Michael Brantley took part in the 88th annual All Star Game on July 11, 2017, at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida. it was the second ASG of his career and i have all the details!
note: even after the announcement on July 2 that Michael was named to the 2017 AL All Star Team,
he continued to be congratulated and spoke about his All Star nod
several times in the days leading up to the Midsummer Classic. actually, a lot of
things occurred in relation to the All Star Game prior to the event that i thought would be
good to include here. therefore, this blog covers ASG-relevant information from July 6-11. enjoy!
Prior to the All Star Break
July 6: before the Cleveland Indians game versus the San Diego Padres, Michael was interviewed by Andre Knott, the team's in-game reporter for SportsTime Ohio, and an excerpt was uploaded to a youtube video on the FOX Sports Ohio channel.
Knott began by inquiring how satisfying it is that he made the All Star team after everything he's gone through. "it's
Showing posts with label All Star team. Show all posts
Showing posts with label All Star team. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Sunday, July 2, 2017
Brantley Named to MLB's 2017 AL All Star Team!
for the second time in his career, Michael Brantley is an All Star!👏👏 that's right, Michael has been named as an American League outfield reserve and is headed to Marlins Park in Miami, Florida, for the 88th annual All Star Game on July 11, 2017!
tonight, on July 2, this year's Midsummer Classic rosters were unveiled in an Esurance All Star Selection Show on ESPN at 7 pm ET. the American League OF reveal was first and i knew better than to expect to see Michael in the top three. the starting outfielders include Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels, and George Springer of the Houston Astros. Trout is still on the disabled list due to a torn UCL in his left thumb that he had surgery for at the end of May. originally, no one thought he had a chance to be ready to play in this game, but evidently,
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| photo courtesy of @Indians on twitter |
tonight, on July 2, this year's Midsummer Classic rosters were unveiled in an Esurance All Star Selection Show on ESPN at 7 pm ET. the American League OF reveal was first and i knew better than to expect to see Michael in the top three. the starting outfielders include Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels, and George Springer of the Houston Astros. Trout is still on the disabled list due to a torn UCL in his left thumb that he had surgery for at the end of May. originally, no one thought he had a chance to be ready to play in this game, but evidently,
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Brantley Received Votes But Not Named To Sporting News' 2015 AL All Star Team
it's time for all the annual baseball lists and awards to start being unveiled, and today, on October 28, Sporting News announced who made its 2015 American League All Star Team. unlike last year, Michael Brantley was not selected to the team, although he did receive votes.
the Sporting News AL All Star team was picked by a panel of 22 American League, aka Junior Circuit, executives (general managers and assistant general managers). the decisions for this year's 90th anniversary team were made before the playoffs began.
the 3 outfielders chosen for this honor were Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels, Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Lorenzo Cain of the Kansas City Royals. the first two players make sense. those were obvious choices. but Cain? he most likely got picked because
the Sporting News AL All Star team was picked by a panel of 22 American League, aka Junior Circuit, executives (general managers and assistant general managers). the decisions for this year's 90th anniversary team were made before the playoffs began.
the 3 outfielders chosen for this honor were Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels, Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Lorenzo Cain of the Kansas City Royals. the first two players make sense. those were obvious choices. but Cain? he most likely got picked because
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Brantley Named To Sporting News' 2014 American League All Star Team!
today, on October 22, Michael Brantley achieved yet another new career first when he was named to the Sporting News' 2014 American League All Star Team!
the Sporting News AL All Star team is picked by a panel of 20 American League, aka Junior Circuit, general managers and assistant general managers. the decisions for this year's teams were made in late September. SN has been selecting All Star teams since the 1920s.
Michael is the first Cleveland Indian chosen for this honor since 2011, when shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera was selected. in addition, Michael is the first Indians outfielder named to SN's team since Grady Sizemore made it in 2008. Michael also joins starting pitcher Cliff Lee (2008), starter C.C. Sabathia (2007), right fielder Juan Gonzalez (2001), and 1st baseman Jim Thome (2001) as the only other Tribe players to be part of a Sporting News AL All Star team since 2001.
the rest of the AL team this year includes the following players: White Sox 1st baseman Jose Abreu, Astros 2nd baseman Jose Altuve, Angels shortstop Erick Aybar, Rangers 3rd baseman Adrian Beltre, Angels outfielder Mike Trout, Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez, Royals catcher Salvador Perez, Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez, and Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances.
congratulations, Michael, on this postseason accolade!
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| photo courtesy of SN's website |
the Sporting News AL All Star team is picked by a panel of 20 American League, aka Junior Circuit, general managers and assistant general managers. the decisions for this year's teams were made in late September. SN has been selecting All Star teams since the 1920s.
Michael is the first Cleveland Indian chosen for this honor since 2011, when shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera was selected. in addition, Michael is the first Indians outfielder named to SN's team since Grady Sizemore made it in 2008. Michael also joins starting pitcher Cliff Lee (2008), starter C.C. Sabathia (2007), right fielder Juan Gonzalez (2001), and 1st baseman Jim Thome (2001) as the only other Tribe players to be part of a Sporting News AL All Star team since 2001.
the rest of the AL team this year includes the following players: White Sox 1st baseman Jose Abreu, Astros 2nd baseman Jose Altuve, Angels shortstop Erick Aybar, Rangers 3rd baseman Adrian Beltre, Angels outfielder Mike Trout, Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez, Royals catcher Salvador Perez, Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez, and Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances.
congratulations, Michael, on this postseason accolade!
Monday, July 14, 2014
Brantley's 2014 First Half #s
this is the second blog i've done calculating Michael's numbers at the All Star
break. and while i still think it's somewhat silly to call this the 1st half
of the season because the Indians have already played 94 of 162 games thus far, you
can't fight City Hall. so i'm going to do this minimally (haha) just like i did
it last year.
Michael is batting .322 at the break. that's the 2nd highest average on the team, 6th in the American League, and 9th in the majors. he did have the highest batting average on the team until very recently, when Lonnie Chisenhall became a qualifier and then passed Michael on July 11. anyways, last year at this time Michael was batting .279, and the year before that he was batting .288. so this is clearly the best Michael's ever done at this point in the season. he's already set several career highs before the break and is on pace to set even more. he's done outstanding and was rightfully rewarded for his hard work by making this year's All Star team.
Michael had a hit in 72 of the 90 games he's played in so far. during these 90 games, Michael had many significant hitting streaks, including
--an 11-game hitting streak from April 29 - May 11.
--a 15-game hitting streak, longest on the team and 3rd longest in the American League at that time, from May 14-30.
--a 10-game road hitting streak from May 14, May 22-28, and June 6-7.
--a 9-game hitting streak from June 9-20 (over 12 days).
--5-straight multi-hit games from June 11-15.
--a 9-game road hitting streak from June 9-15 and June 24-25.
--a 9-game hitting streak from July 4-12.
