With last year being his first season in which he spent the entire season in the big leagues, Russell Branyan hit 31 homers last season, with 76 RBI’s. However, he only hit .251, and struck out 148 times. Russell Branyan had career highs in at bats, homers, and RBI’s.
This move will surely affect a lot of people on the Indians. Top Prospect Matt LaPorta was slated to be the Tribe’s 1st baseman, with other top prospect Michael Brantley as the left fielder, one will likely end up in AAA to start the season. My guess and hope is that LaPorta will be the starting left fielder now, with Branyan to start at 1st base. Against left handers, Branyan would like give way to LaPorta at 1st, and some one like Austin Kearns or Shelley Duncan taking over in left.
Do you think this move will change the face of the AL central? (I don’t)
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