Branyan all up in Cleveland's ROSTER
Buster Olney reporting a deal done.
almost 2 years ago
nickjs21
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i’m all for bargain hunting. and i’m all for gratuitous power. i’m all for flappable assets. i’m even all for LGFT’s returning. i’m not so all for roster or playing time crunches. i’d hate to option LaPorta, DFA Marte, etc.
I think you can probably say Andy is going nowhere – you’ll likely just mean something quite different when you do.
by APV on Feb 16, 2010 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i don’t think so, either. honestly, i’d like him to play left. i just don’t want to have a kearns AND a branyan bump youngins (roster or PT). but with a veteran in the fold, it solidifies brantley to AAA, no? i’d be fine with an everyday line-up of:
1. Grady CF (L)
2. Asdrubal SS (S)
3. Choo RF (L)
4. Hafner DH (L)
5. Peralta 3B®
6. Branyan 1B(L)
7. LaPorta LF®
8. Valbuena 2B (L)
9. Marson®
redmond, kearns, marte and bixielanek on the bench.
by Brick. on Feb 16, 2010 11:49 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Rec for the free “how to make the ‘rights reserved’ symbol clinic.”
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 16, 2010 12:09 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
The rec didn’t show when I made that comment. Unless you just covered it by only reccing after I posted. Ah, intrigue!
I didn’t rec it until you called me out, but I was pretty much just making a joke rec in the first place. In the end I was just trying to make you look like a liar as well! Intrigue indeed!
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 16, 2010 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
And someone gave me a rec for it! The mystery deepens.
by Voltaire on Feb 16, 2010 10:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
But how would you know he was correct in calling me out?
You see, he called me out at 4.47 EST, but I rec’d Brick at 5.20 EST to cover and you, sir, rec’d Voltaire at 5.39 EST after I had deftly covered my tracks. It would not be until 10.26 EST that I admitted that I was indeed a liar! With that in mind, what does that make you?
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 16, 2010 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
My cat’s breath smells like cat food.
by InfiniteMonkeyTypists on Feb 16, 2010 11:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
As you can see here, I first saw this thread at 5:19, just in the nick of time, then left it open on my screen while I attended to other stuff.
"I'm a baseball lifer. It's what I do." —Manny Acta
This thread is full of deceit and plot twists. All we need is someone to get shot and it would be better than an episode of Dallas!
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 17, 2010 9:01 AM EST up reply actions
I hope I wake up and find out this thread was nothing but a a dream.
I've really got to change my signature.
by emd2k3 on Feb 17, 2010 11:45 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
the problem with this is that I would like to see brantley up this year…why send him down to the minors and basically replace him in a sense with branyan…
for a rebuilding team stocked with Lefty hitters, but could use power from the right side, how does it make make sense to throw money at a 34 year old Lefthanded power hitter? to me it makes absolutely no sense b/c there is absolutely NO need for another lefty hitter…
If the Indians are going to go bargain shopping, I’d rather it be a corner IF/OF guy than a middle infielder or a starting pitcher. We have lots of starting pitching guys we need to sort out and get time to, and I’d like to see Cabrera, Valbuena and Donald get the middle infield time. I think we have more room to experiment on the corners this season, and while it would be better if he hit from the opposite side, Branyan doesn’t seem like a bad option.
My only objection to branyan is just that he is a lefty. I would love a corner OF/IF (mostly OF or 3B) that was a right handed hitter. we could use one of those in our lineup. we are very lefty dominant. by getting a guy like branyan, you force a young left hander down to the minors too. I don’t honestly mind if we go get a righty hitter b/c that is more of a need for us, but we already have enough lefties.
that being said, I still wouldn’t hate a deal like this, though certainly if I was shapiro I probably wouldn’t do it.
To me this only makes sense if the team is still worried about Travis Hafner. Most than they’re letting on anyway.
It’s really the superlative way to put it.
by Logodaedalus on Feb 17, 2010 1:32 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I think it makes sense in more circumstances than just a poor-health Hafner. But more to the point, is there any good reason the Indians shouldn’t be worried about Travis Hafner? I’m optimistic, but optimism only goes so far.
Castro reporting that the Indians have an offer out to Branyan, though no details on its specifics or Branyan’s response
the Indians would have a veteran bat to potentially platoon with the right-handed-hitting LaPorta at first base.
i don’t like this talk of valbuena or laporta being platooned. let em get used to same hand pitchers this year when it doesn’t matter.
I don’t see it as an issue with a straight platoon. I see it, in the context of Valbuena/Donald, as fair competition for playing time between them, recognizing that they both will get playing time one way or another. I think LaPorta is going to play as much as health will allow, but guys get days off sometimes and I’d just assume see Branyan rolled out there than Trevor Crowe.
If Peralta gets moved, if health allows, and if there’s no competitive pressure on the team, might we see a Valbuena/Cabrera/Donald 5/6/4 arrangement? Under those circumstances, is there really anybody else to find ABs for?
by fleerdon on Feb 16, 2010 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
Plus, bonus points for being able to scramble the infield every inning without making substitutions, especially if Marte’s in the game.
by fleerdon on Feb 16, 2010 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
Obviously he doesn’t watch Jeopardy! very often.
by Buckeye Brad on Feb 18, 2010 7:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If Peralta reclaims any trade value (which I actually expect him to bounce back a bit,) I think he is gone.
I’m having trouble envisioning the scenario where Peralta doesn’t get traded, unless he totally falls apart. His performance will affect what we get in return.
I’d use your sentence like this:
If Hafner reclaims any trade value (which I actually expect him to bounce back a bit,) I think he is gone.
Obviously we’d have to send half of the money due with him, but that’s the interesting one to me.
by dgcambridge on Feb 19, 2010 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Olympics have more bloopers. Also, a body count.
by Jay on Feb 16, 2010 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
and, to a lesser degree, Chris Giminez.
You are reading my signature.
by rolub on Feb 16, 2010 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Hector Ambriz is, to a lesser degree, Chris Giminez?
That’s … existential.
by fleerdon on Feb 16, 2010 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
ditto. Love the winter games. although I’d take watching a Russell Branyan bases-empty, three-pitch K in the eighth inning of a 12-0 thrashing at the hands of the Royals over pairs ice dancing any day. But it’s only February.
Before taking Pro-Acta, please consult your doctor. Do not taunt Pro-Acta.
I dug the heck out of the Winter X Games. Snowmobile jumping? Awesome.
I've really got to change my signature.
yeah. I have not gotten to watch as much as I would like…Does anyone know if the mens downhill final has gone yet? That is one of my favorite skiing events (also the slalom)
Has it been accurately decided if his pants were indeed jeans or if they just were made to look like jeans? Personally I think the entire US snowboard team shouldn’t have stopped there, they should have went full Canadian Tuxedo.
Welcome back, Sandy! ATALECG...
There’s nothing I enjoy more about the Winter Olympics than a husky Canadian woman yelling “HAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRD!”
You are reading my signature.
by rolub on Feb 17, 2010 9:40 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I got sucked into the women’s curling working from home yesterday afternoon. I think it was the Japanese women that sold me. Americans ended up losing by about 2 millimeters.
Women’s hockey makes me want to stab myself in the eye.
I got hooked on curling during the last olympics. Living in SE Michigan at the time I had CBC through my cable and it gave pretty non-stop curling coverage. I’m actually disappointed I need to watch it online this time around.
Yea, we pop it on CNBC here at work during the day, but I can’t get behind this team as much as the Torino team. The skip on that team was awesome.
The American skip (Shuster) is the biggest choker I’ve ever seen. They’ve lost three straight matches on the last stone, and every one of them was a fairly easy shot.
Chemo, you are 100% on the money. I have, for whatever reason, been watching the majority of the US Men’s curling action, and Shuster blows it every game. They could easily be 3-1, and they are 0-4. I feel pretty bad for the guy.
I love the Olympics. I have been watching them non stop.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Feb 17, 2010 10:48 PM EST up reply actions
I’m so torn on this. I want to see the tribe’s younger player get lots of time this season to develop and show us what they’ve got, but my irrational love of Andy Marte is now butting heads with my firmly held belief that Russell Branyan is one of the most under-valued player in the game of baseball.
