Indians outfielder Michael Brantley partook in a live batting practice session yesterday, which seems to have gone as hoped. The resulting optimism was still guarded, however, given his history. As Jordan Bastian of MLB.com tweets, skipper Terry Francona heaped praise upon Brantley while remaining wary of how things will proceed. “I mean, if this ends up where he’s not healthy, there is nothing more that he could have done,” said Francona. “He has worked his [tail] off. I’ve been proud of him. Now, I’m starting to get excited for him, because he’s getting closer. But, I think you have to temper it … .”
Here’s more from the central divisions:
- There was a bit of a scare for the Cardinals when righty Trevor Rosenthal went in for an MRI after experiencing discomfort in his shoulder and back, but as Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes, the news was good. The hope is he’ll be ready to begin throwing again by the end of the week, though GM John Mozeliak noted the hurler will begin “preventative care” right away. It’ll hopefully be little more than a blip, but the time off does impact Rosenthal’s effort to work as a starter in camp. Whether he’ll move back to relief work upon his return isn’t yet known.
- The Brewers are pushing their trio of catching competitors hard in camp, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel writes. Manager Craig Counsell says that’s by design, as the club seeks to find out just what it has in backstops Manny Pina, Andrew Susac, and Jett Bandy. With the Brewers still haven’t tipped their hand as to which will make the roster and how the time will be shared, but Counsell says he’s pleased with how things have gone thus far. “As young players, we’re putting a lot of responsibility on them, also,” he said. “We’re all pleased with how they’ve accepted that responsibility.”
- Twins Rule 5 pick Justin Haley is impressing the organization with his attitude in camp, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press writes. Skipper Paul Molitor praised the righty’s quiet competitiveness, which seems to be by design. “I’ve definitely made it a point, to kind of put it crudely, to shut up and listen,” Haley explains. “I came over here with open eyes and open ears.” Haley will be looking to carve out a role in the pen, but could still factor as a starter if he’s able to stick on the roster. He split his time last year between Double-A and Triple-A, combining for 146 2/3 innings of 3.01 ERA ball with 7.7 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9.
I wonder if the Indians would be interested in Bruce if Brantley is out once again. I don’t think the price would be too steep either.
The price is for sure the key for the Tribe if they even would be interested. I think they are already out farther on the limb then they are comfortable with. As they gave up a lot to get Miller and then spent a lot for EE. I wouldn’t mind it but I’d really like to see Zimmer up in the bigs at some point this year.
Yeah the price would have to be cheap.
I think we all know why a Bruce deal didn’t get done this winter, and personally I wouldn’t give a solid prospect for him. And it’s doubtful the Mets will ask for less than that
Rosey in a Andrew Miller like role this year out of the Cards pen would be ideal.
But Matheny would never actually deploy him effectively and he keeps showing minor injuries.
What exactly happened to Brantley? For two years, he’s always been “right there, ready to go”, but clearly something major has gone wrong.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it right in the prime of somebody’s career before like that where they lose multiple seasons. TJ surgery, yes, but a vague, undisclosed, lingering injury lasting over several seasons, no.
It’s a major shoulder injury. Nothing vague. Shoulders are notoriously hard to fix, even for position players. I would guess Brantley is going to have to come back as a DH/5th outfielder, if he comes back at all.
You’re completely correct on everything but my stubbornness on Brantley is shining through.
Brantley is in a much better position than he was last year since he’s taking these batting practice stints and performing well. (At this point last year I think he was still working on getting more strength in his shoulder).
Hopefully he’ll only DH on days when Santana absolutely needs a break because having him, Santana and EE in the same lineup is extremely crucial
People are acting like Manny Pina is a prospect. He’s nearly 30 years old. Granted, it looks like he’s been blocked by some top catchers
Nobody is acting like Pina is a prospect. He’s essentially a lock to be the backup in Milwaukee otherwise some other team would claim him (out of options). Susac/Bandy will be the top duo in 2018 at the latest. Pina seems to be a pretty solid backup though.
This is the best news I’ve heard since the EE signing!! It looks like the tribe is taking all the right steps with Brantley and it’s finally paying off!
I won’t count my chickens before they hatch since this was a major shoulder injury, but all signs are pointing to a decent year for Brantley. And if he does come back, at even just 70%, the rest of the league better watch out