--and for the second time this season, 5-straight multi-hit games from July 4-8.
additionally, Michael set a new franchise record with his 19-game home hitting streak (Progressive Field/Jacobs Field), longest in the major leagues at that time, from April 20 - May 30.
at the All Star break, Michael is batting .343 (83-for-242) against
right-handed pitchers and .275 (30-for-109) against left-handed pitchers.
he's batting .361 (66-for-183) with 39 RBI at home and .280 (47-for-168) on the road. his home BA is one of the best in the league.
Michael's also batting .360 (31-for-86) with runners in scoring position, producing 47 RBI. he's hitting .375 (6-for-16) with 0 outs and runners in scoring position, .441 (15-for-34) with 1 out and RISP, and .278 (10-for-36) with 2 outs and RISP and 16 RBI.
Michael has a batting average of .363 (53-for-146) with 51 RBI with runners on base and .600 (6-for-10) with 17 RBI when the bases are loaded. he is also batting .289 (35-for-121) with 22 RBI with 2 outs in an inning.
he's 2nd on the team with 10 stolen bases, 6 hit by pitches (tied), .322 BA, .382 OBP, and .901 OPS. he is 3rd with 30 walks. he has the least amount of strikeouts with 32 as well.
(these rankings include qualifiers only.)
Michael's already had an unbelievable season and there's still 2 and a half months left to go. but so far, Michael set career highs for himself in the 1st half of 2014 with the following: 113 hits, 38 extra base hits, 182 total bases, 75 singles, 15 home runs, 63 RBI, 63 runs, 6 hit by pitches, 0 caught stealing in 10 attempts, 10 outfield assists, 390 plate appearances, 351 at bats, .322 BA, .382 OBP, .519 SLG, and .901 OPS.
he was also named American League Player of the Week for June 9-15 for the first time in his career.
it is also noteworthy that Michael played 247 consecutive games in the outfield without an error. his streak spanned from June 5, 2012 to April 2, 2014 and is a franchise record.
1st Half batting average: .322
OBP: .382
SLG: .519
OPS: .901
March/April BA: .255
May BA: .345
June BA: .341
July BA (so far): .365
Michael played in 90 (of 94) games, 86 complete, before the All Star break.
he started and played left in 70 games, completing 62 of those games. he left 1 game early with mid-back tightness and played 4 innings. he left 1 game early after a blow to the head/neck and played 4 innings. he was subbed out of 1 game after 7 innings because the Indians were winning a blowout.
he started and played center in 18 games, completing 17 of those games.
he was part of a defensive switch in 6 games, moving from left to center in 5 games and moving from center to left in 1 game. he played 15 innings when moved over to center with 6 official at bats. he played 1 inning when moved over to left with no official at bats.
he started and was the DH for 1 complete game.
he came in to PH in the bottom of the 9th inning for 1 game.
he missed 3 games due to injury. he missed 1 game with mid-back tightness from playing on astroturf and he missed 2 games with a mild concussion.
he had 1 game off.
Michael bat 5th in 18 games.
Michael bat 6th in 10 games.
Michael bat 3rd in 61 games.
Michael bat 9th in 1 game. (PH)
Michael played left field in 71 games, for a total of 605.1 innings. (62 complete, 5 started: 31 innings, 1 defensive switch: 1 inning, 2 left early w/ injury: 8 innings, 1 subbed out: 7 innings)
Michael played center field in 23 games, for a total of 176.1 innings. (17 complete, 1 started: 8 innings, 5 defensive switches: 15 innings)
Michael was the DH in 1 game.
Michael was the PH in 1 game.
Michael played in 86 complete games.
in the first half, Michael had a total of 390 plate appearances and 351 at bats. here is how he fared:
113 hits
75 singles
22 doubles
1 triple
15 home runs
63 RBI
3 sac flies
63 runs scored
30 walks
6 hit by pitches
10 stolen bases
10 GIDP
32 strikeouts (24 swinging, 8 looking)
28 first at bat hits
182 total bases
126 left on base
155 putouts
10 assists
1 double play
1 error
781.2 innings, 90 games
(86 complete games)
1st Half batting average: .322 (113-351) (90 games)
now my game-by-game numbers and notes.
Game 1, March 31: 2-4, double, double. AVG: .500
(batting 5th/LF/CG9)
April 1: game postponed, to be made up April 2.
(6th/CF)
Game 2, April 2 (Day Game): 1-3, single (first at bat). AVG: .429
(6th/CF/CG8)
^^Michael sets new franchise record with 247 consecutive errorless games in the outfield^^
**Michael's 247 consecutive errorless games streak ends**
Game 3, April 2 (Night Game): 1-4, walk, RBI groundout, 2-run single. AVG: .364
(5th/LF - 5 innings, CF - 4 innings/CG9)
Game 4, April 4: 1-4, reached on fielder's choice, 2-run single. AVG: .333
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 5, April 5: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .316
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 6, April 6: 3-5, single (first at bat), run scored, RBI single, single. AVG: .375
(5th/LF/CG9)
April 7: game postponed, to be made up April 9 in a traditional DH.
(6th/CF)
**Michael's 6-game hitting streak ends**
Game 7, April 8: 0-4. AVG: .321
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 8, April 9 (Game 1): 1-3, single (first at bat). AVG: .323
(6th/CF - 8 i, LF - 1 i/CG9)
Game 9, April 9 (Game 2): 0-3, walk. AVG: .294
(6th/CF/CG9)
Game 10, April 10: 1-4, double. AVG: .289
(6th/CF/CG8)
Game 11, April 11: 1-4, walk, run scored, RBI single. AVG: .286
(6th/CF/CG8)
Game 12, April 12: 1-3, 2-run single (first at bat), walk, walk, run scored. AVG: .289
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 13, April 13: 1-3, walk (first at bat), home run, run scored, reached on fielder's choice, reached on fielding error, run scored. AVG: .292
(6th/CF/CG8.1)
April 15: game postponed due to cold, to be made up July 19 in a day-night DH.
Game 14, April 16: 0-3, hit by pitch, stolen base. AVG: .275
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 15, April 17: 2-5, 2-run single, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .286
(5th/LF/CG8)
Game 16, April 18: 1-5, single, stolen base. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 17, April 19: 0-3, walk. AVG: .266
(6th/CF/CG9)
Game 18, April 20: 2-3, home run (first at bat), run scored, RBI double, walk, run scored. AVG: .284
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 19, April 21: 1-4, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .282
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 20, April 22: 2-4, single, stolen base, run scored, single. AVG: .293
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 21, April 23: 1-3, single, stolen base, run scored, walk. AVG: .295
(6th/LF/CG9)
Game 22, April 24: 1-3, RBI single, run scored. AVG: .296
(5th/CF/CG9)
**Michael's 15-game on base streak ends**
Game 23, April 25: 0-4. AVG: .282
(5th/LF/CG8)
Game 24, April 26: 0-3, walk. AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG8)
Game 25, April 27: 0-3. AVG: .264
(5th/LF/CG8.2)
Game 26, April 28: 0-4, reached on fielder's choice. AVG: .253
(6th/LF/CG8)
Game 27, April 29: 1-3, double, RBI sac fly. AVG: .255
(5th/LF/CG8)
April 30: not in lineup.