This is the Eric Wedge effect. Rid it from your mind. Manny Acta is not Eric Wedge. In fairness, the 2010 manager is not operating under the same pressures as the 2009 manager.
It’s not that Branyan doesn’t deserve to start. That’s an entirely different question. Manny Acta is not operating under the pressure to succeed in the win column in 2010. He can play LaPorta and Brantley regularly and bench Branyan for the sole reason that it benefits Cleveland more in the long term.
If Eric Wedge was still manager, I’d be concerned that he would give Branyan starts over younger players. Some managers get caught up in being a “player’s manager” and play “their guys” until the death. See: Todd Hollandsworth, Trot Nixon, Jamey Carroll. I have faith that Acta can tell Branyan, in more kind words, “Nobody wanted you as a starter. You’re coming here as something less than that. We have our primary objective to develop some players, and you’re here to support that objective.” What Acta should not feel obligated to do is bench LaPorta against RHP just to get Branyan some ABs.
I disagree with the assumption that the Indians aren’t under pressure to win. I actually think they are going to make a significant push to get to 80 wins. They are under pressure to show the fan base and local media that they’re headed in the right direction, and that won’t be trivial.
I think a good way to think about this is: 8 position players are available to you at bargain prices, highly undervalued, but they’ll only be around 1 year. It means that you’ll be taking experience away from 8 younger players who have the possibility of developing more quickly. Does it matter that these 8 undervalued players can help you now?
What’s the marginal win worth to your franchise? A playoff spot? Then yes, do it. Going from 76 to 79 wins? Don’t.
by xrickx on Feb 16, 2010 5:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
good point…and when you do it at the cost of possibly not developing some younger players as much as you should? Definitely Don’t.
Someone suggested that this would cause brantley to possibly start the season in AAA.
I also don’t see the need in another left handed bat…how many do we have now?
Is Brantley in AAA necessarily a bad thing? I’d rather worry about R/L splits when it is going to matter, not this year.
True…True…
I would like to see brantley up but if he starts the year in AAA that is not necessarily a bad thing. and Yeah, with this team, those splits really don’t matter.
Honestly, I don’t care that much either way. If we sign him, okay, if we don’t, fine.
That’s kind of where I’m at on this, too.
And there is that small element of, “Cool, Russ Branyan!” I honestly think I’d rather see him back than Omar.
yeah.
I don’t think there is any reason to sign him but I do have that “Cool, Russel Branyan!” element too. I had an odd liking for him when he was here. I don’t know why, but I always like our left handed power hitting first baseman (who would strike out a lot).
I don’t think the signing impacts that much, but maybe it is just a message that they are at least trying. Honestly I think that is part of it…either way…Cool, Russel Branyan…its official.
If signed, this would be his fourth go round with the Tribe. Only 1 shy of Manto’s record (I think).
Crap, that’s what I was going to say.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 16, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
An agreement is believed to be close, but won’t become official until Branyan, 34, passes a physical
Boo ketchup!
Is this the whale section?
by sarcasmdave on Feb 16, 2010 6:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed. Ketchup belongs nowhere near a hot dog.
by JulioBernazard on Feb 16, 2010 7:59 PM EST up reply actions
Right … because you don’t want to diminish the taste and texture of mystery meat encased in cellulose.
Vinegar, salt, onion, garlic and corn syrup (ie ketchup) “ruins” the purity of the taste.
You’ve clearly never had a proper hotdog
by Brick. on Feb 16, 2010 8:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
That’s the tired refrain for every crap food in existence.
Venison, liver, etc etc
How come no one ever says that about hamburger, steak or chicken? No one ever says “Boy, you just haven’t had the right pork yet!”
There’s a pecking order in the world of meat and hot dogs are right above spam and beef jerky.
by Toxicadam on Feb 16, 2010 10:58 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
mmmmmmmmmmmm, bacon
"I'm a baseball lifer. It's what I do." —Manny Acta
by westbrook on Feb 17, 2010 12:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
"Boy, you just haven’t had the right pork yet!"
said the desperate man to the lesbian.
by Logodaedalus on Feb 17, 2010 1:36 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
With lines like that, it’s no wonder he’s desperate.
I can’t speak for lesbians, of course, but somehow I doubt if many of them like it when a man calls them “boy.”
by Jay on Feb 17, 2010 9:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’d venture that’s a pretty safe assumption.
by Logodaedalus on Feb 17, 2010 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think it was a direct “Boy”, but more of the “Boy oh boy” type of Boy.
I've really got to change my signature.
Coincidentally, I just joined the FB group “I Bet We Can Find 1,000,000 Lesbians Who Want Jay To Speak For Them.”
by YoDaddyWags on Feb 18, 2010 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
The first rule of Tautology Club is the first rule of Tautology Club.
by ameliorate on Feb 18, 2010 2:02 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I’ve got to say, gentlemen, I think we’re prematurely dismissing beef jerky here.
by JRontherim on Feb 17, 2010 2:13 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
There is a place in my hometown that makes beef jerky that would make anyone change their mind. I challenge anyone to buy a bag of their Honey flavored and eat only one sliver.
Welcome back, Sandy! ATALECG...
Fresh jerky and Slims Jims™ are incomparable!
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 17, 2010 9:04 AM EST up reply actions
Grandpa’s Cheesebarn, Ashland, OH in case anyone’s interested.
Welcome back, Sandy! ATALECG...
by USSChoo on Feb 17, 2010 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Is a beacon of western civilization.
by TheVanillaGorilla on Feb 17, 2010 5:03 PM EST up reply actions
I live right down the road, literally on 250, and I’ve only been there once in my life and it was probably 12-15 years ago.
by Fundamentals on Feb 17, 2010 6:08 PM EST up reply actions
I drive past it on my way to Port Clinton. Probably gone past it a couple hundred times and never stopped.
Everybody should get ice cream every day.
sweet. I’m originally from Marblehead, so I’m up there a ton. I love MBI; so much more low key than PIB
by clusterchuck on Feb 20, 2010 9:56 AM EST up reply actions
I got engaged in Marblehead actually. PIB is too much of a party place, we’d usually rather just head out to the islands to relax.
Put-In-Bay reeks of sundried vomit.
I like Kelly’s and Peelee, but damn those ferries are expensive!
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 20, 2010 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
cool. i’m sure you get plenty of relaxation in on MB. it’s too bad the winery isn’t open anymore, but hazzard’s is fun. i actually watched the saturday game of the infamous ’04 indians/twins series there. I was totally thinking playoffs…
by clusterchuck on Feb 20, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
I actually don’t even go to Hazard’s. we have a small house out near the western end and spend most of our time in the park or in the water down there. We’ve got young brothers and young kids of our own so partying really isn’t much of an option.
Before circling the cheesebarn counterclockwise nine times, the pilgrim recites the ‘one-flap down’ hosanna. Note: Doctrine requires that any mustard and ketchup be prepared in separate facilities.
by YoDaddyWags on Feb 18, 2010 7:37 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Did you know that the city of Kennesaw requires that the head of household own a gun?
by kennesawmountainwahoo on Feb 20, 2010 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
How come no one ever says that about hamburger, steak or chicken? No one ever says "Boy, you just haven’t had the right pork yet!"
Because those are simpler tastes. I think some people do say that about steak.
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that 90% of the people here did not like their first beer or their first glass of scotch. That doesn’t mean they won’t ever like them, obviously.
you really think steak, hamburger, and chicken, are simpler tastes than a hot dog?
I hate the steelers the way a mother loves a child.
by notthatnoise on Feb 17, 2010 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
Unless modern food production is getting even worse, I’d expect at least some tomato in ketchup.
A hot dog with mustard and onions at the Jake Prog is one of life’s treasures.
by JulioBernazard on Feb 16, 2010 8:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
There are five known fundamental tastes in the human palate: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and umami. … What Heinz had done was come up with a condiment that pushed all five of these primal buttons. The taste of Heinz’s ketchup began at the tip of the tongue, where our receptors for sweet and salty first appear, moved along the sides, where sour notes seem the strongest, then hit the back of the tongue, for umami and bitter, in one long crescendo. How many things in the supermarket run the sensory spectrum like this?
