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To blow up the infield defense or not to blow up the infield defense...
That is the question.
Branyan's career UZR at third base since 2002: -7 (per 150 games).  Eeeeeeewwwww.
That's a 20-run swing from Adrian Beltre's performance this year and that's being optimistic.  Of course, the logical question is...what's our other option?  Because it's not Lopez to third...if you do that, who plays second?  Because that's not Betancourt (injured) or Cedeno (doing Betancourt's job) or Josh Wilson (AA-level talent...not even AAA).
At this point...I don't think we have much of a choice...I think Carp has to start at first and Branyan at third...it's only for 6-8 weeks...if Branyan can hold serve relative to the positive run gain you get from Carp upgrading us over the (lack of) production from Beltre...we're no worse off, though the ERA may well go up.  Of course...that implies that Carp hits.  We're not 100% sure on that, but if he doesn't, we do have other options (Shelton, e.g.).