Game 28, May 2: 3-5, single (first at bat), run scored, home run, run scored, 2-run single. AVG: .272
(6th/LF/CG9)
Game 29, May 3: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .271
(3rd/LF – 3 i, CF – 6 i/CG9)
Game 30, May 4: 1-5, single, run scored. AVG: .268
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 31, May 5: 1-4, double (first at bat). AVG: .267
(3rd/LF – 8 i, CF – 2 i/CG10)
Game 32, May 6: 1-3, RBI single (first at bat), run scored, walk. AVG: .269
(3rd/LF – 7 i, CF – 2 i/CG9)
Game 33, May 7: 2-4, 2-run double, single. AVG: .276
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 34, May 8: 3-5, double (first at bat), run scored, single, 2-run home run, run scored, RBI fielder's choice. AVG: .289
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 35, May 9: 1-5, reached on fielding error (first at bat), home run, run scored. AVG: .286
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 36, May 10: 1-3, walk, single. AVG: .287
(3rd/CF/CG8)
Game 37, May 11: 1-4, walk (first at bat), single. AVG: .286
(3rd/DH/CG)
**Michael's 11-game hitting streak and 12-game reached base streak end**
Game 38, May 13: 0-4. AVG: .278
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 39, May 14: 1-3, double. AVG: .279
(3rd/LF/GS4)
^^Michael left the game after the top of the 5th inning with mid-back tightness and is day-to-day^^
May 15: precautionary day off, should play tomorrow.
Game 40, May 16: 1-4, single. AVG: .278
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 41, May 17: 1-3, walk (first at bat), single, run scored. AVG: .279
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 42, May 18: 2-3, walk (first at bat), single, home run, run scored, RBI walk. AVG: .287
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 43, May 19: 2-4, double, walk, hit by pitch, home run, run scored. AVG: .292
(3rd/LF/CG10)
^^Michael hits first career walk-off home run^^
Game 44, May 20: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .291
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 45, May 21: 4-7, 2-run single, stolen base, run scored, double, single, stolen base, run scored, RBI single. AVG: .302
(3rd/LF/CG13)
Game 46, May 22: 2-6, RBI triple, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .303
(3rd/LF/CG13)
Game 47, May 23: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .302
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 48, May 24: 1-3, walk (first at bat), stolen base, RBI hit by pitch, single, run scored. AVG: .303
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 49, May 25: 1-4, single. AVG: .302
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 50, May 26: 2-3, RBI single, walk, stolen base, run scored, single. AVG: .307
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 51, May 27: 1-4, single. AVG: .306
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 52, May 28: 2-4, single, single, run scored. AVG: .310
(3rd/LF/CG8.1)
Game 53, May 30: 1-4, reached on fielder's choice (first at bat), run scored, double, run scored. AVG: .309
(3rd/LF/CG9)
^^Michael sets new franchise record with 19-game home hitting streak^^
**Michael's 15-game hitting streak and 19-game home hitting streak end**
Game 54, May 31: 0-4. AVG: .303
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 65, June 12: 2-4, single, double, run scored. AVG: .313
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 66, June 13: 2-4, single (first at bat), RBI double, reached on fielding error. AVG: .316
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 67, June 14: 2-4, hit by pitch, stolen base, single, run scored, single. AVG: .319
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 68, June 15: 2-4, home run (first at bat), run scored, single, walk. AVG: .322
(3rd/LF/CG11)
^^Michael sets new career high in home runs with 11^^
Game 69, June 16: 1-2, RBI single. AVG: .323
(3rd/LF/GS4)
June 17: scratched from lineup at 4 pm. went through his pregame baseball activities and felt stiffness in his neck and pressure in his head. went to Cleveland Clinic for further evaluation and is currently day-to-day with head/neck soreness.
(3rd/LF)
June 18: has mild concussion, passing tests each day, hit off tee and played catch. might be back on field tomorrow, hopes to play June 21. game postponed, to be made up September 8.
June 19: ran on the field and threw before game, plus hit in the cage. tentative return still June 21.
June 20: ran the bases at full speed and took batting practice on the field. no ill effects. he was cleared to play in the 3rd/4th inning tonight, so…
Game 70, June 20: 1-1, single (first at bat). AVG: .326
(9th/PH)
Game 72, June 22: 3-5, single (first at bat), RBI double, 2-run double. AVG: .325
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 73, June 24: 1-5, single, run scored, walk, walk, run scored. AVG: .323
(3rd/LF/CG13.1)
Game 74, June 25: 2-4, single (first at bat), RBI groundout, home run, run scored, walk, run scored. AVG: .325
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 75, June 27: 0-3, RBI sac fly. AVG: .322
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 78, June 30: 0-3. AVG: .314
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 82, July 5: 3-5, single (first at bat), single, run scored, RBI single. AVG: .319
(3rd/LF – 8 i, CF – 1 i/CG9)
Game 83, July 6: 2-4, single, RBI single. AVG: .321
(3rd/CF/CG9)
Game 84, July 7: 2-4, single, single. AVG: .323
(3rd/CF/CG9)
Game 85, July 8: 3-4, RBI double (first at bat), RBI double, home run, run scored. AVG: .328
(3rd/CF/CG9)
Game 89/July 12: 1-4, home run, run scored. AVG: .326
(3rd/CF/CG9)
**Michael's 9-game hitting streak and 11-game reached base streak end**
Game 90/July 13: 0-4. AVG: .322
Michael's 1st half went beyond my wildest dreams. he's doing great in every facet of the game. but if i had to pinpoint a few areas that i'd like to see him improve in, i'd say his BA with 2 outs and runners in scoring position and his left-handed pitching BA. and i want him to work the count more, and maybe draw more walks and steal more bases. other than that, he's doing absolutely amazing and as long as he remains healthy, i expect nothing short of the same after the All Star break.
Michael is not getting much of a break this year, though he really deserves one. but he will be participating in the All Star festivities because he was selected to the 85th annual All Star game in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the first time in his career. i hope he has a great time and can keep his momentum going in the 2nd half of the season. i'm so proud of my boy. Go Brantley! Go Tribe!
Michael is batting .322 at the break. that's the 2nd highest average on the team, 6th in the American League, and 9th in the majors. he did have the highest batting average on the team until very recently, when Lonnie Chisenhall became a qualifier and then passed Michael on July 11. anyways, last year at this time Michael was batting .279, and the year before that he was batting .288. so this is clearly the best Michael's ever done at this point in the season. he's already set several career highs before the break and is on pace to set even more. he's done outstanding and was rightfully rewarded for his hard work by making this year's All Star team.
Michael had a hit in 72 of the 90 games he's played in so far. during these 90 games, Michael had many significant hitting streaks, including
--an 11-game hitting streak from April 29 - May 11.
--a 15-game hitting streak, longest on the team and 3rd longest in the American League at that time, from May 14-30.
--a 10-game road hitting streak from May 14, May 22-28, and June 6-7.
--a 9-game hitting streak from June 9-20 (over 12 days).
--5-straight multi-hit games from June 11-15.
--a 9-game road hitting streak from June 9-15 and June 24-25.
--a 9-game hitting streak from July 4-12.