I don’t actually believe this. I find ketchup a nice complimentary taste with certain foods, but if you give me a spoonful of ketchup and tell me to just eat it I will be very unhappy. I will get a variety of tastes out of it, but not in an appealingly “long crescendo” – but rather in a acrid salt and sweetiness.
Yeah, that’s utter BS! Nice copy, but poor science. Kids love it because it’s loaded with corn syrup.
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 17, 2010 1:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I love that article. It’s literally one of the most interesting and insightful things I’ve read in the past five years.
Thank you, thank you – pure reading pleasure.
I could really use an oscillation overthruster
by stuart dean on Feb 21, 2010 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
For me, yes. But you have to get the proportion right – about two units of mustard for every unit of ketchup.
you should find some higher quality beer. I at first hated beer, but that is because all I would drink was natty light, and keystone ice. for the first couple years of drinking, the best beer I ever had was miller high life. then i started drinking bud (not bud light) great lakes, yeungling, guinness, sam atams, etc…
you truly do get what you pay for. if you are just drinking natty light and natty ice, you are drinking garbage (I mean probably literally drinking garbage). if you drink more expensive beers, they usually are of much better quality.
Everyone soils themselves over Yuengling here but I can do without it.
Welcome back, Sandy! ATALECG...
I can do without it, but it’s a good, solid beer — and cheap! At the local BJ’s, it’s $15 a case vs. $24 for Bud. No-brainer.
by Jay on Feb 19, 2010 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I mean yeungling is not that great but compared to most american mainstream beers, it is quite good, and very reasonable.
In college, all there was at parties was keystone light (or ice) and natty light (or ice). there was never anything at all better. there was one frat I had some friends in and they always had good stuff, like kegs of yeungling, and miller high life. while this stuff might not be all that great, compared to the other quality at parties, it really was “the champagne of beers”.
Oh believe me man, I went to Ohio U, I’ve stomached many a bad beer.
Welcome back, Sandy! ATALECG...
yeah. I almost went there.
Thankfully where I went they do not drink natty light…
they drink the second worst beer in the world…keystone light…
It’s in the water!
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 22, 2010 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I have to think it’s the best of its class.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 20, 2010 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
The porter is good. The others, not as.
I find this signature at least mildly amusing.
by grunnermonkey on Feb 21, 2010 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
This is…completely false.
One of the biggest scams in the 21st century: appealing to the need to make property, property, property of everything. Go ahead and drink your Labatt Blue, ’cause you aint gettin much better than that.
I’ve got this theory that we dudes get super specialized about our beer/music/everything because its a form of ownership. And while Labatt is freely available and kind of a prole beer, it’s still awesome.
Labatt’s is awesome, but you were a little more hyperbolic than that.
Though I look right at home, I still feel like an exile
by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Feb 21, 2010 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
I’ve tried. I’ve had Guinness and Sam Adams and some honey-flavored beer whose name I can’t recall, and some of it I could tolerate. Quite honestly, that’s a huge bit of progress.
i would place all three of the above items towards the bottom of any ‘good beer’ list. but they usually serve as the starbucks of beer, bridging the gap from diner coffee to coffee that actually is good. my advice to someone who doesn’t like those gateway drugs. give a belgian or two a try.
I had some European dessert fruit beer concoction that was fantastic, but I wasn’t going to list it because I assume I’ll get my LGT card revoked for mentioning it.
The problem here is that you need to commit. Drink 100 beers in the next 30 days, and you will never have this discussion again.
by Jay on Feb 19, 2010 11:29 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yes, and like Brtiney Spears and Tom Wolfe, just pound straight bud light. Only after abusing yourself will you come to know the glory of beer – and the secret glory of the good drinking beer (such as bud light).
Aren’t you deep into college, Voltaire? You must’ve been a terrible freshman.
Drink 100 beers in the next 30 days,
The proof is in the pudding. Drink 100 beers in the next ten days, and see if you like it. Good beer stands up to repeated visits.
I’m not trying to be impressive or anything, but beer helped me meet Angelina from Jersey Shore tonight. No joke!
It was definitely a lolz moment. She was there, roped off and with an entourage, looking – lonely. Three unimpressive episodes and suddenly she was turning down drink offers from skeezy guys – namely me and my bro.
Whats better is I saw snooki at a bar here. I just think that is more funny honestly…just b/c its snooki. but this wasn’t tonight, this was a few weeks ago…
I don’t get the point. they have a reality show about these dumb people living at the “jersey shore” and now they advertise when these sleazes come to a club. it is like going to see a concert the way they promote it…
What’s better than that, I’ve never had the misfortune of running into any of those people. And if I had, I didn’t know it. Ignorance really is bliss.
Welcome back, Sandy! ATALECG...
Uh, have you seen the show? It’s so awesome!
If you’re out drinking and surrounded by 1000 skuzzy guys, you’d get in a trashy fight too. Also! How is The Situation not totally lovable??
Show = funny. Realizing that they are actual human beings who think that behavior is both acceptable and totally OK = demoralizing.
Welcome back, Sandy! ATALECG...
That sounds familiar, except in about 1/3 the time.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 20, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
Not everyone lives in Iowa. There are other things to do.
by Jay on Feb 20, 2010 6:29 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
More like, not everyone lived my 2007.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 21, 2010 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
I’d suggest trying some lagers or IPAs. Guinness and SA don’t really seem entry level.
Welcome back, Sandy! ATALECG...
Most people I know didn’t consider IPAs entry level either. I didn’t. Hated the taste at first, but now it’s my go-to.
Steel Nick
Sierra Nevada can be gateway.
Though I look right at home, I still feel like an exile
by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Feb 20, 2010 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
See, now you’re a blasphemer.
Though I look right at home, I still feel like an exile
by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Feb 20, 2010 8:39 AM EST up reply actions
No that makes some sense… Sierra is more bitter than Sam Adams, so if you’re not used to drinking beer I can see why it would be more difficult.
by Logodaedalus on Feb 20, 2010 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
sierra is a good standby, but it’s not for everyone. it’s a sight for sore eyes in many a bar with standard selections.
I think we may have had this very discussion once before. This is how I feel about Sierra Nevada — if there aren’t any IPAs or interesting less common beers, I’ll drink Sierra. It’s an enjoyable drink.
by Logodaedalus on Feb 20, 2010 1:11 PM EST up reply actions
yes. bitter beers are always more difficult for the first time pallate. bitter beers, and dark beers at times. the wheat beers everyone seems to like but once you acquire a taste, hops is often the way to go.
on dark beers though, I did love guinness my first time…
Guiness is a good session beer. Lower alcohol content, so you can keep drinking them and drinking them …
I prefer Murphy’s mostly.
STBNL
agreed. IPAs are very bitter at first and very hoppy. IPAs, and stouts are 2 styles that are good but you don’t often like the taste at first. most people like a wheat beer the first time.
I’m just not that into wheat beers. I know they have their time and place, but the only ones I’ve really, really liked were in Munich.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 20, 2010 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
I’d rather do Boulevard, but even then that’s not in my top 3-5 choices.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 21, 2010 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah. First one I had I didn’t think I’d ever try it again, now I kill for the hoppiest possible beers out there.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 20, 2010 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
Coming in late here, but my opinion is important.
Hot Dog: ketchup and brown mustard; sometimes relish; never onions.
Chili Dog: no ketchup, no mustard, no relish; always onions and always cheese.
I tend to agree that I’m anxious whenever playing time is threatened with the young players, and this would be the perfect time not to platoon them. But Branyan could also have a similar first half to 2009, spell Hafner a little bit, and get us a Connor Graham. I think I’d be content either way.
There are certainly plenty of opportunities to misuse Branyan and his playing time, but all I can do is hope against that.
Steel Nick
You guys ever bid on something on eBay, sober up and realize that you don’t really want/need that thing, but after regretting for hours about having to actually pay for said junk, some other sap outbids you?
Hopefully that’s what happens and Tampa Bay or Boston truly have better offers as Hoynes is now reporting.
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 16, 2010 10:37 PM EST reply actions
I don’t think this is like that at all. Branyan could be used in an intelligent way and actually help this team. Given Wedge is no longer involved, that might actually happen.
