Brantley it is.
Apparently, the decision on the PTBNL has been made.
about 1 month ago
CBusSteve
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+1! :-)
Welcome aboard Brantley, and do well!
The "cream of the crop" doesn't always rise to the top.
by indiansfan on
Oct 5, 2008 8:17 PM EDT
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Comment from the article:
Brewers should have put a clause in the trade contract that stated if you walk a pitcher in the playoffs with two outs and then eventually give up a granny the Brewers get to keep everyone.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Oct 3, 2008 12:58 PM EDT 0 recs
Good to see that their commenters are as enlightened as those on cleveland.com. Another one I enjoyed:
"AWFUL TRADE, AND I SAID IT FROM DAY 1 UNLIKE YOU DUMB HAYSEEDS. I CALLED THIS ONE.
SABATHIA WAS A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT."
Looks like they like to use the ol’ caps lock key as well
by millionairesrow on
Oct 3, 2008 1:18 PM EDT
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If this guy thinks Sabathia was a “major disappointment” for the Brewers, then his expectations were way, way, way too high.
The best thing probably is to hit [Grady] 2nd -- Jay
by Buckeye Brad on
Oct 3, 2008 5:23 PM EDT
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Story up on BP today suggests that in terms of immediate payoff, Sabathia is tied for the most successful mid-season acquisition in the history of the game.
by Jay on
Oct 3, 2008 5:33 PM EDT
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Braves acquire 2B Red Schoendienst from the New York Giants for INF Danny O’Connell, RHP Ray Crone, and OF Bobby Thomson, June 15, 1957.
Red apparently was the Brian Roberts of his day, not necessarily the best hitter or defender among second basemen, but probably the best all-around player at the position. (Okay, that would actually be Chase Utley, but don’t worry about that.)
A close 3rd is the Cardinals getting Lou Brock and two other guys in 1964. Teixeira (this year) and Manny also make the top 10, and almost all of the top 15 spots are from the past 20 years, many from the past five years.
by Jay on
Oct 6, 2008 12:47 PM EDT
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seriously … wtf
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
by westbrook on
Oct 3, 2008 6:34 PM EDT
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Wow, that was even dumber than some of the stuff I’ve said in here.
MLB2PDX!!! (someday...)
by The Cactus Leaguer on
Oct 4, 2008 2:10 AM EDT
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No Indians fan would sign a clause like that. You’d be nuts, because you’d know there was at least a 6-5 chance of that happening.
by odradek on
Oct 3, 2008 1:55 PM EDT
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Not to be pedantic, but I’d take that clause, given that what Sabathia did has only happened once before in baseball history, in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series when Dave Stewart walked and scored on a Jose Canseco two-out GS (off Tim Belcher). The Dodgers, of course, won that game on the Kirk Gibson homer.
by FredOx on
Oct 3, 2008 2:40 PM EDT
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Random fact: Tim Belcher attended the high school where I teach. He still lives in the district and his kids go to school there (in elementary school), and his sister-in-law is an English teacher at my school.
He is an instructor for the Indians at spring training (and I think he does some advance scouting for them). When he was down there this spring, his sister-in-law told him about my accident and that I was a big Indians fan, so he got the whole team to sign a T-shirt for me. It’s pretty cool.
The best thing probably is to hit [Grady] 2nd -- Jay
by Buckeye Brad on
Oct 3, 2008 5:31 PM EDT
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You somehow forgot to show this to me when I was in town last month.
by Cols714 on
Oct 3, 2008 5:50 PM EDT
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Uhh, sorry, I forgot. I also got a big ESPN banner (like the ones they hang at games) signed by a lot of their anchors and hosts. It’s from John Seibel, who hosts the SportsNation radio show. His wife went to high school with my wife, and when they came to visit me after my accident he brought that as a gift. It’s huge.
You know, sometimes it pays to get in a near-fatal car accident. (Emphasis on the sometimes.)
