Sayonara Sabathia

Cleveland and Milwaukee have a baseball sync. When snow pounded Cleveland early in the 2007 season, where did the Indians play? Milwaukee. When David S. Ward and the rest of the crew filmed game scenes for Major League, where did they shoot? Milwaukee. When the Braves franchise beat us in the 1995 World Series, what former city was courteous enough to let someone else be that asshole? Milwaukee.

There are good vibes with this deal, I can feel it. Now that we're clear on the terms of the Sabathia trade, here's a look at our new prospects.

Matt Laporta, OF
6-2, 210, R/R, 23 years old

LaPorta is the centerpiece of this deal. The Brewers drafted him No. 7 overall last year, and he's a fast-track player who might already be in Triple-A if Prince Fielder's presence hadn't forced him to the outfield. In a loaded Huntsville lineup, LaPorta has stood out this season with 20 homers, 23 doubles and 66 RBIs. I haven't checked the stats, but sans Grady Sizemore, that probably equals the production of the entire Indians roster.

The best: Has a chance to be the next Thome, Manny or Albert Belle

The worst: So did Russell Branyan

Zach Jackson, P
6-2, 220, L/L, 25 years old

The explanation for Jackson's inclusion is "to provide the Indians with some starting depth at Buffalo, where the rotation has worn thin because of injuries and callups." He made his Major League debut two summers ago, and has pitched in relief for the Brewers a few times. Jackson has an ERA of 7.85 with Triple-A Nashville this season, so he should hit it off with Tom Mastny.

The best: A reliable middle reliever

The worst: Nobody will take him in a trade

Rob Bryson, P
6-1, 200, R/R, 20 years old

Bryson's got a great fastball, a killer slider and the complete inability to throw any other pitch. He's much better against righties than lefties. His strikeout rate at age 20 in Class A is what you'd expect from a 24-year-old making their Major League debut. He doesn't walk anyone. He induces flyballs in his sleep. And Masa Kobayashi is 34 years old.

The best: CLOSER CLOSER CLOSER

The worst: Blows his arm out and loses his power

Taylor Green, 3B
5-10, 180, L/R, 21 years old

The last component is the "player to be named later", but the Tribe said it would be either Green or Huntsville centerfielder Michael Brantley, whose agent refuted the claim in Brantley's official blog the other day. (Even Rob Oller could do this math.) Green has 10 homers and 54 RBIs at Class A Brevard County, and he's the Brewers' reigning Minor League Player of the Year, which is saying something in this crop.

The best: Fills a huge need at second or third base

The worst: Andy Marté 2.0