Michael Brantley gets the call

Cleveland’s Michael Brantley was called up September first and has quickly made a name for himself filling in for the injured Grady Sizemore. The son of former major leaguer Mickey Brantley, Michael is a well rounded player and makes good, solid contact.

Brantley was acquired, along with the organization’s top prospect Matt LaPorta, in the C.C. Sabathia trade during last year’s deadline. Originally a seventh round selection in 2005 he has been a productive hitter at each of his minor league stops. His minor league averages are .300/.387/.369 and his bat control and plate discipline are highly advanced for a 22-year old. His career walk to strikeout rate is 1.36 and he has drawn more walks than strikeouts at each level he has played in, including 59 walks and 48 strikeouts in Triple-A this season.

Although he has very limited power (career .069 ISO) he makes up for it by getting on base and his ability to swipe bags. In Triple-A this season he stole 46 times in 51 tries.

Brantley is capable of playing center of left field, although his defense is only average in center. He probably does not have enough power to stay in left either so he may get pegged as a fourth outfielder type. Regardless, he could be a good fit for the right team.