The best thing probably is to hit [Grady] 2nd -- Jay
by Buckeye Brad on
Oct 4, 2008 10:36 AM EDT
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Excellant point.
The best thing probably is to hit [Grady] 2nd -- Jay
by Buckeye Brad on
Oct 4, 2008 12:49 PM EDT
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MOAC pride. Did you know that Ben Curtis was a Buckeye Valley Baron?
by ClarkM on
Oct 5, 2008 5:56 PM EDT
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No, I did not. I knew nothing of Highland (or any other MOAC school) until I started teaching there 5 years ago. Where did you go to school?
The best thing probably is to hit [Grady] 2nd -- Jay
by Buckeye Brad on
Oct 5, 2008 6:20 PM EDT
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I will add here that I spent my junior high school and first two years of high school attending Cardington schools before moving back to greater Cleveland. It was mighty disheartening and lonely being an Indians fan in Morrow County during the Big Red Machine Era. Though, my 8th grade year, Cardington won the state championship in baseball, winning two 1-0 games in the state final four, two of the most amazing baseball games I’ve ever seen.
by woodsmeister on
Oct 6, 2008 9:07 AM EDT
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Most people at my school are Indians fans now. There are a few kids that wear Reds gear, but I see mostly Indians stuff. And most of the teachers here that are sports fans follow the Indians. I’m sure their sucess in the 90’s got a lot of fans in central Ohio to follow the Tribe.
Also, most of the baseball fans that I met at Ohio State were Indians fans. (Of course, most of them were from northern Ohio — I didn’t really know many “natives” from Columbus.)
The best thing probably is to hit [Grady] 2nd -- Jay
by Buckeye Brad on
Oct 6, 2008 10:08 AM EDT
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I don’t think that’s pedantry. But I was being sarcastic. C.C. walking a pitcher in the postseason—it would make me somewhat nervous to sign that clause, but the likelihood of it happening is off the charts.
by odradek on
Oct 3, 2008 9:34 PM EDT
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Cleveland.com has it up as well
http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2008/10/indians_pick_michael_brantley.html
by millionairesrow on Oct 3, 2008 1:01 PM EDT 0 recs
Interesting. That article mentions a list of 4 players
by Roger Dorn on
Oct 3, 2008 1:03 PM EDT
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If I had to guess I’d say Lucroy and Cain.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on
Oct 3, 2008 1:05 PM EDT
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I wonder if we didn’t fleece Carlos Santana from the Dodgers, if Lucroy would have been more in play
by Roger Dorn on
Oct 3, 2008 1:06 PM EDT
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He appeared in 62 games in center field and 21 games in left field and first base.
That has to be the oddest skill set for a first baseman I’ve seen in quite some time.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on
Oct 3, 2008 1:07 PM EDT
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1st base? wow, you’re right, his skill set doesn’t quite fit as a first baseman, at least in our organization…
One of these days... bang, zoom, straight to the moon...
by mixmasterasia on
Oct 3, 2008 1:49 PM EDT
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And the comments there are as enlightened as ever!
"It's hard to win when you don't score." Cliff Lee, 9/28/05.
by Harry Doyle on
Oct 3, 2008 3:36 PM EDT
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It’s been said before, but from AA down we suddenly have a nice-looking list of hitters that profile to contribute in the major leagues.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Oct 3, 2008 1:09 PM EDT 0 recs
I’d probably put our hitters down like this:
Laporta
Santana (although I wouldn’t be surprised for a little return to reality next year)
Weglarz
Mills
Brantley
by APV on
Oct 3, 2008 1:22 PM EDT
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and yes…this is probably the most exciting group of hitters we have had coming through since right that 2002 season when we added a lot of talent to the system
by APV on
Oct 3, 2008 1:26 PM EDT
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It’s pretty amazing if Mills is indeed our fourth best hitting prospect. Guy was absolutely on fire the second half
by Roger Dorn on
Oct 3, 2008 1:31 PM EDT
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Wegz gets the edge just because of his age. Mills was probably the better hitter this year.