Don’t see it. I just can’t get past the strikeouts, poor fielding and bad back. We’ve got enough of that already. Seattle needed offense and didn’t seem to even consider bringing Russell back.
I’m in the “2010-I’d-rather-watch-speedy-rookies-lose-as-opposed-to-broken-down-hacks” camp.
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 16, 2010 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
He’d be blocking my ability to be optimistic about the future. Even if Branyan has a solid injury free year, what do we learn? Does he fit into the plans for 2011 and/or 2012? I’m pretty sure this is a rebuilding year.
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 17, 2010 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
It is. But who at first base makes you feel more optimistic? Obviously, he’s not a part of the long term plans. That doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a good addition on the usual one year veteran contract. Simply put, who else is going to play first?
Just seeing the names Kearns, Grudzielanek, Duncan & Redmond make me less optimistic and Branyan would just add to that list. They point out voids in our line-up more than anything,
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 17, 2010 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
A little context, though. Seattle decided to bring their gimpy HOF LF/DH back for another yearlong trot around the bases. Seattle decided they’d rather dump Carlos Silva and take a flier on Milton Bradley. Those two moves leave a lot fewer PA for Branyan, but they weren’t pure baseball moves.
Jack Z is also leaning heavily toward defensive upside. At some point, that’s probably going to catch up with him.
If you’re not using AuctionSniper, you’re not winning eBay auctions.
We need AuctionSniper for third tier FAs.
I use my own, proprietary version of AuctionSniper. It’s called OnlyBidTheMaxI’mWillingToPayAndIfSomeoneBidsHigherTheyWin.
You are reading my signature.
Actually, I’m not: I either get the item at a discount as to what I’m willing to pay, or I don’t get the item. I don’t need to pay someone 1% of the cost to bid during the last 5 to 12 seconds of an auction for me.
You are reading my signature.
I’m a sniper.
I think very carefully about my max bid. I challenge myself, if someone bid X + 20, would I want to outbid them? Should I want to outbid him? And I settle on my max bid, and then I snipe it. Win or lose, no regrets.
The purpose of sniping, in my view, is that it denies other bidders the chance to re-think what their real max bid should be.
Totally means I’m going to pick him up in my scoresheet league.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 16, 2010 11:22 PM EST reply actions
I’m already fired up for the season, but I’ll probably watch at least 10% more Indians baseball with Branyan on the team than without, because of the suspenseful possibility that he’ll hit a 500 ft. HR in any given at bat.
The Tribe will play 178.2 games this year? That mean playoffs, right? Ok, you’ve convinced me sign him up.
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 17, 2010 9:14 AM EST up reply actions
That’s actually pretty hard to find the time to do. Were you laid up with a couple broken legs? On the team?
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 17, 2010 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
I am a sucker for that big sweet swing. Anybody remember the split screen video with Griffey Jr. & Branyan?
What I recall about his sweet swing is that there was typically a good 12 inches of air between his bat and the ball.
by elsandito on Feb 17, 2010 8:49 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
By the way, Jon Morosi (a FoxSports.com writer according to his twitter page) says the Indians were one of three teams to make an offer to Cien-Ming Wang this winter.
Steel Nick
That surprises you? I thought the reporter got confused because of the (possible) Blalock offer. Blalock’s a minor league contract guy; Branyan pretty clearly will start somewhere.
There are more guys you could say that about, though, than actual jobs. Felipe Lopez thinks he’s starting somewhere, too. Some jobs go to players who don’t warrant them, and the talent distribution is never perfect even just across positions, let alone across teams.
Sure, but have you ever seen a a healthy player coming off a season like the one Branyan had signing a minor league contract ? It could happen, but I’d think of it as very noteworthy if it did.
I’ll assume it’s a one year deal. Any guesses as to his salary? One, two, three million?
Surprised because it is February 17th and at the moment he doesn’t have a major league contract. Also because Branyan will be 34 next year and has played 100 games in a season at the major league level a total of 3 times in his career – 2001, 2002 (split between CLE and CIN) and last season in Seattle. Of course he did hit 31 HRs last season, but
You’re assuming that major league clubs view him as “a hitter like that,” i.e., something close to his 2009 numbers. Even the statistical dullards don’t tend to see things that way. Hence disappointing offers for guys like Lee and Shoppach.
More to the point, if there was some GM out there inclined to see it that way who had the job and money to offer, then Branyan wouldn’t be unsigned on Feb. 16.
I do agree that the trend of fiscal restraint (everywhere but New York) is distorting things. I’ve always thought Branyan underrated, and felt vindicated by his performance last year. There’s a lot I don’t know about Branyan—maybe I’m wrong
I going to go out on a limb and venture a guess that there are competing ML offers (as in two, probably not three or more), but they’re pitifully low and the Branyan camp—with big Russ coming off a career year and with potentially his last sure payday at stake—are taking their sweet time to see if they nudge higher.
I’m thinking about it backwards—I admit it, no one else should emulate me here—but I’ll still be astonished if Russ doesn’t sign an ML contract. Others will be too. I’d expect at least one “sign of the times” piece up at ESPN.com to result.
I am relatively sure I could go viral with a rap called “Branyan’s All Up In Your Radar” if I had someone to sing the hook.
I have a cold, so I sound a lot like him right now.
by Brad D on Feb 17, 2010 11:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You Can Swing However You Like
LET’S DO IT, LGT.
by JRontherim on Feb 17, 2010 5:45 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Just want to give my props to LGT – 150 posts (and counting) about a potential Russell Branyan signing and that’s not even out of the ordinary. Meanwhile, over at peninsulaismightier.com (my basketball SBN equivalent), threads over a potential Amare trade don’t even hit double digits. Keep up the good work!
there’s one you can take to the bank.
Before taking Pro-Acta, please consult your doctor. Do not taunt Pro-Acta.
So there’s a chance that “some involved” don’t have an opinion. Or do have an opinion but aren’t willing to comment. And, although you can’t infer it from Olney’s comment, I suppose “some involved” may think Branyan ends up elsewhere.
Which leaves us with nothing. Which is why I hate these qualified “news” updates.
I’m not really one for hot dogs, but brats, man.
Brats.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 17, 2010 11:12 PM EST reply actions
Now why the hell would I want to post that to my Facebook wall?
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 17, 2010 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
Think of all the new friends you might get.
by YoDaddyWags on Feb 18, 2010 7:42 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
This does not make a lot of sense to me. There is no chance Branyan comes close to repeating last year and he will only get in the way of teh development of the young guys.
by OuttaTownClowns on Feb 17, 2010 11:21 PM EST reply actions
Which young guy does he slow? I’ve heard this argument all over the place and not yet heard who our stud first base prospect is that Branyan is slowing. Besides, even if he reverts to his career norms he’s a clear upgrade over whoever it is we are planning to play at first.
Well, right now we have LaPorta, Brantley, and Marte as 3 guys for 2 spots. That’s funny to write, because those 3 guys are in vastly different situations, but the worry would be that Branyan would pull his at-bats from that group. I’m not too stressed about it.
by dgcambridge on Feb 18, 2010 12:56 AM EST up reply actions
BP called him a ‘player to watch’ in spring training. Something about a batting title.
by cleveland teamer on Feb 18, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
Seriously? Was the title “Mr. AAAA”?
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Feb 18, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve heard this argument all over the place and not yet heard who our stud first base prospect is that Branyan is slowing.
I would put LaPorta in that “stud first base prospect” category and, if you think that LaPorta’s eventual position is 1B because Brantley’s the LF if and when he’s ready, then not playing LaPorta at 1B every day slows his development.
If you think Branyan doesn’t slow development, what role would he have on the team that would get him steady AB and how would it affect the AB of the presumed 1B, LF, 3B, and DH already on the roster?
by The DiaTriber on Feb 18, 2010 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
I propose to make him the 1B on the roster. I’m not sold on LaPorta as the future there; he’s only played 58 games there in his entire professional career. Brantley had a solid 28 game stretch, I’m not ready to anoint him yet.
Then wouldn’t 2010 present a pretty good time to find out if LaPorta could play 1B in MLB or if Brantley is ready yet in LF?