--and for the second time this season, 5-straight multi-hit games from July 4-8.
additionally, Michael set a new franchise record with his 19-game home hitting streak (Progressive Field/Jacobs Field), longest in the major leagues at that time, from April 20 - May 30.
Michael
reached base safely in 81 games and had quite a few reached base
streaks as well. he
--reached
base in 15 straight games from April 9-24.
--reached
base in 12 straight games from April 28 - May 11.
--reached
base in 15 straight games from May 14-30.
--reached
base in 16 straight games from June 1-20 (over 20 days).
--reached
base in 20 straight road games from May 14, May 22-28, June 6-15, and June 24-25.
--reached
base in 11 straight games from July 1-12 (over 12 days).
he's batting .361 (66-for-183) with 39 RBI at home and .280 (47-for-168) on the road. his home BA is one of the best in the league.
Michael's also batting .360 (31-for-86) with runners in scoring position, producing 47 RBI. he's hitting .375 (6-for-16) with 0 outs and runners in scoring position, .441 (15-for-34) with 1 out and RISP, and .278 (10-for-36) with 2 outs and RISP and 16 RBI.
Michael has a batting average of .363 (53-for-146) with 51 RBI with runners on base and .600 (6-for-10) with 17 RBI when the bases are loaded. he is also batting .289 (35-for-121) with 22 RBI with 2 outs in an inning.
Michael currently leads the team with: 113 hits, 38
extra base hits, 182 total bases, 22 doubles (tied), 15 home runs, 63 RBI, 63
runs, 90 games, 390 plate appearances, 351 at bats (tied), and .519 SLG. he
also leads
the outfielders with 10 assists.
he's 2nd on the team with 10 stolen bases, 6 hit by pitches (tied), .322 BA, .382 OBP, and .901 OPS. he is 3rd with 30 walks. he has the least amount of strikeouts with 32 as well.
(these rankings include qualifiers only.)
Michael's already had an unbelievable season and there's still 2 and a half months left to go. but so far, Michael set career highs for himself in the 1st half of 2014 with the following: 113 hits, 38 extra base hits, 182 total bases, 75 singles, 15 home runs, 63 RBI, 63 runs, 6 hit by pitches, 0 caught stealing in 10 attempts, 10 outfield assists, 390 plate appearances, 351 at bats, .322 BA, .382 OBP, .519 SLG, and .901 OPS.
he was also named American League Player of the Week for June 9-15 for the first time in his career.
Michael
is the first Indians player to have at least 60 RBI in a 1st half since Victor
Martinez in 2007. dating back to 1914, Michael is now only the 2nd Indians
player to have hit .300 or more with at least 35 extra base hits, 60 RBI, and
10 stolen bases in the 1st half of the season. Roberto Alomar previously did it
in 1999.
additionally in this 1st half, Michael's hit
safely in 39 of 46 home games overall. he now has 31 multi-hit games and 15
multi-RBI games. he has 18 go-ahead hits and 19
go-ahead RBI as well.
among American League outfielders, Michael ranks 1st in
batting average, 2nd in runs, 3rd in RBI and innings, tied for 3rd in hits and
extra base hits, 4th in doubles and total bases, and 6th in home runs. his 3.7 WAR number is ranked 3rd. in addition, Michael's 8.2% strikeout rate in 390 PA is the lowest among AL outfielders and 4th lowest in the league. Martinez currently leads the league with a 6.2 strikeout percentage.
Michael played both left and center field before the break, but mostly left. he was charged with one error while playing center field and has a .994 overall fielding percentage. his fielding percentage in left field is a perfect 1.000 and his fielding percentage in center is .982. he currently has a total of 155 putouts, 10 outfield assists, and 1 double play. he also started a triple play, his first, on July 1. his 10 outfield assists are not only a season high for him, but they tie him for 2nd most in the American League and in the majors.
Michael played both left and center field before the break, but mostly left. he was charged with one error while playing center field and has a .994 overall fielding percentage. his fielding percentage in left field is a perfect 1.000 and his fielding percentage in center is .982. he currently has a total of 155 putouts, 10 outfield assists, and 1 double play. he also started a triple play, his first, on July 1. his 10 outfield assists are not only a season high for him, but they tie him for 2nd most in the American League and in the majors.
it is also noteworthy that Michael played 247 consecutive games in the outfield without an error. his streak spanned from June 5, 2012 to April 2, 2014 and is a franchise record.
1st Half batting average: .322
OBP: .382
SLG: .519
OPS: .901
March/April BA: .255
May BA: .345
June BA: .341
July BA (so far): .365
Michael played in 90 (of 94) games, 86 complete, before the All Star break.
he started and played left in 70 games, completing 62 of those games. he left 1 game early with mid-back tightness and played 4 innings. he left 1 game early after a blow to the head/neck and played 4 innings. he was subbed out of 1 game after 7 innings because the Indians were winning a blowout.
he started and played center in 18 games, completing 17 of those games.
he was part of a defensive switch in 6 games, moving from left to center in 5 games and moving from center to left in 1 game. he played 15 innings when moved over to center with 6 official at bats. he played 1 inning when moved over to left with no official at bats.
he started and was the DH for 1 complete game.
he came in to PH in the bottom of the 9th inning for 1 game.
he missed 3 games due to injury. he missed 1 game with mid-back tightness from playing on astroturf and he missed 2 games with a mild concussion.
he had 1 game off.
Michael bat 5th in 18 games.
Michael bat 6th in 10 games.
Michael bat 3rd in 61 games.
Michael bat 9th in 1 game. (PH)
Michael played left field in 71 games, for a total of 605.1 innings. (62 complete, 5 started: 31 innings, 1 defensive switch: 1 inning, 2 left early w/ injury: 8 innings, 1 subbed out: 7 innings)
Michael played center field in 23 games, for a total of 176.1 innings. (17 complete, 1 started: 8 innings, 5 defensive switches: 15 innings)
Michael was the DH in 1 game.
Michael was the PH in 1 game.
Michael played in 86 complete games.
in the first half, Michael had a total of 390 plate appearances and 351 at bats. here is how he fared:
113 hits
75 singles
22 doubles
1 triple
15 home runs
63 RBI
3 sac flies
63 runs scored
30 walks
6 hit by pitches
10 stolen bases
10 GIDP
32 strikeouts (24 swinging, 8 looking)
28 first at bat hits
182 total bases
126 left on base
155 putouts
10 assists
1 double play
1 error
781.2 innings, 90 games
(86 complete games)
1st Half batting average: .322 (113-351) (90 games)
now my game-by-game numbers and notes.
Game 1, March 31: 2-4, double, double. AVG: .500
(batting 5th/LF/CG9)
April 1: game postponed, to be made up April 2.
(6th/CF)
Game 2, April 2 (Day Game): 1-3, single (first at bat). AVG: .429
(6th/CF/CG8)
^^Michael sets new franchise record with 247 consecutive errorless games in the outfield^^
**Michael's 247 consecutive errorless games streak ends**
Game 3, April 2 (Night Game): 1-4, walk, RBI groundout, 2-run single. AVG: .364
(5th/LF - 5 innings, CF - 4 innings/CG9)
Game 4, April 4: 1-4, reached on fielder's choice, 2-run single. AVG: .333
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 5, April 5: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .316
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 6, April 6: 3-5, single (first at bat), run scored, RBI single, single. AVG: .375
(5th/LF/CG9)
April 7: game postponed, to be made up April 9 in a traditional DH.
