Add new comment

The unfortunate reality of labels is that it is quite common for a label thrust on someone to result in that player being "managed" as if that is true forever, (whether true or not).
Branyan cannot hit lefties.  All he'll EVER be is a lefty bat off the bench, or a decent platoon guy.  Anyone who voluntarily gives him even a single at bat against a RHP is a complete moron.  THAT was not only the opinion of MLB in general on Branyan - but also the opinion of nearly every Ms fan PRIOR to the 2009 season.  But, you can't draw ANY conclusions based on 12 ABs over 6 months.  If you get 2-ABs per month against lefties, OF COURSE you're going to stink.
Branyan and Aardsma were both cases where "everyone" knew they weren't capable of holding down a "real" or "important" job. 
Part of the magic of Jack is he looks for players who are "labeled" inferior or damaged -- and giving them a legitimate chance to prove the world wrong.  Branyan, Aardsma ... he wins the bet.  Cedeno?  He loses.  But, you can't EVER win that bet if you're only ever paying for "obvious" winners. 
Peripherals say that League finally "started" pulling things together in 2009.  Maybe he continues forward.  Maybe he flames out.  But, like Snell ... you can't get the "scrub" performing like a star, unless you're willing to play some scrubs.