Nobody’s looking to “anoint” Brantley, but if 2010 is about development (or at least it should be) what does a “Branyan at 1B” accomplish, particularly because the Indians are already flush with LH hitters in the OF and at DH?
by The DiaTriber on Feb 18, 2010 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
The reports of Mo Vaugh playing first base are greatly exaggerated.
by Harry Doyle on Feb 19, 2010 10:29 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
That’s what I would LIKE to see if this would come about, but if Branyan’s making his decision on who is promising the most AB and he comes to Cleveland, my FEAR is that his promised role would be greater than that of a fill-in.
by The DiaTriber on Feb 18, 2010 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not worried about scenarios where Brantley and LaPorta play well AND don’t get a significant (> half a season) amount of major league exposure. I think it is possible they play badly and end up getting sent down to AAA, or play badly and struggle the entire year in the majors – but I don’t believe the team would allow those two guys to play well for the entire season off the bench of at AAA.
Paul, I think Tony stole your LGT password.
by Jay on Feb 18, 2010 3:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
OK, if I’ve suddenly become so “don’t block the prospects”-crazy, then justify why the team should add Branyan…that’s the argument I’d like to see.
by The DiaTriber on Feb 18, 2010 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
…and the reason to add Branyan that you forget to mention in the reply?
by The DiaTriber on Feb 18, 2010 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
He can hit. He’s cheap. He’s not blocking a legitimate prospect unless you seriously think Brantley is ready for a everyday spot already. He’s injury insurance. He’s not Ryan Garko. He’s a good option as a fill-in. We don’t have a 1B.
That’s a few.
I can get behind some of those, but we don’t really know that he’s cheap (has anyone seen numbers thrown out there) and he’s really only good as a fill-in at 1B and DH as he’s played 3B in all of 100 games over the last three years and he’s been a LF for all of 34 games since 2003.
With his back concerns and the fact that he can’t legitimately be considered a 4 corners guy and is more of a 1B/DH guy, I guess it comes down to the Brantley thing or the idea that he’s just depth.
If it’s the Brantley thing, I’m fine with Brantley starting the season in AAA if a legit option exists, I just don’t see the wisdom in starting Branyan at 1B and LaPorta in LF for half a season to see if we can get something out of Branyan if LaPorta eventually projects as the 1B.
If he’s depth, I guess I’d prefer a RH bat with the idea that he could be more useful as depth in a LH-laden lineup until he’s a mid-season flip as a best-case scenario.
As for the idea that we don’t have a 1B, PECOTA has LaPorta’s projected VORP at 28.4, Morneau’s is 30.2. I know…take projections as just that and Morneau is perpetually overrated. Maybe you still see LaPorta as a LF, but to say that “we don’t have a 1B” is disingenuous.
by The DiaTriber on Feb 18, 2010 9:09 PM EST up reply actions
I think the answer is that you can view that 2010 season as an effort to develop major league talent within the organization. Part of that is of course developing the considerable talent pool we currently have circulating between Akron, Columbus and Cleveland. But it also means continuing to add talent to the organization from the outside.
In addition to this goal, the Indians are actually trying to win games.
Branyan is a decent bet to help in both departments. He certainly could make the major league team better now. If he does perform well he can likely be flipped to add talent mid-season. If he sucks, he becomes something of a non-factor and sunk cost. If LaPorta and/or Brantley are doing outstandingly well I would be shocked if Branyan blocks them. I have more confident now than I did last year that the Indians will make the right choices in prioritizing playing time relative to current performance and long-term development. I don’t think Branyan changes that.
Maybe it’s residual Wedge-itis because, even though I’m looking forward to Acta, the thought of adding Branyan makes me all kinds of nervous about the playing time of developing/younger guys.
I just wanted to believe.
Truthfully, I’m probably in this camp more than I like to admit which leads to the pleas to stand pat and see what we’ve got in these young players.
After watching Wedge butcher LaPorta’s playing time in favor of Garko and Francisco (two guys almost always thought to be part-time players), it’s become almost a knee-jerk reaction.
Maybe Manny’s different…I can’t say that I caught too many Nats’ games with him as the manager, so I suppose we’ll find out.
by The DiaTriber on Feb 18, 2010 9:21 PM EST up reply actions
This pretty much sums up my best-case scenario hopes for if we sign Branyan. And, what the heck, we might as well know early if Acta is Wedge 2: Electric Boogaloo, right?
by VA tribe fan on Feb 18, 2010 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
In addition to this goal, the Indians are actually trying to win games.
Shhh! That’s the little secret about the 2010 season. We’re not supposed to talk about it.
by dgcambridge on Feb 19, 2010 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t have any reason. I just think it’s a depth thing — unclear how many PA will be warranted and demanded by Hafner, LaPorta, and Brantley, and even Peralta if you want to get crazy. I don’t see it as that big of a deal either way. I’m beyond wishing the front office would give Marte a real job.
You clearly haven’t had the proper Branyan yet.
by Toxicadam on Feb 18, 2010 12:42 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
The numbers he put up last year are more a function of playing time; in many cases (BABIP, GB%, FB%, HR/FB%, to name some) his 2009 numbers are his career norm. Let the kids win the starting job: I’m feeling oddly serene about Acta’s capabilities in doling out the PAs.
I rilly like the idea of rotation help.
by JulioBernazard on Feb 20, 2010 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
The Indians have scheduled a presser for 1:30 today. Either to congratulate the Cavs, or they’ve done something.
I’m fine with this as long as we can find playing time for everyone and (best case) Branyan is productive enough to move for more than a PTBNL or cash. And in that case I’ll let him “block” someone until July.
Steel Nick
This just in: Hold that thought.
castrovince Paul Dolan and #Indians front office members will be at the presser. No way it’s Russell Branyan-related. Stay tuned at Indians.com. #mlb
Steel Nick
Ketchup cheats. End of story.
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Feb 18, 2010 8:44 AM EST up reply actions
Buster Olney
Buster_ESPN
Heard this: Russell Branyan has agreed to terms with the Indians. Branyan’s deal is for one year, and an option – a $2 million base salary for 2010, up to $1 million in incentives this year, plus a $5 million mutual option with the Indians for 2011.
is it too soon to try and flip him for prospects?
by Brick. on Feb 19, 2010 3:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec—for real this time!
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 19, 2010 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
He needs only a few more hits to pass Pete Rose.
by odradek on Feb 20, 2010 2:04 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
12 pitchers
13 position players
1. hafner
2. laporta
3. asdrubal
4. valbuena
5. peralta
6. branyan
7. grady
8. choo
9. brantley
10. marson
11. redmond
12.
13.
12. grudzielanek or bixler up the middle
13. crowe? kearns? must have a fourth OF, right?
where’s that leave Marte?
my money is on:
1. hafner
2. laporta
3. asdrubal
4. valbuena
5. peralta
6. branyan
7. grady
8. choo
9. marson
10. redmond
11. grudz
12. kearns
13. marte
I can see this. Platoon Marte and Branyan at 1b. Laporta everyday in left, Brantley everyday in Columbus.
If LaPorta isn’t ready, then Brantley is up in his place.
This could bode well for Marte’s playing time actually. When Branyan subs for Hafner, Marte’s the default 1B (unless they continue to polish up LaPorta there). Give Branyan a day off each week coupled with a day off for Jhonny and you might have Marte in the lineup 4 days a week. Hopefully this will be enough to make a judgment on him (finally).
I just wanted to believe.
Let Brantley push LaPorta to first, by hitting in Columbus, or even spring training. Then we make room by moving Marte or Jhonny.
I’d rather have Brantley up to start things out, but I can concede that there’s still things he can gain in Columbus. Let’s see what happens to him when he has to push his way back to Cleveland. LaPorta in LF until this happens or we trade a 3B.
I’d prefer to move Jhonny than Marte – better trade value and realistically not in our mid-term plans. I still hold out hope that Marte is the bridge to Chiz.
I just wanted to believe.
Who subs for Sizemore in CF? Obviously, he doesn’t take many days off so is this not a concern? Is Kearns good in CF? Obviously a lot of hypotheticals at this point though.
