Day 7: Center Field

If you would have told me five years ago that we would even be talking about centerfield at this point I would have called you crazy. The Indians at one point had the BEST young centerfielder in the game with Grady Sizemore and life was good. That's not the case anymore, as the most talented and most injured player of my era is gone for good after this year. If it would be possible to get a one-year contract for around $1 million with a lot of incentive-based deals, I'd take him back. Maybe he could play right field instead?

The reason that the Indians would have Sizemore in right is because Michael Brantley patrols centerfield, and does it quite well. On a team that is better put together than the Tribe, he's a great hitter for the two spot who can bunt, hit and run, hit for average, and steal bases. The Indians have to bat him as the fourth or fifth batter in the order instead of where he's a natural fit. I absolutely LOVE the way this guy plays because he always has such a calm demeanor about him. In a big situation, I know exactly who I want up. Not Cabrera, not Santana, and not even Choo (though he's probably my second choice). Brantley is the only redeeming factor of the CC Sabathia trade, and even though its not the astronomical performance Tribe fans were hoping/expecting from LaPorta, Brantley (aka Dr. Smooth) has turned into one of, if not THE, most productive players the Indians have.

The only way I would want Brantley NOT to be in CF next season is if the Indians made a trade of Choo or Cabrera (or any number of guys really) and brought in a guy who is stronger in center. This would be if the trade was done with Arizona probably (they have the best, major-league-ready prospects in the outfield in my opinion). The luxury we have with Brantley is that he can play left field as well.

Unlike the rest of the organization, centerfield actually does have ONE bright spot in the minor leagues. LeVon Washington has a lot of skills that have yet to be harnessed. He was on a TEAR to start the year in Lake County (where he spent all of 2011 and was quite overmatched) before being injured. He's just now getting back to action and has actually skipped up to Advanced-A Carolina. The only reason that I don't see this as yet another mistake by the front office in their draft is because Washington was actually a former first round pick of the Tampa Bay Rays. He didn't sign, went to JUCO, then was drafted by the Indians in the first round again. He's, dare I say it, Kenny Lofton-like with the way he plays the game. Lets just hope he one day plays CF for the Tribe like Kenny.

In conclusion, the verdict on the present centerfielder is STAY PUT! And for the first time since starting these articles, I don't have a dire feeling after I finish them! The future doesn't appear to be awful either with Washington working his way up. Ahhhh, finally, a breath of fresh air.