Indians Eye Michael Brantley for 2010 Outfield

Various reports coming out of Cleveland see rookie Michael Brantley surpassing 2005 first round pick Trevor Crowe for the starting spot in the Indians 2010 center field.

The problem with Crowe is not so much that he has underperformed -- which he has -- but that Brantley has excelled, hitting nearly .340 in a limited trial, with a .576 onbase percentage against lefties, even though Brantley bats left handed.

Brantley also has shown considerable potential defensively, though his performance has been marred by a few youthful gaffs.

Brantley's door opened a crack when Victor Martinez was traded to the Red Sox, and Ryan Garko to the Giants, effectively halting the experimentation with rookie Matt LaPorta in left field. LaPorta is all but assured of claiming the starting first baseman's job.

Indians 1B Ryan Garko an Endangered Species

Look for Indians 1B Ryan Garko's name to appear on the Endangered Species List if reports can be believed about veteran DH Travis Hafner's rapid recovery from shoulder surgery.

With Hafner on the mend and looking to return to his former form, and with the emergence of Kelly Shoppach at catcher, the Indians can be expected to give former starting catcher Victor Martinez a lot more time at first base.

In other words, once the music stops, Garko is the one left standing.

It's an unfortunate set of circumstances for the former Stanford man, who was just beginning to distinguish himself at the plate, having hit .282 with 42 homers in his 330-game major league introduction.

Though room for development remains, Garko clearly is poised to take the next step up, but may find himself headed to Triple A Buffalo. The minors cannot be ruled out because in the prime of his career at age 28 Garko desperately needs everyday playing time.