A 1B platoon makes no sense. That would leave LaPorta with 40-50 starts. That’s not the reality of the situation. I don’t care if Branyan is getting paid more. He’s not going to be a starter unless somebody is injured.
The Indians don’t appear to want him in LF. And with this pitching staff, I don’t blame them. Between Brantley, Kearns, and Crowe, the Indians will have above-average outfield defense in LF.
Why is that so hard to believe? Backup Hafner, yes, who you may have noticed hasn’t been healthy for two seasons. Backup LaPorta, yes, who you may have noticed is coming off two surgeries. And backup Peralta, who you may have noticed forgot how to hit.
[Branyan] will join the team as an option in the corner infield and outfield
And I can see Branyan getting some late pinch-hit appearances for Peralta, Kearns (if he makes the team), and Marson/Redmond.
Pinch-hitting for Marson…flash-backs to little league: scoot back! everybody scoot back!!
by dgcambridge on Feb 19, 2010 3:50 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
because i have a hard time believing branyan is going to be the kind of corner super utility guy casey blake was always supposed to be. you don’t think laporta makes sense in left because of his defense, but you think branyan makes sense bouncing between left, right, first and third?
No, because I think Brantley is plan A for the LF starter and Kearns is plan A for LF backup.
If things go right and Brantley, LaPorta, Peralta, and Hafner are healthy, Branyan will see less time than he did last year. But chances are, something doesn’t go right. And that’s where Branyan, who has his limitations, can at least fill in capably for a two or three week period without dying.
he’s plan A eventually. a month or few at AAA doesn’t change that.
rick, i think tony has your password.
by Brick. on Feb 19, 2010 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
But for a 22-year old with some nagging injuries, he did just fine. And then continued that at the major league level. He’s not going to melt at AAA, but it’s questionable if he has anything left to “learn” down there.
He obviously has a superior approach at the plate. The Indians won’t send him down to learn how to hit homeruns. There’s just not much left for him to do at AAA. And I’d hate to have him blocked by somebody that probably won’t be around in 2011.
But couldn’t some additional low pressure AAA hitting instruction lead to more power. Getting better leverage in certain swings or something like that. I never played baseball so I actually don’t know, but he is still young, learning, and maturing. Silly idea? He will be a more effective OBP guy if pitchers and outfielders respect his power.
You guys should really ease off of Tony…
by The DiaTriber on Feb 19, 2010 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
up… he’s back on paul’s account…
as an asside. i think his rankings took a big leap forward this year. mcbride, hodges and brown aside.
I’m a fan. Anyone who spends time on here and isn’t a pathetically poor student should consider buying his book .
Hey, Paul, I think Tony’s mom has stolen your LGT password.
As a rule, teasing someone about their obvious proclivities is a clear sign of affection, and I think that is the case here. I think most everyone here really appreciates and values what Tony does.
I’ll also tease Bill James about his embarrassing history of Pete Rose apologism.
That may be the case, but teasing someone who’s generally not here to defend himself doesn’t always come off as affectionate.
by The DiaTriber on Feb 19, 2010 9:05 PM EST up reply actions
Branyan will be just about exactly the “corner super-utility guy” (a contradiction in terms) that Blake actually was, if not the one Blake “was supposed to be.”
completely agree. are we even sure 3B is really still an option for him? or the outfield, for that matter? anymore, it’s creeping ever closer to someone saying Garko is an option at catcher.
Before taking Pro-Acta, please consult your doctor. Do not taunt Pro-Acta.
That’s a blind statement.
Branyan played 35 games (270 innings) at 3B for the Brewers in 2008 and 34 games at 3B in 2007 (210) innings. He managed a 3.1 UZR in 2007 and a -0.8 in 2008.
Peralta, last year, in 104 games (900 innings) was a -3.7 UZR.
Branyan is not a gold glover, but he’s not hacktastic like Adam Dunn or Pat Burrell. He’ll be somewhere around average, probably slightly below, which puts him on par with what the Indians will get from Peralta.
now that’s a blind statement. he played 35 games two years ago at third and 34 games in the OF three years ago. in between he became an everyday 1B and hurt his back. so how can you say with any degree of accuracy how he’ll compare to peralta at third?
Before taking Pro-Acta, please consult your doctor. Do not taunt Pro-Acta.
I’m using a statistic. That’s a metric with some objectivity. I invite you to engage in this discourse by doing similar things, rather than making misplaced analogies to playing Garko in the OF.
This is not even close to being the same as that. And you’re still wrong.
Branyan played 3B for 35 games in 2008 and 34 games in 2007. Read it, here.
And I can’t say with accuracy how he’ll play at third base, which is why I use an objective metric that, more accurately than your blind dismissal, tells us that Branyan has been passable at third base. Then we look at Peralta’s performance using the same metric. That’s the beauty of using a statistic — it allows us to compare players.
Am I done holding your hand through the obvious? There’s no crystal ball to predict with certainty what will happen. The prudent thing to do, though, is to look at the information we do have. And the information we have says that Russell Branyan is not to third base what Ryan Garko is to catcher. It also tells us that Jhonny Peralta is no great shakes at 3B.
If you want to make the argument that Peralta will improve to average at 3B with more playing time, make that argument. But you offer nothing to combat the statistical assertion that Branyan, if he has to play 30 games over there, will do so passably.
not quite sure i deserved all that. all i was saying was that while, yes, i was making a blind statement, i thought you were, too. yes you pulled stats, but i say that in this case it remains to be seen how effective he’ll be at either position after a two and three year layoff from each, compounded by what seemed to be (last year) a somewhat serious injury. that, to me, seemed to make the statistics you provided much less relevant to the conversation. but i’ll fall on the sword if it makes you feel better: i made a bad comparison.
Before taking Pro-Acta, please consult your doctor. Do not taunt Pro-Acta.
It doesn’t make me feel better. I just don’t get the rush to judgment by more than just you that he’s handicapped to DH or that deserves to start.
LaPorta is coming off two surgeries, and Branyan off a serious back injury. If LaPorta had no injury questions, I would hope that this discussion of letting Branyan block LaPorta wouldn’t even be taking place. And even with the reality that LaPorta might be a few weeks slow out of the gate, I don’t get why those few weeks justify setting him back a year at the expense of getting a non-starter, 34-year old some extra ABs.
I think it’s fair to say Branyan has had only a one-year layoff from third base, i.e., the 2009 season. It seems like you’re stretching to call it a two- to three-year layoff.
Oh boy. Here comes the defensive metrics argument again. Shoot me now.
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Feb 19, 2010 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
Have we concluded that Brantley is above average? I recall that being debated. It makes no sense to sign Branyan as a backup. He’s starting somewhere and I’d rather see Brantley lose time than Laporta.
I don’t understand the assumption that he’s a starter?
In the best case scenario, LaPorta handles 1B and Brantley handles LF. The Indians have young starters at two positions for the next six years.
Branyan is just insurance for the fact that most times, best case scenarios do not unfold. It really is just that simple.
well, he’s going to be gettin more ABs in Cle than in TB, apparently. so who knows what that means.
Before taking Pro-Acta, please consult your doctor. Do not taunt Pro-Acta.
I don’t understand the assumption that he’s a starter?
I don’t know, do you?
He’s a starter unless Brantley does something phenomenal. There’s no need to hand a starting spot to a a kid who played 28 decent games in the majors and didn’t tear up AAA last year. Let him come up in July after we move Branyan. Until then, put Laporta in LF.
This is how I feel about it, too. The Indians don’t even love LaPorta at first base, they feel like he needs more experience there to get really solid … or maybe that was just the Wedge version. We’ll see.
I’d like to see LaPorta in the outfield as long as possible, essentially until he’s forced out. But the Indians may feel that they’re already 80% sure that Brantley will be an everyday player in the majors by 2011, and if they’re that sure, they want to get LaPorta as much seasoning at 1B as possible in 2010.
Reasonable. I think the Indians are advancing with all the normal caveats that Brantley and LaPorta will be contributing members on the same roster. Knowing that, I’ve just been assuming all along that they should start 2010 in their final destinations.
If there’s grooming to be had, by all means, use 2010 to groom.
