managerial career, but it is unrealistic to think that this will be the case. 

Expected Growing Pains

Ideally, the first time anybody does something is the worst they'll be at it. 

With that in mind, we can expect that Vogt will go through growing pains from time to time as he finds his footing as a Big League manager. Remember, it's his first time managing a baseball team.

Nov 10, 2023; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, middle, and president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti, left, and general manager Mike Chernoff, right, talk to the media during an introductory press conference at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

These struggles could come with in-game management decisions. 

For example, you can know how to manage a bullpen late in a tight contest until you actually do it, which is something Vogt still needs to learn.

Fans can be sad that the Tito era is officially over in Cleveland, while also being excited about what Vogt can do. 

But let's not overreact to the inevitable growing pains.