(6th/CF)
**Michael's 6-game hitting streak ends**
Game 7, April 8: 0-4. AVG: .321
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 8, April 9 (Game 1): 1-3, single (first at bat). AVG: .323
(6th/CF - 8 i, LF - 1 i/CG9)
Game 9, April 9 (Game 2): 0-3, walk. AVG: .294
(6th/CF/CG9)
Game 10, April 10: 1-4, double. AVG: .289
(6th/CF/CG8)
Game 11, April 11: 1-4, walk, run scored, RBI single. AVG: .286
(6th/CF/CG8)
Game 12, April 12: 1-3, 2-run single (first at bat), walk, walk, run scored. AVG: .289
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 13, April 13: 1-3, walk (first at bat), home run, run scored, reached on fielder's choice, reached on fielding error, run scored. AVG: .292
(6th/CF/CG8.1)
April 15: game postponed due to cold, to be made up July 19 in a day-night DH.
Game 14, April 16: 0-3, hit by pitch, stolen base. AVG: .275
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 15, April 17: 2-5, 2-run single, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .286
(5th/LF/CG8)
Game 16, April 18: 1-5, single, stolen base. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 17, April 19: 0-3, walk. AVG: .266
(6th/CF/CG9)
Game 18, April 20: 2-3, home run (first at bat), run scored, RBI double, walk, run scored. AVG: .284
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 19, April 21: 1-4, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .282
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 20, April 22: 2-4, single, stolen base, run scored, single. AVG: .293
(5th/LF/CG9)
Game 21, April 23: 1-3, single, stolen base, run scored, walk. AVG: .295
(6th/LF/CG9)
Game 22, April 24: 1-3, RBI single, run scored. AVG: .296
(5th/CF/CG9)
**Michael's 15-game on base streak ends**
Game 23, April 25: 0-4. AVG: .282
(5th/LF/CG8)
Game 24, April 26: 0-3, walk. AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG8)
Game 25, April 27: 0-3. AVG: .264
(5th/LF/CG8.2)
Game 26, April 28: 0-4, reached on fielder's choice. AVG: .253
(6th/LF/CG8)
Game 27, April 29: 1-3, double, RBI sac fly. AVG: .255
(5th/LF/CG8)
April 30: not in lineup.
Game 28, May 2: 3-5, single (first at bat), run scored, home run, run scored, 2-run single. AVG: .272
(6th/LF/CG9)
Game 29, May 3: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .271
(3rd/LF – 3 i, CF – 6 i/CG9)
Game 30, May 4: 1-5, single, run scored. AVG: .268
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 31, May 5: 1-4, double (first at bat). AVG: .267
(3rd/LF – 8 i, CF – 2 i/CG10)
Game 32, May 6: 1-3, RBI single (first at bat), run scored, walk. AVG: .269
(3rd/LF – 7 i, CF – 2 i/CG9)
Game 33, May 7: 2-4, 2-run double, single. AVG: .276
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 34, May 8: 3-5, double (first at bat), run scored, single, 2-run home run, run scored, RBI fielder's choice. AVG: .289
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 35, May 9: 1-5, reached on fielding error (first at bat), home run, run scored. AVG: .286
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 36, May 10: 1-3, walk, single. AVG: .287
(3rd/CF/CG8)
Game 37, May 11: 1-4, walk (first at bat), single. AVG: .286
(3rd/DH/CG)
**Michael's 11-game hitting streak and 12-game reached base streak end**
Game 38, May 13: 0-4. AVG: .278
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 39, May 14: 1-3, double. AVG: .279
(3rd/LF/GS4)
^^Michael left the game after the top of the 5th inning with mid-back tightness and is day-to-day^^
May 15: precautionary day off, should play tomorrow.
Game 40, May 16: 1-4, single. AVG: .278
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 41, May 17: 1-3, walk (first at bat), single, run scored. AVG: .279
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 42, May 18: 2-3, walk (first at bat), single, home run, run scored, RBI walk. AVG: .287
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 43, May 19: 2-4, double, walk, hit by pitch, home run, run scored. AVG: .292
(3rd/LF/CG10)
^^Michael hits first career walk-off home run^^
Game 44, May 20: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .291
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 45, May 21: 4-7, 2-run single, stolen base, run scored, double, single, stolen base, run scored, RBI single. AVG: .302
(3rd/LF/CG13)
Game 46, May 22: 2-6, RBI triple, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .303
(3rd/LF/CG13)
Game 47, May 23: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .302
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 48, May 24: 1-3, walk (first at bat), stolen base, RBI hit by pitch, single, run scored. AVG: .303
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 49, May 25: 1-4, single. AVG: .302
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 50, May 26: 2-3, RBI single, walk, stolen base, run scored, single. AVG: .307
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 51, May 27: 1-4, single. AVG: .306
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 52, May 28: 2-4, single, single, run scored. AVG: .310
(3rd/LF/CG8.1)
Game 53, May 30: 1-4, reached on fielder's choice (first at bat), run scored, double, run scored. AVG: .309
(3rd/LF/CG9)
^^Michael sets new franchise record with 19-game home hitting streak^^
**Michael's 15-game hitting streak and 19-game home hitting streak end**
Game 54, May 31: 0-4. AVG: .303
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 55, June 1: 2-4, RBI single (first at bat), run
scored, double, run scored. AVG: .307
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 56, June 2: 0-3, walk (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .302
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 57, June 3: 1-4, RBI single (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .301
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 58, June 4: 3-5, RBI single (first at bat), single, single, run scored. AVG: .308
(3rd/LF/CG12)
Game 59, June 6: 1-4, walk (first at bat), single. AVG: .307
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 60, June 7: 1-5, double, run scored. AVG: .305
(3rd/LF/CG9)
**Michael's 10-game road hitting streak and 10-game road on-base streak end**
Game 61, June 8: 0-5, reached on fielder's choice. AVG: .298
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 62, June 9: 3-3, walk (first at bat), run scored, walk, run scored, home run, run scored, single, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .307
(3rd/LF/GS7)
Game 63, June 10: 1-3, double (first at bat), hit by pitch, hit by pitch, run scored. AVG: .307
(3rd/CF/CG8)
Game 64, June 11: 2-4, single (first at bat), single. AVG: .310
(3rd/LF/CG8)(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 56, June 2: 0-3, walk (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .302
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 57, June 3: 1-4, RBI single (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .301
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 58, June 4: 3-5, RBI single (first at bat), single, single, run scored. AVG: .308
(3rd/LF/CG12)
Game 59, June 6: 1-4, walk (first at bat), single. AVG: .307
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 60, June 7: 1-5, double, run scored. AVG: .305
(3rd/LF/CG9)
**Michael's 10-game road hitting streak and 10-game road on-base streak end**
Game 61, June 8: 0-5, reached on fielder's choice. AVG: .298
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 62, June 9: 3-3, walk (first at bat), run scored, walk, run scored, home run, run scored, single, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .307
(3rd/LF/GS7)
Game 63, June 10: 1-3, double (first at bat), hit by pitch, hit by pitch, run scored. AVG: .307
(3rd/CF/CG8)
Game 64, June 11: 2-4, single (first at bat), single. AVG: .310
Game 65, June 12: 2-4, single, double, run scored. AVG: .313
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 66, June 13: 2-4, single (first at bat), RBI double, reached on fielding error. AVG: .316
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 67, June 14: 2-4, hit by pitch, stolen base, single, run scored, single. AVG: .319
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 68, June 15: 2-4, home run (first at bat), run scored, single, walk. AVG: .322
(3rd/LF/CG11)
^^Michael sets new career high in home runs with 11^^
Game 69, June 16: 1-2, RBI single. AVG: .323
(3rd/LF/GS4)
^^Michael was removed
from the game after the top of the 4th inning for precautionary reasons after
taking a blow to the head/neck from John McDonald on slide into 2nd base while
trying to break up a double play^^
June 17: scratched from lineup at 4 pm. went through his pregame baseball activities and felt stiffness in his neck and pressure in his head. went to Cleveland Clinic for further evaluation and is currently day-to-day with head/neck soreness.
