Brandon Belt to the Minors

    Brandon Belt has been sent back down to AAA with the activation of Cody Ross Wednesday. This move has been looming for a week or so and was obvious when Belt wasn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rockies. I was high on Belt early in the year as he dominated the minors last season and showed promise in Spring Training. All is not lost for Belt's career, it was just a small stint. Look for him to come back to the majors in a few more months. For leagues that keep players in the minors or a starting lineup, monitor his status. For now two names to replace him with are Matt LaPorta or Freddie Freeman. Freeman started slow and had many critics wondering if he could handle hitting MLB pitching (another example of people freaking out over a small sample size). Freeman has hit two homer runs in the last four games and has showed good patience at the plate. He would be a solid pickup. Matt LaPorta is a guy we've heard of for years. He was the main prospect in the C.C. Sabathia deal that sent him to Milwaukee. For the most past of his career he;s struggled. He's been a positive surprise for many Tribe fans and should continue to put up solid power number.