GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Russell Branyan’s dream has turned into a Cleveland Indians nightmare.
Signed to a $2 million free-agent deal in February and immediately named the starting first baseman by new manager Manny Acta, the 34-year-old Branyan has yet to play this spring with less than two weeks until the season opens.
“It’s frustrating,” said Branyan, sidelined by a herniated disc in his back. “This was my dream come true, to come back to the Indians and play every day. I’ve never really had that — maybe for half of last year. I was pretty excited. This wasn’t in the plans.”
Acta’s lineup plans are on hold as he awaits word on Branyan’s progress. Until then, two of the Indians’ prized prospects, Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley, also are in limbo. Both were acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner CC Sabathia to Milwaukee in July 2008.
If Branyan is healthy enough to play first base, LaPorta will go to left field and Brantley most likely back to Triple-A Columbus. Right now, LaPorta, coming off left hip and big toe surgery in October, is playing first base.
“He needs more work there,” Acta said of LaPorta. “We have to make sure he can play there if Russell isn’t ready.”
Veterans Austin Kearns and Trevor Crowe in the outfield and Andy Marte at first base also are in the mix — but Acta prefers having Branyan’s power somewhere in the middle of the lineup.
“Russell can hit them out of any ballpark,” Acta said. “We knew he was in a rehab process when we signed him. He’s accelerated his activities this week.”
On Thursday, Branyan played a bit of catch, did a little soft toss and fielded a few ground balls that came his way in the outfield.
He also politely held the door open for busy clubhouse workers on Friday. But the Indians signed Branyan to hit home runs, not be the world’s highest-priced doorman. Branyan has battled back pain before and believes he can still have a productive season, but is weary of talking about his health.
“I know what my progression’s been in the past,” Branyan said. “I’ve never needed the whole spring to get ready. I think a week is definitely enough time.
“This camp isn’t about Russell Branyan. The fans in Cleveland should be getting excited that Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore are healthy again and that there’s exciting young players in Asdrubal Cabrera and Shin-Soo Choo. I know I’m excited. That’s one reason I signed here.”
Branyan played regularly for the first time in his 12-year career in 2009 and responded with career highs of 31 homers and 76 RBI for the Seattle Mariners — though he missed much of the second half with severe back pain. On July 1, he was hitting .303. He kept playing with the pain and batted .159 in July and .206 in August before being shut down.
“It’s not the first time I’ve ever faced adversity in this game,” Branyan said.
This is the slugger’s fourth tour with the Indians, who drafted him in 1994. He’s bounced back and forth to the minors and also played for eight other major league teams.
Acta believes Branyan could need as few as 30 at-bats to prove he’s ready.
“We can send him to the minors and he can get nine at-bats in one game by leading off every inning,” Acta said. “That being said, he has to physically be able to take that.
“By the end of the weekend, we’re going to make a decision on whether Russell is going to be able to go out for the last week and accelerate the process and get the at-bats necessary to get ready for opening day.”
That’s good enough for Branyan, who appreciates Acta keeping the door open for him as long as possible.
“I think I have a good shot of making the opening-day roster,” said Branyan. “It’s just going to be a matter of what they see when I start playing games. Do they like what they see? Or do they feel I need a couple of more games?”
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