Anthony Mazziotti
On November 6 it was reported by Cleveland.com’s Paul Hoynes that Indians outfielder Michael Brantley received a contract offer from the Phillies, Braves and White Sox.
Brantley, who will turn 32 next May, has spent his entire professional career in Cleveland. He is a three time all-star but has struggled to stay healthy in the past, playing 11 and 90 games in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Last season Brantley played 143 games, slashed .309/.364/.468/.832 with 36 double and 76 RBIs and was selected to the all-star game. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that a healthy Michael Brantley could improve this team.
If the Phillies were to sign Brantley, the outfield would include Rhys Hoskins, Odubel Herrera, Roman Quinn, Nick Williams. Throw in dark horses like Aaron Altherr, Dylan Cozens and that’s an incredibly crowded outfield. If Brantley were to be brought on board the Phillies would need to move on from Carlos Santana. Conveniently, they are “shopping the hell out of him”
From Ken: The Phillies are “shopping the hell” out of Carlos Santana. He discusses some financial implications within these notes. https://t.co/uZEoERkYdv
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) November 12, 2018
I’m not the biggest Carlos Santana fan, but I didn’t think he was terrible for the Phillies. Unfortunately, he’s blocking a spot for Hoskins and in turn creating a weakness in the outfield defensively. If the Phillies can simultaneously cut bait with Santana and sign Michael Brantley the Phillies would be a better team than they were on September 30. With only those two moves made imagine this infield: Rhys Hoskins, Cesar Hernandez, JP Crawford, Scott Kingery and Maikel Franco; this outfield: Michael Brantley, Roman Quinn, Odubel Herrera and Nick Williams.
That’s a better lineup on paper while only making two moves. Imagine how much better it would look John Middleton backs up his statement saying:
“We’re going into this expecting to spend money,” Middleton told USA Today at the owners meetings this week. “And maybe even be a little bit stupid about it. We just prefer not to be completely stupid.”
Bring in Michael Brantley, bring in Bryce Harper, bring in Patrick Corbin, bring in Craig Kimbrel. #BeStupid2K18
But seriously, this will be the best hot stove season since the early 2010’s and I can’t wait to see what happens. This Brantley news is minor but it’s enough to get me excited. Let’s get weird.
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