Guardians Skipper, Executive React Following Emmanuel Clase News

The biggest question on everyone’s mind now is: Who is Cleveland’s closer?

Cade Smith is an obvious candidate, but Vogt also explained that “We're not going to name a closer. We're going to go by committee for right now. Putting guys how we typically use the bullpen so we're not naming one person. The closer you'll see different people in the ninth could organically end up being one person, but for now, we're not going to officially name a closer. We need to see how this plays out.”

As for Antonetti, he noted that, “I think what I can say is that we spent a lot of time and I think every player is educated on the rules around gambling and Major League baseball had training and spring training for all of our players.” 

“Beyond that I want to be careful. I don't think we should pre-judge what the outcome will be other than that we know they have been placed on the non-disciplinary paid suspension.”

As for how the team is reacting to this news, the Guardians executive understands, “Each person, each player, each staff member has to process things in their own way and feel whatever they feel.” 

“I'm not certainly in a position to tell anyone how to feel, but I think what's important is that we understand what the reality is and figure out how do we move forward from here and that's really the focus and what we've talked about is it is what it is.”

There are still many questions that need to be answered, but there won’t be any clarity until MLB completes its investigation.

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