I guess I see 2010 First Half as getting LaPorta back on the field, mostly in LF, and finishing Brantley in the minors. If all goes well, 2010 Second Half has LaPorta improving his 1B skills, Brantley getting big-league experience as our new LF, and Branyan playing for the Rockies.
Giants, they still have pitching prospects we can steal.
by The Grimace on Feb 20, 2010 12:37 AM EST up reply actions
Last time we tried that, we ended up with nobody.
Though I look right at home, I still feel like an exile
by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Feb 20, 2010 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
I’ll take issue with this and say it waaaaaaaaaaaay to soon to know what we got from the Giants. We have no idea after a few months how the trade is going to work out.
I just wanted to believe.
I thought if I capitalized “Nobody,” the joke would lose its subtlety.
Though I look right at home, I still feel like an exile
by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Feb 20, 2010 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
Last year, Branyan got 431 ABs, the most he’s ever had. He missed most of the second half with a bad back. When he did play in the second half, he hit .193/.274/.414 in 145 ABs.
He’s a cheap, versatile player with some pop on the strong-side. He’s not the kind of guy you allow to block legitimate prospects.
but we’re just talking about the start of the season. just because brantley doesn’t start the year with the full time gig in left doesn’t mean he’s blocked.
More time in AAA isn’t going to kill Brantley or LaPorta. But unless the Indians are going to start playing service clock games, they just don’t have much reason not to bring them up to the big club.
there’s no games to be played with LaPorta’s, i don’t think. Brantley, you could suppress by keeping him down to start the season.
Another blind statement.
LaPorta has 72 days of service. Brantley has 34 days. If both spend the next two full seasons in MLB, neither would be super-two arbitration eligible.
The Indians don’t appear to want him in LF
We’re sure? Because we banter this back and forth almost daily with really no resolution. I really didn’t see anything ghastly in his D last year to necessitate a move out of LF, but if the FO has said something definitive either way, I’d like to hear it.
by supermarioelia on Feb 20, 2010 12:55 AM EST up reply actions
see up above from dg. i just think branyan in left makes less sense. i see him getting most of his ab’s at 1B and DH. i wouldn’t mind seeing laporta bounce between 1B and LF, but i doubt they do that.
It’s certainly our best offense to have LaPorta in the OF and Branyan at first.
But I worry about our already crappy defense. Is having LaPorta and his grandma-hip in the outfield a good idea for him or our run prevention?
then, again, we’re taking branyan’s grandpa-back out of the OF picture, too. and off of 3B. and he gets a lot of LaPorta’s AB’s at first.
Nope, just speculation based on reports that he isn’t expected to be full go at the start of the year. Combined with the fact that the Indians have been pushing him toward first anyway.
“The pain is still in there,” said Wedge. "We think he just tweaked it when he turned for home there.
“I’ll tell you what happened. I guarantee you it’s from him moving from the outfield to the infield. It’s happened before. You’re using different muscles at first base. You’re doing a lot more squatting, a lot more bending. I’m sure that had something to do with it.”
That exact quote I was going for was “I would not listen to that man.”
by dgcambridge on Feb 19, 2010 6:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Think his name is Rick?
Though I look right at home, I still feel like an exile
by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Feb 20, 2010 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
Hasn’t he himself tweeted (small cringe) he has been given the full go ahead from the doctors?
…checks Gator4God twitter feed…
I just passed the sports test here in vail. I able to resume full activities.
Plus his Facebook said he’s “In a relationship with: First Base.”
by xrickx on Feb 19, 2010 6:25 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
wow…Just hilarious…
the award for the best use of a facebook relationship in a joke for 2010 goes to xrickx…congratulations…the perfect joke.
Isn’t it kind of early for that? After all, it’s only February.
by Buckeye Brad on Feb 20, 2010 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
its kind of early, but if you end up not finding a funnier one by the end of the year, remember i said it here…
I was just making a joke with this if you couldn’t tell…
i mean, obviously this isn’t a real award but it is a (redundant) joke award.
Gee, thanks for clarifying. I thought you were giving out an actual award.
by Buckeye Brad on Feb 20, 2010 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
I am guessing this is sarcasm.
please though, tell me if you find a funnier joke about a facebook status. I have heard some in the past but none have ever been that funny.
No, I agree it was quite funny. I was just pointing out it’s quite early in the year to proclaim something the best for the entire year.
by Buckeye Brad on Feb 20, 2010 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
yeah. I agree its early. still its the funniest joke in that subject I have ever heard.
plus it is really more of a prediction for a fake award (and also my opinion). If there is a funnier one found and posted on here, I don’t mind. I would like it b/c I do like funny.
LET IT GO. RIGHT NOW.
THREE REPLIES TOO MANY.
by Jay on Feb 21, 2010 8:02 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
The decision tree for me starts with “Can LaPorta be a pretty good defender in the outfield?” Every thing else flows from there, and I have no idea. I hope the Indians do.
i actually just care that laporta’s bat develops. i don’t care which position(s) he plays. i haven’t made the switch to defense is more important than offense yet (not to say that’s what you’re getting at). but if defense or injury risk are going to get used as a reason for where he plays, i don’t think “branyan can just do the other” makes any bit of sense unless it’s about how he develops at that position and not how productive those two defensive spots are this year.
Just a blind asside here, but I think our defense – our overall defense – may impact how our starters and the team as a whole develops.
i’m sure it does.
i’m just trying to place the pieces we’ve got.
we all want to see brantley in left and laporta at 1B. i get that. but branyan is on the team. and starting. so guys have to go somewhere.
it’s a numbers game. one that wasn’t an issue before the signing. with it, and no injuries, there’s no room for brantley and laporta to start at LF and 1B respectively. but that was always the case because if those two are the pieces, that’s the obvious best relative spot for each.
now, branyan is a piece, so you have to re-think things. who plays where is less obvious. if branyan wasn’t signed and brantley was clearly a year away, marte wouldn’t be pushed to left because laporta made more sense at 1B long term would he?
It does make everything easy to put LaPorta in LF. I’m just saying it possible that the Indians hesitate to do so if his hip balks, or if he’s pretty bad there, or if he mentally can’t handle it like Crowe. (oops)
Dave Cameronsuggests at fangraphs that this is just a matter of using three guys (RB, ML, TH) for two positions, and considering their recent injuries, that makes plenty of sense.
yeah. i honestly think laporta just isn’t getting full-on starter ab’s. and we know hafner isn’t. so a pseudo platoon makes a ton of sense especially at the start of the year.
I’ll update your lineup like this, for July 15, 2010:
1. Asdrubal SS (S)
2. Grady CF (L)
3. LaPorta LF ( R)
4. Choo RF (L)
5. Peralta 3B ( R)
6. Hafner DH (L)
7. Branyan 1B (L)
8. Santana C (S)
9. Valbuena 2B (L)
This is great. Everybody plays to (or exceeds) expectations, and nobody gets injured. One hundred wins, guaranteed.
Oh, come on, can you predict which guys will be injured exactly on July 15? It’s a hypothetical lineup, let’s not get hysterical over it.
I’m willing to guess the six, seven and eight hitters listed will not be in the lineup (on a regular basis) in July.
Did I give the impression of being hysterical? If so, I extend my deepest apologies.
You gave the impression of eyes rolling at irrational optimism, which may not actually have been present.
But maybe I was just reading into it.
Your deepest apologies, really? You’re not saving your deepest ones for a more grievous offense? This is the top?
If we’re doing level of apologies then the highest level as to be called a Tiger Woods Apology — you know, one that requires a press conference shown on national television.
by Buckeye Brad on Feb 20, 2010 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
I thought a Tiger Woods apology was for actions 80% of people would take, given the opportunity.
Though I look right at home, I still feel like an exile
by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Feb 21, 2010 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
A little hyperbole. But it’s a complete non-story to me, and it bothers me that it was the biggest sports story of the winter.
Though I look right at home, I still feel like an exile
by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Feb 21, 2010 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
Non-story? Listen, I’m not coming to grand conclusions about Tiger – but when (arguably) THE American icon cheats on his wife in an incredibly salacious, almost feel-good manner (no prostitutes, no minors, no foreign entourage, no strange fetishes – he was just wrong), it certainly IS a story.