(3rd/LF)
June 18: has mild concussion, passing tests each day, hit off tee and played catch. might be back on field tomorrow, hopes to play June 21. game postponed, to be made up September 8.
June 19: ran on the field and threw before game, plus hit in the cage. tentative return still June 21.
June 20: ran the bases at full speed and took batting practice on the field. no ill effects. he was cleared to play in the 3rd/4th inning tonight, so…
Game 70, June 20: 1-1, single (first at bat). AVG: .326
(9th/PH)
**Michael's 9-game
hitting streak and 16-game reached base streak end**
Game 71, June 21: 0-5. AVG: .320
(3rd/LF/CG10)
(3rd/LF/CG10)
Game 72, June 22: 3-5, single (first at bat), RBI double, 2-run double. AVG: .325
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 73, June 24: 1-5, single, run scored, walk, walk, run scored. AVG: .323
(3rd/LF/CG13.1)
Game 74, June 25: 2-4, single (first at bat), RBI groundout, home run, run scored, walk, run scored. AVG: .325
(3rd/LF/CG9)
**Michael's 9-game
road hitting streak and 20-game road reached base streak end**
Game 75, June 27: 0-3, RBI sac fly. AVG: .322
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 76, June 28: 1-4, RBI single (first at bat), run
scored. AVG: .321
(3rd/LF/CG9)
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 77, June 29: 0-3, walk (first at bat). AVG: .318
(3rd/LF/CG8)
(3rd/LF/CG8)
(3rd/LF/CG8)
Game 79, July 1: 2-5, RBI double (first at bat), run
scored, single. AVG: .316
(3rd/LF/CG9)
^^Michael starts triple play with his 10th OF assist^^
Game 80, July 2: 0-4, reached on fielding error (first at bat), walk, stolen base, run scored. AVG: .312
(3rd/CF/CG9)
Game 81, July 4: 2-4, single, home run, run scored. AVG: .312
(3rd/LF/CG9)
(3rd/LF/CG9)
^^Michael starts triple play with his 10th OF assist^^
Game 80, July 2: 0-4, reached on fielding error (first at bat), walk, stolen base, run scored. AVG: .312
(3rd/CF/CG9)
Game 81, July 4: 2-4, single, home run, run scored. AVG: .312
(3rd/LF/CG9)
Game 82, July 5: 3-5, single (first at bat), single, run scored, RBI single. AVG: .319
(3rd/LF – 8 i, CF – 1 i/CG9)
Game 83, July 6: 2-4, single, RBI single. AVG: .321
(3rd/CF/CG9)
Game 84, July 7: 2-4, single, single. AVG: .323
(3rd/CF/CG9)
Game 85, July 8: 3-4, RBI double (first at bat), RBI double, home run, run scored. AVG: .328
(3rd/CF/CG9)
Game 86, July 9: 1-6, single (first at bat), run
scored, walk. AVG: .325
(3rd/CF/CG14)
Game 87, July 10: 2-4, single (first at bat), RBI sac fly, RBI single, run scored. AVG: .327
(3rd/CF/CG9)
(3rd/CF/CG14)
Game 87, July 10: 2-4, single (first at bat), RBI sac fly, RBI single, run scored. AVG: .327
(3rd/CF/CG9)
Game 88/July 11: 1-4, single, run scored.
AVG: .327
(3rd/CF/CG9)
Game 89/July 12: 1-4, home run, run scored. AVG: .326
(3rd/CF/CG9)
**Michael's 9-game hitting streak and 11-game reached base streak end**
Game 90/July 13: 0-4. AVG: .322
(3rd/CF/CG9)
Michael's 1st half went beyond my wildest dreams. he's doing great in every facet of the game. but if i had to pinpoint a few areas that i'd like to see him improve in, i'd say his BA with 2 outs and runners in scoring position and his left-handed pitching BA. and i want him to work the count more, and maybe draw more walks and steal more bases. other than that, he's doing absolutely amazing and as long as he remains healthy, i expect nothing short of the same after the All Star break.
Michael is not getting much of a break this year, though he really deserves one. but he will be participating in the All Star festivities because he was selected to the 85th annual All Star game in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the first time in his career. i hope he has a great time and can keep his momentum going in the 2nd half of the season. i'm so proud of my boy. Go Brantley! Go Tribe!
Monday, July 7, 2014
A Retrospective of Michael Brantley's Career Thus Far
in honor of Michael Brantley being named to this year's American League All Star team for the first time in his career, i want to take this opportunity to recall how Michael
got here. once again, words can't explain how happy i am that Michael is finally being recognized around the league as a strong player. he deserves this so much and i'm so proud of him.
i think this would also be a good time to talk about how i became the ultimate Brantley fan, because i realize i've never publicly explained it. i can honestly say i've been Team Brantley almost from the day we acquired him in the CC Sabathia trade as a PTBNL from the Milwaukee Brewers in October 2008.
i have been there during Michael's struggles and triumphs, through the good times and the bad, the hitting streaks and the slumps. from his first career home run to his season ending injury to his first career walk-off home run, oh yes, i have been there. actually, i have not missed any of Michael's 39 big league home runs. and i have been there for every plate appearance Michael has had dating back to late 2010.
from this walk up song, to this, and currently this. (btw, yuck! lol not my taste, sorry.)
i stuck by him and defended him when he was sent down to Columbus and when he played through injuries that hurt his overall numbers.
i kept supporting him when he got moved out of the leadoff spot and when he got moved out of center field. i expressed my anger when he was forced to take a backseat to Grady Sizemore.
and then Johnny Damon, and then Shin-Soo Choo, and then Michael Bourn.
when writers called him a mediocre/replaceable player, i had about 100 reasons as to why that was false. and i was right, bitches! lol he has become a major asset to the team offensively and defensively. i've watched him grow and develop as a player throughout his time in Cleveland. i've taken pride in documenting his game numbers for the last 3 years. and now, this year and this All Star selection, makes it all worthwhile.
so let's take it back. Michael practically grew up in the clubhouse, because his father Mickey Brantley was a baseball player for the Seattle Mariners from 1986-1989. Mickey continued playing ball for several Triple A minor league teams through 1993 before he got into coaching and managing in the minors. Michael idolized Kenny Griffey, Jr. as a child. he worked hard, played harder, and was an astute student of the game. he had a maturity about him and a certain respect for the game that not every potential ballplayer has. baseball was in Michael's blood. he was always meant to do this and it shows.
