Acquired OF Michael Brantley (AA) from the Milwaukee Brewers as part of the CC Sabathia trade

When the trade was first made, Mark Shapiro emphasized the PTBNL as a legitimate prospect. Michael Brantley certainly fits that description.

The Brewers drafted Brantley in the 7th round of the 2005 Draft out of high school. Since then, he's moved up the minor-league ladder pretty much on schedule. He spent his third full season entirely at AA Huntsville. 2008 was Brantley's Age 21 season, so he's been young for his levels. 

Good prospects usually have an unusual combination of skills or tools; Brantley's combination is plate discipline and baserunning. He's also consistently been a good average hitter (career .311), which compliments both his walk rates and stolen base rates.  Too often you see a speed guy without the skills to utilize his physical gifts; that hasn't been a problem with Brantley. In 2008, he walked twice as often as he struck out, posted a .398 on-base percentage, and stole bases at a 78% clip. In a Baseball America survey, he was voted both the best baserunner and having the best strike zone judgment in the Southern League. Again, it's the combination of skills that makes him such an intriguing prospect.

Defensively, Brantley has played left field, center field, or first base. I'm pretty confident that he'll be sticking to the outfield from now on. And if he makes it to Cleveland, that means he'll be a left fielder. His routes could improve, but I don't think defense is going to be a major concern for the Indians. He will, however, need to hit for at least gap power along with playing to his current strengths to be an everyday player. He is young enough to expect some power to develop as he enters his mid-20s.

With Matt LaPorta, the Indians got an impact power bat who could be ready in 2009. Brantley could also be ready sometime in 2009, and as an eventual top-of-the-order player.