GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Michael Brantley tried to imagine he was stepping into the batter's box at a Major League ballpark, where the crowd is in a constant hum and reacting in bursts with every pitch. The only problem is that a Spring Training practice diamond is a far cry from the big league atmosphere.
On Field 2 at the Indians' complex on Wednesday afternoon, Brantley had four at-bats against live pitching in a simulated game, which comes with an environment more akin to golf than the big leagues. There are few fans in attendance, and those watching from the small aluminum bleachers talk in hushed tones.