Michael was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 7th round of the amateur draft (205th overall) and signed with the Brewers on June 7, 2005. he first played with the AZL Brewers and Helena Brewers in 2005.
in 2006 and part of 2007, Michael graduated from the rookie league and played Single A ball with the West Virginia Power.
later in 2007, Michael was promoted to the Double A Huntsville Stars, where he also played in 2008.
but he started the 2009 season in Triple A with the Columbus Clippers. while he was playing for the Clips, all i kept hearing from the announcers was how this guy was going to be the next Kenny Lofton, a speedy leadoff center fielder with a nice swing. so i decided i was going to start supporting this kid.
during the Indians season, i heard Michael was racking up some good stats in Columbus and i was so excited when he got called up and made his major league debut on September 1, 2009.
in his short time with the Indians, he bat .313 with 11 RBI in 28 games. not bad for a rook.
in 2010, Michael went to spring training with the Indians and continued to play hard.
i was very upset and concerned about it because i didn't want him to be hurt and miss a lot of time. plus i thought i wouldn't get to see him play when i went to the game on August 28. but he only sat out 4 games and resumed play on August 25. so i did get to see him and it was amazing. i brought the MICHAEL BRANTLEY'S #1 FAN sign that i made with me and that's when i got my first autograph from him. first of many lol (i currently have 10 autographs and am always seeking more every time i go to another game. i want as many as i can possibly get. and i don't think most fans have his autograph 10 times, so i always use that as another big reason as to why i am his #1 fan.) i continue to hope that that was a special day for Michael and that he remembers it, because i'm pretty sure not a lot of Indians fans were making #1 Brantley fan signs and declarations back in 2010.
his batting average for the months of April and May were the 2nd highest on the team, and in July he had the highest, batting .294.
however, shortly after the All Star break in July, he developed a wrist injury that later turned out to be a broken hamate bone, but he continued to play sparingly. it ended up bringing down his batting average for the year because he was unproductive in the majority of his at bats.
eventually, on August 26, he had to be shut down and put on the DL for the first time in his big league career. he had season ending surgery on August 31. i must confess, i did admire his desire to keep playing hurt. he was determined to help the team and i like that attitude. but people tend to forget that fact when looking back on his year, and that irks me. did you really think Michael was a .266 hitter? no. i approximated that had he stopped playing right when the injury first came up, he would have finished the year batting .281. you can see my reasoning for that in the blog i wrote here.
and now here we are in 2014. Michael's opportunity as a leadoff hitter seems to be gone, at least for the time being, but he's now found a home in the 3rd spot and is doing amazing. the only dark cloud on his year so far was when he ended April with a bad stretch in San Fran. but he's more than made up for it since then, confirmed by his selection to this year's All Star team. oh, and there was also this mishap. don't get me started lol
Michael's already set 2 new franchise records this year, with a 247 consecutive game errorless streak in the outfield and a 19-game home hitting streak.
then there was his first career walk-off home run on May 19.
he was also named American League Player of the Week for the first time in his career back in June of this season. he doesn't play for the individual accolades, he's very much a team first player. but with all the talent he has, he can't help but set new records. and getting yourself in the Tribe record books is certainly not a bad thing.
Michael currently the leads the team in batting average, RBI, runs scored, and stolen bases.
and he's tied for the team lead in home runs.
additionally, Michael is the team leader with 103 hits, 34 extra base hits, 164 total bases, .385 OBP, .511 SLG, .896 OPS, 358 PA, and 83 games.
he's a perfect 10-for-10 in stolen bases, also tops on the club. he's tied for 2nd with 20 doubles and 3rd with 29 walks. plus, he has only 30 strikeouts among all the regular players.
Michael currently ranks 4th in batting average, 5th in OBP, 7th in hits,
tied for 3rd in runs, and tied for 9th in RBI compared with the rest of
the American League. among American League
outfielders, Michael is 1st in batting average, 3rd in RBI, 3rd in OBP,
4th in SLG, 4th in OPS, 4th in hits, 5th in total bases, 6th in extra
base hits, 6th in doubles, and 7th in home runs. in the race for the
major league batting title, Michael ranks 8th. defensively, he's tied for the major
league lead with 10 outfield assists.
the fact that Michael's doing so well this season verifies that his .500 batting average in spring training, highest out of everyone in the league, was no fluke. he attributes his success to finally being able to train for a full offseason the way he wanted, without having to rehab any injuries.
Michael is on pace to set career highs for himself in all the major categories this season. any home run he hits for the rest of the year is a new career high. and he's going to crush his RBI career high as long as other Indians continue to get on base ahead of him. can he sustain his hot hitting and continue batting over .300 in these final 2 and a half months? idk, but i'm gonna be keeping a close eye on it, as i always do.
watching Michael develop as a player, offensively and defensively, and go from being a quiet kid to a leading man, has been a real treat. he's a great all-around ballplayer, a great teammate, and great to his fans. and i am very grateful that he's a Cleveland Indian.
i think this would also be a good time to talk about how i became the ultimate Brantley fan, because i realize i've never publicly explained it. i can honestly say i've been Team Brantley almost from the day we acquired him in the CC Sabathia trade as a PTBNL from the Milwaukee Brewers in October 2008.
i have been there during Michael's struggles and triumphs, through the good times and the bad, the hitting streaks and the slumps. from his first career home run to his season ending injury to his first career walk-off home run, oh yes, i have been there. actually, i have not missed any of Michael's 39 big league home runs. and i have been there for every plate appearance Michael has had dating back to late 2010.
from this walk up song, to this, and currently this. (btw, yuck! lol not my taste, sorry.)
i stuck by him and defended him when he was sent down to Columbus and when he played through injuries that hurt his overall numbers.
i kept supporting him when he got moved out of the leadoff spot and when he got moved out of center field. i expressed my anger when he was forced to take a backseat to Grady Sizemore.
when writers called him a mediocre/replaceable player, i had about 100 reasons as to why that was false. and i was right, bitches! lol he has become a major asset to the team offensively and defensively. i've watched him grow and develop as a player throughout his time in Cleveland. i've taken pride in documenting his game numbers for the last 3 years. and now, this year and this All Star selection, makes it all worthwhile.
so let's take it back. Michael practically grew up in the clubhouse, because his father Mickey Brantley was a baseball player for the Seattle Mariners from 1986-1989. Mickey continued playing ball for several Triple A minor league teams through 1993 before he got into coaching and managing in the minors. Michael idolized Kenny Griffey, Jr. as a child. he worked hard, played harder, and was an astute student of the game. he had a maturity about him and a certain respect for the game that not every potential ballplayer has. baseball was in Michael's blood. he was always meant to do this and it shows.