by APV on
Oct 3, 2008 2:08 PM EDT
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on the DL again next year…
One of these days... bang, zoom, straight to the moon...
by mixmasterasia on
Oct 3, 2008 1:50 PM EDT
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Michael Brantley = Same skill set and stats at AA, just 3 1/2 years younger than Crowe.
by JesseAK on Oct 3, 2008 1:48 PM EDT 0 recs
So there was a reason to root for the Brewers. Luckily we have the Mets.
by oxforddave on Oct 3, 2008 2:04 PM EDT 0 recs
It’ll be interesting to see where Cleveland decides to start Brantley next year. Given he was a little banged up this year and he’s young, I’d expect Akron. But he’s already spent a season and a half at AA, so maybe he’ll be slotted with Crowe into Columbus’ outfield.
by APV on Oct 3, 2008 2:18 PM EDT 0 recs
Here are Brantley’s career stats
Also, he could pass as Kellen Winslow Jr.’s twin brother
by millionairesrow on Oct 3, 2008 2:53 PM EDT 0 recs
He’s from just outside Seattle, too, so let’s hope there’s a relationship to Grady!!
by peter m on
Oct 3, 2008 3:34 PM EDT
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Yeah, he does look like K2. Hope he stays away from motorcycles.
The best thing probably is to hit [Grady] 2nd -- Jay
by Buckeye Brad on
Oct 3, 2008 5:33 PM EDT
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Oh good, we need more soldiers on this team.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on
Oct 4, 2008 12:12 AM EDT
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He is considered a leadoff-type hitter (.395 OBP) with little or no power but good speed and strong defensive skills.
So that means that Grady will have to move down in the order….
"It's hard to win when you don't score." Cliff Lee, 9/28/05.
by Harry Doyle on Oct 3, 2008 3:32 PM EDT 0 recs
Strong defensive skills? He must have improved in 2008 because BAs Prospect Book indicated he was limited to LF.
by kov on
Oct 3, 2008 4:26 PM EDT
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I could see his speed making him a better defender when he learned to read the ball better. But someone on the comment sections of the Milwaukee Journal report (note: I am aware this is a random comment) said they saw him in action and his arm looks pretty good. That would be an odd thing to suddenly “develop.”
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on
Oct 4, 2008 12:13 AM EDT
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Who needs to draft well when you can pick off other GMs trading away your upcoming free agents?
by Roger Dorn on Oct 3, 2008 3:34 PM EDT 0 recs
I know he’s not a power hitter but 27 SO’s in 420 AB’s gets me all sorts of hot and bothered.
by Joe. on Oct 3, 2008 4:23 PM EDT 0 recs
Shap has some quotes in the official article now. Brantley will start in Columbus and will be with the team in spring training. Expects his power to develop as he ages given his 6’2 frame
by Roger Dorn on Oct 3, 2008 4:46 PM EDT 0 recs
I like everything about this. He’s pretty much proven he’s ready for AAA based on his SO/BB ratio alone. I like the fact that they are being a little more aggressive. Both he and Laporta should be in AAA (unless Laporta can win a job in spring training…..oh one can dream)
by hans on
Oct 3, 2008 5:02 PM EDT
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I was hoping that Laporta would be the starting 1b next year, assuming they trade Shoppach and Martinez was the full time catcher. It doesn’t seem to make sense anymore to move LaPorta to the OF when he is a good 1B and they are starting to build some OF depth with Shoo, Francisco, Gutz, and now Brantley.
by Cols714 on
Oct 3, 2008 5:09 PM EDT
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If you judge by previous history, it would take a hell of spring training for LaPorta to outright win the job. Although, with Garks spending a few months in the dog house, maybe things have changed.
by Toxicadam on
Oct 3, 2008 5:22 PM EDT
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Yeah, I know. But Garko was so bad for most of last year that I think Laporta could out hit him next year.
by Cols714 on
Oct 3, 2008 5:51 PM EDT
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Hello Cols714,
In Garko’s defense, he did rebound in the last month or so of the season.