Gee thanks, yeah I never considered that anyone might underperform or get injured.
by dgcambridge on Feb 20, 2010 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
Same here. Highest/best use. The Brewers concluded that he was not only passable in the outfield, but pretty good in some respects. You might even swap him with Choo, to get the better range in LF while keeping a pretty good arm in RF. Range matters more than arm, and more balls are hit to LF than RF.
I should’ve read the entire thread before posting above. We’re on the same page with LaPorta in the field.
by supermarioelia on Feb 20, 2010 1:01 AM EST up reply actions
From Rosenthal:
The deal, first reported by ESPN.com, is expected to result in Branyan getting everyday at-bats at multiple corner positions.
The Rays had less playing time to offer. They would have used Branyan mostly as a DH, and also in right field.
The promise of “everyday at-bats” got him to Cleveland…
by The DiaTriber on Feb 19, 2010 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
and this is what leaves laporta and/or brantley at the short end of the playing time stick to start the year, one way (platoon) or another (AAA).
If that’s the case, then I would hope that it’s Brantley in AAA and I don’t have a problem with that as much as you might think.
I guess I just don’t get the idea of LaPorta spending 1/2 of a season (or more) in LF, which doesn’t look to be his long-term position, particularly if he still needs to be “groomed” as a 1B…all while attempting to learn to play LF. Attempt to find a permanent spot for LaPorta and stick him there and tell him to hit. Let Branyan move around to accommodate that, not the other way around.
by The DiaTriber on Feb 19, 2010 4:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
then defense isn’t even part of the conversation. it’s all about ‘getting practice’ and ‘having a set line-up’. branyan is what he is and he plays where he plays, good UZR or no, bad back or no. it’s about filling the spot that’s left because “laporta at first” is carved in granite.
LaPorta at first isn’t carved in granite, but there’s no other reasonable alternative. Unless the Indians move Weglarz to 1B, there’s no interesting 1B prospects on the horizon. That leaves 1B to LaPorta. Maybe that’s why the Indians considered with Branyan a mutual option for 2011?
In the OF, Brantley’s immediately available. If you’re not going to play him out there, then he’s not going to play anywhere.
For a team that needs every dollar it can get, it doesn’t make sense to not utilize your two in-house, cheap assets. Instead, the Indians should impede the progress of one with the other, rending one totally positionless?
It just doesn’t make sense. I read what Rosenthal and Olney wrote. But that’s just not the way the Indians do business, especially in a year when contention is not the stated goal.
leaning more towards the 1B-DH 3-way, there is room for brantley. the odd ‘man’ out is laporta ab’s (and marte, obviously).
Yea, I think the Indians will say that Branyan is going to be an option at 1B, but if LaPorta gets going, he’s going to play daily. I understand the idea of working him into a spot, but I don’t think it’s going to be the Trot Nixon to Franklin Gutierrez arrangement we saw in 2010. The Indians won’t wait for Branyan to fail until LaPorta gets a shot. If LaPorta is productive, Branyan will (and should) get squeezed.
I think this is mostly about Hafner, with the benefit of protecting LaPorta coming off an injury and being a rookie (not in the “rookie of the year eligible” sense). Most pitchers are right handed. About 75% of ABs will be against a RHP. If Hafner can’t go, I want somebody in there who is capable of being productive in those ABs. That’s Branyan. And yes, LaPorta will need days off if he’s going well.
And finally, ahem, if Peralta is down and Marte’s not around, Grudzielanek is the only immediate 3B option. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to assume Branyan can help out over there if Peralta hits the 15-day DL.
Nixon/Gutierrez 2012!
Is this the whale section?
by sarcasmdave on Feb 19, 2010 5:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hodges and Brown are likely setting fire to some organization equipment right now.
by dgcambridge on Feb 19, 2010 5:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Speaking of which, doesn’t the Branyan signing mean that we have to let someone go? I count 41 players on the 40-man roster.
If I’m wrong, let me know. If I’m right, then who’s out?
by Deep South Ken on Feb 19, 2010 7:48 PM EST up reply actions
I’m 99% sure Branyan was signed to be our starting 1B on opening day. It doesn’t make much sense otherwise for him.
There’s a lot of uncertainty about whether LaPorta will be ready to open the season, and there’s the whole issue of slow starts which will be looked at very closely and Acta will want to come out of the gates as strong as he can.
I can easily see Laporta starting the season at Columbus just to take the pressure off and have a safety margin, not particularly because he needs any more time at AAA.
But if they really are committed to LaPorta as the future 1B, I hope everybody’s on the same page – once he’s up, Branyan is no longer the starting 1B, and has to find his AB’s elsewhere.
PECOTA has LaPorta as our third best hitter by OPS, which doesn’t seem crazy to me. I really do not want to got through another LaPorta wait this year.
I completely agree – this is the year to play your future guys and stick with them hell or high water to see what you have at the end of the year.
But I think there’s a good chance LaPorta won’t start the season 100%, and I know that Branyan wasn’t signed to DH or play 3B or start in the OF. 1B is his primary position, and he must have gotten some kind of inkling he was going to at least start off getting AB’s there.
Later in the season’s another story. Peralta could be gone, injuries, etc.
If LaPorta isn’t ready to start the season, we should be able to DL him and send him to Columbus on “rehab” to get some reps at 1B if that’s where we really want him longterm. But if LaPorta is ready physically to start the season, there is no good reason that he shouldn’t be playing in Cleveland. If he needs to learn 1B, well, that’s what spring training is for.
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Feb 19, 2010 5:19 PM EST up reply actions
1B is his primary position
Not necessarily. He has played mostly OF in his pro career and may be more comfortable there.
For those who want LaPorta to be able to focus on his overall health and hitting, OF may well be the best place for him after all.
by Jay on Feb 19, 2010 6:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I was saying 1B is now Russell’s primary position, and I expect him to be there opening day now that he’s signed.
As for Laporta, I agree with you, I liked what I saw of him in the OF and don’t quite understand the rush to peg him at 1B. I also don’t quite understand any real concerns that he’s not ready to play 1B either, if that’s where they want him – he played it thru college, has logged time there as a pro. It’s a tired comp, but if Garko could be our starting 1B, LaPorta sure can too.
Everybody’s missing the obvious solution, which is to play Brantley at first.
by fleerdon on Feb 19, 2010 7:41 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
He did play outfield more in his pro career. his true position though is 3B. he has spent most of his time at 3B. He played a lot of OF early in his career too. However, he has not played outfield much later in his career and OF is really a tertiary position for him (after 1B and 3B if you don’t count DH as a position).
If they want to lessen commitments for their three arb years, sure, their salaries could go up in 2010. But in 2010, both of them will make just above league minimum.
For example, Grady made $500K in his second season and $750K in his third under his long-term deal. Peralta made the exact same. Using that as a guide, any raise that Choo/Asdrubal would get in 2010 would be, at most, $400K each more than what they were scheduled to make in 2010.
So sure, you might add another $700-$800K onto the payroll if those two guys sign long-term deals. Plus, you still have the other 15 guys on the 40-man roster.
by xrickx on Feb 19, 2010 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If the club is going to lose money this year, I hope they’re at least saving their pennies for the draft.
Don’t get me wrong, an extra $2M to lock those guys up this year can save that a few times over in cost savings over the life of the deal. And $2M to Branyan provides more production at the MLB level than you can reasonably expect from any $2M investment in the draft. But backload the arbitration buyouts if the money isn’t there this year— there’s very limited commitments beyond 2010. With the pick the Indians have in this year’s draft, I want all hands and wallets on deck.
I hate working 2nd shift. I don’t even know where to comment on these things.
Welcome back, Sandy! ATALECG...
We are Devo.
No, not you. Your helmet!
by PatBordersHelmet on Feb 20, 2010 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
How are we supposed to get to 1,000 on anything if you keep making new threads?
by YoDaddyWags on Feb 20, 2010 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
For a lot of computers threads with more than 500 comments are difficult to load. But I’m not closing the thread, so if you want to continue to comment here, go ahead.
Aren’t you the one who can’t afford BP?
by afh4 on Feb 22, 2010 10:41 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
and redirect those funds towards recording, equipment, etc?
by clusterchuck on Feb 22, 2010 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
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