C.C. Sabathia Trade Finally Completed
Posted by Jeremy on October 7, 2008 under MLB Trade Analysis, Market Watch | 
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Batting lead-off for Cleveland in '09?
Three months after the trade that sent C.C. Sabathia to the Brewers, the Cleveland Indians received the final compensatory piece to the deal in AA outfielder Michael Brantley. This details to this acquisition are nothing short of fascinating…at least to a geek like me.
As per the details of the contract, the Cleveland Indians were given the option of choosing between Brantley and High-A 3B Taylor Green. The Indians were granted the deciding option because Milwaukee made it to the playoffs. If Milwaukee would not have made the playoffs, the choice would have been theirs as to who would be sent to Cleveland.
I am wondering who Milwaukee would have opted to send. Green is a very promising young 3B who hit .289 with 15 HR and 73 RBI in 419 AB. His 61 BB/59 K ratio demonstrated highly advanced plate discipline from a 21 year old prospect. Green’s season ended on August 12th when he was drilled on the hand by a pitch, but he is slated to play for the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League.
As for Brantley, he has great bloodlines as his dad Mickey was a former MLB OF (most notably with my Seattle Mariners) and has been an MLB hitting coach. Brantley hasn’t produced the power potential that his dad has, though his 6-2 180 lb. frame could provide more strength and power as it matures. Brantley, like Green, is extremely disciplined at the plate with a remarkable 50 BB/27 K ratio. Brantley has great speed on the basepaths stealing 28 bags in 36 attempts. His defensive prowess will probably limit him to LF, but with Grady Sizemore patrolling CF, this is acceptible.
My thought is that the Indians want Brantley to be the leadoff hitter that will allow for Grady Sizemore to bounce down to the #3 spot in the order. With Travis Hafner’s offensive demise and questions about Victor Martinez’s health, it will be imperative for Sizemore to shore up the middle part of Cleveland’s lineup. This could mean that the Tribe will try to advance Brantley quickly, perhaps as soon as April. The bat is ready, though it would be nice to see him provide more pop.