Moreover, however, it’s likely LaPorta will start at AAA to begin 2008. Recall Adam Miller’s excellent 2007 Spring Training, yet he didn’t make the ballclub. Granted, Miller had an arm/shoulder issue in 2006, but recall that LaPorta struggled a bit coming over to Cleveland, likely due to all the happenings occurring in his life (grandfather’s funeral, he and his girlfriend finding a home, the Olympics, the beaning in the Olympics, etc.).
Besides, it won’t hurt him to spend a half-season or so in AAA, a level he hasn’t experienced yet. With the depth of 1B we have now in the system, I’ll be surprised if Garko/Martinez doesn’t start the season at 1B next year. The only way I see Garko NOT being a part of that pair is if Garko gets traded for something OTHER than a 1B (we need to keep it open for Laporta/Mills/even Weglarz, who was originally a 1B coming up through the system, though of course, only one of the three can be the Indians future 1B).
Presuming Martinez spends time there next season, I’m not sure they’ll trade Shoppach unless a great offer comes along – Shoppach will keep Martinez fresh, and hopefully, healthy to allow him to have a big year, which will be very helpful to the offense, especially if Hafner doesn’t find his old form (and that’s something I’m not confident in at this point).
Just my 2 cents.
The "cream of the crop" doesn't always rise to the top.
by indiansfan on
Oct 5, 2008 8:23 PM EDT
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Hello again,
I meant to add that LaPorta would have to excel at the level Miller had in 2007 ST for the Indians to even consider LaPorta making the club out of Spring Training, along with injuries to Garko, Martinez, and/or both. In other words, LaPorta’s chances of making the club out of ST are probably less than 1%.
Just my 2 cents.
The "cream of the crop" doesn't always rise to the top.
by indiansfan on
Oct 5, 2008 8:24 PM EDT
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I agree. And I think you’re right that Garko will either be traded or will be one of our first baseman at the beginning of the year next year.
by peter m on
Oct 5, 2008 9:52 PM EDT
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Well Laporta remains more valuable if he can play the outfield. And I think we should all avoid counting these chickens before the eggs hatch
by hans on
Oct 3, 2008 5:29 PM EDT
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yo guys by the way, it appears that Laporta is playing in the Venezuelan Winter League with the Caracas Lions( Leones del Caracas), i have the link to the official Caracas Lions Website but it is in spanish so i guess it wont be so helpful….. hopefully ill go to some games this winter and see him play over here…
by luifer5 on
Oct 3, 2008 5:53 PM EDT
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Why does everyone insist on plugging in LaPorta at 1b? The guy can play LF. What are you planning on doing with Mills?
by Joe. on
Oct 3, 2008 6:43 PM EDT
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Jay is right. We have four guys who can probably only play three positions: LF,1B, and DH. That’s assuming they can outplay the veterans who occupy those positions now. None of these four appear to be outstanding defensively, so it may not matter if LaPorta is LF, 1B or DH.
by kov on
Oct 3, 2008 9:05 PM EDT
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Look, I’m not saying under no circumstances should we play LaPorta at 1b. I’m just curious as to why we’re in suhc a hurry to move him there.
by Joe. on
Oct 3, 2008 9:13 PM EDT
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I assume everyone’s in a rush because they believe we have a hole at 1B. Sure we can have Vic play there with Shoppach to catch, but if LaPorta win a starting spot at 1B we could trade Shoppach.
Personally, I’d rather see what value we can get for Shoppach on the trade market before we move Vic to 1B. I doubt Shoppach will ever have more value than he does right now, and I think everyone is overreacting to Vic’s injury, (Those saying he won’t be able to handle catching a full season anymore. )
Though I do see some logic in the argument that Vic’s batting ability might get better if he were a 1B rather than a catcher.
