Crushing Blow Branyan style

Manny Acta has Stated that newly signed Russell Branyan who hit 31 HR's for Seattle last season will start at First base this season for the Indians. Well So much for Michael Brantley or Matt Laporta being full time or even major league players this year. Laporta looked like the starting first baseman until this news, and Brantley looked to be starting in left until now.

My personal opinion is that Laporta will be with the Big club playing left and should still be on your radar. Expect some struggles from Laporta as this will be his first full season in the big leagues.(temper expectations) The Biggest loser in all of this is Michael Brantley, who I have seen touted all over the Internet as a sleeper. I have even heard people say they think he will put up Kemp like numbers from Kemp's rookie campaign.(Kemp's first year as a full time starter 2008: 606, AB's, 290 avg, 340 obp, 18 hr's, 76 rbi, and 35 steals).

Although I think Brantley could do this in a couple years I do not think he is ready to do that this season. Now, he won't even have the chance. Brantley will get full time AB's but not with the Big club. My personal opinion is that Brantley will start the year in AAA barring an injury in Spring ball. All that said, I am buying Branyan as a late round utility pick for his 30-40 hr potential. If Branyan can stay healthy I see no reason why he can't repeat what he did last year. Branyan Projection: 260 avg 60 runs 35 hrs 96 rbi and 1 SB.

The Bay State Scout (Bay_state_scout@comcast.net)
It has been confirmed by a report in the Cleveland Plain dealer (http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2010/02/cleveland_indians_sign_russell.html)

LaPorta's Gold Just May Rust

The awaited Matt LaPorta Goldmine has yet to deliver even a small nugget to fantasy prospectors at this point, mostly because Indian manager Eric Wedge is trying to find a lineup "that works". Unfortunately on most days those lineups haven't included Matt LaPorta. Really Wedge? Are you thinking maybe 35-year-old veteran David Dellucci may still pan out? Maybe Ryan Garko might get hot and hit his 2nd home run? This explains a lot about why the Indians stink. You bring up a hot-hitting prospect...and bench him till he is nice and cold. Not to mention sticking him at the bottom of the lineup with no protection. Way to build his confidence. And you didn't think gold could rust. Only in Cleveland. At this point LaPorta would have been better off staying in Triple-A and getting at bats rather than to be playing for Wedge. A bit of good news for LaPorta owners is that he made his first start at first base (his natural position). This could eventually make him eligible for first base, outfield and corner infield in most leagues if he is not already. In addition, he should get some more playing time. Fantasy owners need to be patient with LaPorta and just keep him on the bench until manager Eric Wedge wakes up and smells the coffee. (Which will probably be drank at the kitchen table while reading the classifieds looking for a job). Sin City Scout

LaPorta Gets The Call

Outfielder Matt LaPorta has been brought up to the Cleveland Indians and will join the club on Saturday.

Once again, if he is available, you better get him.

Sin City Scout

Will Prospect LaPorta Get The Call?

Cleveland Indians DH Travis Hafner was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a sore right shoulder. This is not a big surprise for the fading Hafner who had off season surgery. He has yet to return his 2004 to 2007 status even though he was off to a decent start (.269 and 4 home runs). Even then he only averaged 492 at bats per season.

Indians' backup catcher, Kelly Shoppach, started at DH. While Shoppach could get plenty of at bats, the Indians still need another bat.

Enter Matt LaPorta.

The 24-year-old was the Brewers 1st pick (7th overall) in 2007 and was acquired in the C.C. Sabathia trade. He batted .288 with 20 home runs with 306 at bats in AA Hunstville in 2008.

He is currently batting .368 with 5 home runs with 68 at bats. He was named International League's top player last week after batting .520.

The Indians should announce on Thursday who they will be bringing up and though it is no guarantee, outfielder Matt LaPorta is a top choice.

If he hasn't been picked up in your league this is as smart as time as any to do so.

Sin City Scout