Branyan Pegged For Regular Playing Time In Cleveland

Since news first spread that Cleveland was negotiating with Russell Branyan, it was assumed that Branyan would serve as a backup to Matt LaPorta at first base and Travis Hafner at DH. Now it seems the Indians have something else in mind:

Russell Branyan passed his physical today and officially became the Indians starting first baseman. That’s right he’ll be starting at first base.

“He’s going to get the majority of playing time,” said manager Manny Acta. “We didn’t sign him to be a backup guy.”

LaPorta, the 25 year old top prospect, will apparently shift over to left field to accommodate Branyan at first. Youngster Michael Brantley, in turn, will likely go back to AAA for further development and an everyday job. Before Branyan, the 22 year old was considered the favorite to be Cleveland’s regular left fielder, but now something has to give between he and LaPorta, and Brantley’s the one with a little more to prove in the minors. There is an outside shot that LaPorta could return to AAA and leave Brantley in the bigs, but the chances of this are low.

LaPorta will probably still get some time at first, and that remains his long-term position. And given the health questions surrounding both Branyan and Travis Hafner, it’s unknown how long this arrangement will last. But for the time being, Branyan appears to have found the regular role he sought all along, and for as long as he’s healthy, Cleveland’s lineup will benefit from his power.

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