As for LaPorta, the obvious solution, IMO is to have LaPorta play both LF and 1B. The more flexibility the better. It probably wouldn’t bother LaPorta too much since he played 1B in college.
by world dictator on
Oct 3, 2008 9:34 PM EDT
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See that’s reasonable. I just don’t want him permanently moving to 1b. Also, I agree with you on Shoppach in that his value will never be higher. We need to trade him assuming we get decent offers for him.
by Joe. on
Oct 3, 2008 9:36 PM EDT
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I don’t know why you’d ever limit a player to one position when they can plausibly play multiple positions.
by world dictator on
Oct 3, 2008 9:39 PM EDT
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First, LaPorta isn’t going to win a starting spot.
Second, we’re not going to wait for him to “win” a spot — and only THEN trade Shoppach. Makes no sense. Trading or keeping Shoppach is a strategic decision that needs to be made under the assumption that we’re not getting a starting 1B from the minors to start the season.
by Jay on
Oct 4, 2008 2:40 PM EDT
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LaPorta is the fastest mover of those guys. Obviously if they all pan out moves are going to be made but I don’t see the point in lowering LaPorta’s value when we have a similar player who can play 1b in one or two years. If Weglarz pans out and Choo keeps hitting, or Brantley emerges, then you can talk about DHing Mills or LaPorta and putting the other at 1b. But I don’t see the rush to put LaPorta at a position that would lower his value to the team (or to potential suitors if somehow all these guys end up panning out).
by Joe. on
Oct 3, 2008 9:07 PM EDT
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I wouldn’t assume LaPorta will move the fastest, although he probably will.
Younger guys often jump past older guys, because they are developing more rapidly. LaPorta will be 24 soon, he’s not a young prospect.
by Jay on
Oct 4, 2008 2:41 PM EDT
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So listened to the full Shap conference. Most interesting part was that Shapiro indicated the contingency option was a gentleman’s agreement and not part of the league’s standard procedure.
by Roger Dorn on
Oct 3, 2008 7:37 PM EDT
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That was in response to a question by Hoynes, and in all honesty i think i had a little bit of an impact on the aggressiveness Paul showed, using the word “precedent.” I wrote Hoynesie earlier in the week saying that I didn’t believe that could be the case (that the choice was based on if the Brewers made the playoff). Here was my email:
I’m calling you out. There’s no way that the team who chooses the player to be named later in the CC deal is based on whether or not the Brewers made the playoffs. There is no precedent for this type of deal in baseball, and Shapiro and Antonetti are way too intelligent to let “a major piece of the trade” be subject to the whims of another GM and the performance of 24 players that have nothing to do with the Indians.
Now, I admit I don’t know if there is a precedent,
by kwoog on
Oct 3, 2008 8:24 PM EDT
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(whoops, didn’t mean to post. to continue)
just that I’ve never heard of one. Regardless precedent, I think my point about lacking control over a “major piece” is valid. Thus, I considered the news of this “gentlemen’s agreement” interesting/surprising as well… it seems very (too?) generous of Shapiro (the Brewers paid for CC’s services, and they got them. If the Mets don’t tank, why should our value in turn be any less?).
I doubt Kenny Williams would ever agree to something like this. (I am not saying I think KW is half the GM Mark is… I’m a huge Shapiro fan… I guess I’m just surprised/disappointed that he’d deviate from pure value driven decision making… into an almost derivative/option deal… but I’m no economist, so perhaps I’m way off base).
by kwoog on
Oct 3, 2008 8:35 PM EDT
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btw, hoynes did write me back, simply saying “why would i write something that I know wasn’t true?”
by kwoog on
Oct 3, 2008 8:37 PM EDT
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Thing is, I can see Shapiro and Melvin coming to this to resolve an impasse.
If it wasn’t an official part of the deal, though, Melvin would have had to rely on Shapiro’s good faith — the deal language would have had to let him be the one doing the picking.
by Jay on
Oct 3, 2008 8:43 PM EDT
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