Indians star Michael Brantley does not appear likely to be ready play Opening Day, Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer writes. “I don’t think you’ll see him playing in a Major-League game this week, that’s for sure,” says manager Terry Francona. “How we go about the next three or four days, we’ll have a better idea later today.”
Brantley had labrum surgery on his shoulder in November. He was initially pegged for a May return, but he had been ahead of schedule in his rehab. He played in Spring Training games Saturday and Monday, raising hopes that he might be able to play Opening Day. He has not appeared since, however, with Francona saying that Brantley was being shut down for a short time because his shoulder was not improving as much as anticipated.
Francona seems hopeful that Brantley’s delay won’t be a long one. “It might be a week later … it might be 10 days,” he says. “But he’s going to be just fine. We just have to do it right.”
Among Indians outfielders, Tyler Naquin, Lonnie Chisenhall and Rajai Davis have made the team, Hoynes writes. If Brantley starts the season on the DL, that leaves Collin Cowgill (who is on the 40-man roster) battling with minor-league invitees Marlon Byrd, Will Venable, Shane Robinson and Robbie Grossman for two remaining outfield spots out of camp.
“Hey guys my sox need another ace to go with price. Let’s call the Mets and trade holt and bucholtz for Harvey and Thor. Holt is a hof utility man and clay is elite to. The mets can pay off his deal as well. Go sox World Series baby” bigpapi4ever type post lmao
I check this site daily and love the content but I have to agree the bigpapi4ever guy is getting annoying
So a expensive outfielder who can’t hit and a SP prospect with control issues for 5 cheap years of a TOR pitcher? Umm…. how about no?
The Red Sox would probably have to include Moncada+ or 2 of Devers, Benintendi, Espinoza, Brian Johnson and Kopech, and then some.
Or other significant pieces of their big league club (Swihart, Shaw, E-Rod, etc)
Papi here gets a lot of flack but I don’t see this as such a bad deal. Carrasco hasn’t been a consistent force in the rotation and isn’t the youngest. Castillo looked good last year under Lovullo and Owens still has tons of potential. Throw some cash in the deal to offset Castillo’s salary and maybe this works.
Not that I have any inside scoop on the Indians…. But I think that if the Indians were going to move any of their prized pitchers, it would be for someone major lg ready since they seem to think they are contenders. Subtracting from their pitching at this point would seem like going the opposite way. They were linked to the Cubs as well as others when it sounded like they were thinking about trading a pitcher to fill another position. At this point I don’t think any pitcher they have is available, unless it is a grossly lopsided trade in their favor. I just don’t see that happening days before the kickoff the season. Just my thoughts.
No one wants Castillo
I guess this is news… But it really shouldn’t be. After his surgery, he was expected to be out til May. He was the only one saying he would be ready by opening day. From the Manager to the GM, they all kept saying they don’t expect him to be ready by opening day….. Hopefully for the Indians, he’s back in a week or 2… their outfield is not pretty without him! Hopefully Byrd makes the team…. I for some reason have always liked him….
What’s wrong with you? You’re not supposed to talk about the article. All comments must revolve around BigPapi.
lol… right… I’ll learn soon enough stymeedone
I would think that a Red Sox deal for Carrasco would be Owens or joe kelly, an outfielder like Castillo, $$$, kopech and devers
Castillo just no, he’s a bust. Question for A’s, Angels, & Diamondbacks fans… Why is Collin Cowgill considered a MLB quality player? I’ve watched the guy all spring he swings at first pitch 75% of the time has no approach. What it is his glove? We need hitting, no guarantee Davis & Chisenhall will produce. Butler sent down before Cowgill? Go with S. Robinson & Grossman! Venable/Byrd is washed up & Cowgill is a bum. Grossman could be good, the Astros also did release J.D. Martinez. Maybe Grossman becomes a surprise everyday player, he’s only 26 years old.
Byrd is washed up? hmmmmm hes a minor league peice that could be useful. you dont want him to have a shot at being decent over S Robinson? Wuttt
Grossman is pretty much a AAA player, with a poor attitude to boot: he might still be a Pirate organization otherwise. I don’t agree at all that either Venable or Byrd are “washed up”, but I do agree that there isn’t much to see with Cowgill.
All you have to do is look at Rajai Davis’s track record to know what you can expect. Same with Byrd. Don’t let spring training numbers fool you.
Why would the Indians trade one of the better pitchers in the AL to fill a temporary need..? Another dumb trade proposal
With that package you are looking to trade you could get King Felix, Sale and Carasco. And maybe even get the other teams to pay half there salary.
George Springer for Carlos Carasco?