Cleveland Indians: Could Michael Brantley be ready for Opening Day?

In a recent interview, Cleveland Indians’ outfielder Michael Brantley said Opening Day is his “target date” for a return, but wouldn’t hold himself to it. Lip service? Or could he be ready?

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Most of the

offseason discussion has been around pitching. The rest of it has been how to soften the blow of being without Michael Brantley for two months. Or four. Now maybe not miss him at all? This is all getting very, very confusing. I’d say we should go to the horses mouth, but that’s another part of the equation that has clouded this all up.

At the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, Brantley wasn’t shy about when he targeting for his return to the Indians. Reports have been scattered all over the calendar, but the overall consensus is two months. After a near full voluntary workout–aside from hitting–Brantley still has high hopes for the opener.

"“My target is Opening Day,” Brantley said Thursday at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. He added that he didn’t think “it’s fair to give myself a target.” h/t Zack Meisel. Cleveland.com"

I know. He has a target, but doesn’t feel it’s fair to give himself a target. Let’s overlook that considering he’s one of our top players and we need him back ASAP.

“I’m going to do everything the training staff asks me to do, follow their schedule to the best of my ability. Whatever happens, Opening Day, if I make it, I’m there, or if I have to wait a couple of weeks, whatever it is, I’ll be ready to go.”

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Now, the Indians have either been very strategic in putting together a group of outfielders that cost very little money–aside from Rajai Davis, where almost all the money in the outfield went–because they believe Brantley could return. I’ll go ahead and call this poppycock as the Indians’ to this point haven’t been linked to many high-profile, outfield free agents. This is simply the Indians front office being the Indians front office.

The group of Davis, Lonnie Chisenhall, Abraham Almonte and Colin Cowgill is predicated more on hopes and dreams than expectations. They NEED Brantley to come back as soon as possible. The quicker he returns–and hopefully fuels them into contention–will convince the Tribe FO they need to do more in the outfield than they have.

This could simply be a rah-rah move by Brantley to try and get Indians’ fans excited. If Brantley doesn’t return shortly after the start of the season, don’t be surprised to see more and more open seats at Progressive Field. The Tribe need to put their best on the field, and Brantley is a key part of their best.