Michael Brantley and managing unknowns

The Indians may have Francisco Lindor now, but for several years Brantley was the lead attraction on the Indians, and his turning into a hitting machine from nowhere was a pleasure to behold. I could, and probably will, write at least one piece this year only to rave over his swing.

Powerful presence: Encarnacion gives Indians booming bat

” As fans lining the chain-linked fence next to Cleveland’s main practice field jockeyed for better position to snatch an autograph or selfie with the team’s newest star, Edwin Encarnacion showed no emotion. With his glove balanced on his head, Encarnacion signed baseballs, bats, cards and whatever else was thrust in front of him.

What the Rays Should do to Complete their Opening Day Roster

With Logan Forsythe, having been dealt to the Dodgers for a talented pitching prospect in Jose De Leon; and earlier today, the Rays signed OF Colby Rasmus to a 1-year $5 million-dollar deal with incentives. The Rays are looking to contend again in a season where they came off their 2016 campaign with a 68-94 record.

Blue Jays Morning Brew: Prospects, Podcast, 2016 memories

It’s the first Monday morning of 2017, so as everyone arrives bright-eyed to work and thinks warmly of their holiday credit card bills, here are some Blue Jays stories to get you caught up and feeling fine. The first podcast of 2017 recaps the big stories from the holiday break – Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion.

Steady Eddie: A look back at five big moments over Encarnacion’s time in Toronto

Edwin Encarnacion’s strong run with the Toronto Blue Jays ended this week when the veteran slugger agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the Cleveland Indians. The ball eventually landed in the second level of seats at Rogers Centre to give the Blue Jays a 5-2 walkoff victory over the Baltimore Orioles in the 2016 American League wild-card game on Oct. 4. The Blue Jays went on to sweep the Texas Rangers in the AL Division Series before falling to Encarnacion’s new team in five-games during the AL Championship Series.