Michael was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 7th round of the amateur draft (205th overall) and signed with the Brewers on June 7, 2005. he first played with the AZL Brewers and Helena Brewers in 2005.
in 2006 and part of 2007, Michael graduated from the rookie league and played Single A ball with the West Virginia Power.
later in 2007, Michael was promoted to the Double A Huntsville Stars, where he also played in 2008.
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| Michael is 19 years old here, he looks so young lol |
on October 3, 2008, Michael was traded from the Brewers to the Indians as the final piece (the player to be named later) of the CC Sabathia deal. the Indians had previously acquired Matt LaPorta, Rob Bryson, and Zach Jackson for Sabathia on June 7. because the Brewers made the playoffs that year, the Indians got to choose the player to be named later, and thankfully, they chose Michael over Taylor Green.
Michael got a 2009 spring training invite with the Indians,
Michael got a 2009 spring training invite with the Indians,
but he started the 2009 season in Triple A with the Columbus Clippers. while he was playing for the Clips, all i kept hearing from the announcers was how this guy was going to be the next Kenny Lofton, a speedy leadoff center fielder with a nice swing. so i decided i was going to start supporting this kid.
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| screenshot cropped from a video on Scott Leo's facebook |
during the Indians season, i heard Michael was racking up some good stats in Columbus and i was so excited when he got called up and made his major league debut on September 1, 2009.
in his short time with the Indians, he bat .313 with 11 RBI in 28 games. not bad for a rook.
in 2010, Michael went to spring training with the Indians and continued to play hard.
then Michael made the opening day roster in 2010, partially
due to injuries, let's be real. but it was still very exhilarating. he started
the opener batting 9th and playing center field.
alas, Michael's stay was short lived. he struggled, and after less than 2 weeks and 9 games he was sent down to Columbus. in his 9 games with us, he bat 9th in 7 games and 2nd in 2. when he was demoted, i did not stop supporting him.
i kept an eye on his Columbus numbers and from the day he was sent down, i added "call up Brantley!" to the signature part of my online profile on the Cleveland sports message board i belonged to at that time. and i didn't remove it until he was surprisingly brought back up on July 4, 2010 to take Choo's roster spot after he went on the DL. this is when Michael began hitting in the leadoff spot. but before his promotion, he played 59 games in Columbus, batting .315 with 9 doubles, 3 homers, 26 RBI, 47 runs, 29 walks, and 11 stolen bases.
alas, Michael's stay was short lived. he struggled, and after less than 2 weeks and 9 games he was sent down to Columbus. in his 9 games with us, he bat 9th in 7 games and 2nd in 2. when he was demoted, i did not stop supporting him.
i kept an eye on his Columbus numbers and from the day he was sent down, i added "call up Brantley!" to the signature part of my online profile on the Cleveland sports message board i belonged to at that time. and i didn't remove it until he was surprisingly brought back up on July 4, 2010 to take Choo's roster spot after he went on the DL. this is when Michael began hitting in the leadoff spot. but before his promotion, he played 59 games in Columbus, batting .315 with 9 doubles, 3 homers, 26 RBI, 47 runs, 29 walks, and 11 stolen bases.
then came July 8,
2010. Cleveland sports
fans remember this as the day LeBron James shit all over the Cavaliers and its
fans. i remember it for 3 reasons. that was one of course. the 2nd was that it was
the day of my cousin's funeral, so needless to say i was extra emotional and not
happy. but the third thing i remember this date for is what happened during the
Indians game that night. i remember exactly where i was, what i was wearing,
and every detail about the at bat. the Indians were playing down in Tampa Bay and facing Rays starter Wade Davis. after a 1-1 count in the top of the 1st inning, Michael Brantley hit a leadoff home run, his first home run in the major leagues. and because the Indians were in Florida, Michael's family was able to attend the game, making it extra special for him.
i jumped up and down on my bed and screamed. it was the only thing that made me happy that day, the only thing that brought a smile to my face. i've said before that i don't think athletes and famous people truly understand how they can make someone's day just by doing what they do, and this is a prime example of that. thank god for that home run, that momentous occasion for Michael, because i really needed it.
the Indians still lost that game, and 2 hours after Michael's home run, the asshole #23 of the Cavaliers made his decision to leave Cleveland. my anguish over the LeBron debacle, combined with the memory of being at my cousin's funeral and being extremely upset about that whole situation remains. but Michael's triumph of the night adds a little bit of joy to what otherwise would have been a miserable day in my life. thank you, Michael.
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| Michael's actually waving to his family in the stands in this pic |
i jumped up and down on my bed and screamed. it was the only thing that made me happy that day, the only thing that brought a smile to my face. i've said before that i don't think athletes and famous people truly understand how they can make someone's day just by doing what they do, and this is a prime example of that. thank god for that home run, that momentous occasion for Michael, because i really needed it.
the Indians still lost that game, and 2 hours after Michael's home run, the asshole #23 of the Cavaliers made his decision to leave Cleveland. my anguish over the LeBron debacle, combined with the memory of being at my cousin's funeral and being extremely upset about that whole situation remains. but Michael's triumph of the night adds a little bit of joy to what otherwise would have been a miserable day in my life. thank you, Michael.
after the big HR, Michael continued to have some struggles.
his BA got down to .118 at one point, but i did not leave his side. if memory
serves, on July 27 he was briefly sent down again for 8 games to make room for
Choo to come off the disabled list. while back in C-bus, he bat .344 with 4
doubles, 1 homer, 3 RBI, 7 runs, and 5 walks.
the Indians brought him back up as soon as they could, on
August 6 after the 10-day roster move requirement, and his career with the
Clippers was over forever. the call up was perfect timing because i was going
to the August 7 game, and was thankful that i'd be able to see him play. but he
went 0-for-4 that day lol typical.
i also remember Michael suffered a minor ankle injury in
August that year. August 19, to be exact. he had to leave the game early and be assisted off the field.
i was very upset and concerned about it because i didn't want him to be hurt and miss a lot of time. plus i thought i wouldn't get to see him play when i went to the game on August 28. but he only sat out 4 games and resumed play on August 25. so i did get to see him and it was amazing. i brought the MICHAEL BRANTLEY'S #1 FAN sign that i made with me and that's when i got my first autograph from him. first of many lol (i currently have 10 autographs and am always seeking more every time i go to another game. i want as many as i can possibly get. and i don't think most fans have his autograph 10 times, so i always use that as another big reason as to why i am his #1 fan.) i continue to hope that that was a special day for Michael and that he remembers it, because i'm pretty sure not a lot of Indians fans were making #1 Brantley fan signs and declarations back in 2010.
from the time he was brought back up in August, he finally
started seeing the ball better and hitting consistently. he racked up a 19-game
hitting streak from August 30 - September 19, the longest by a rookie since Larry
Doby's 21-game hitting streak in 1948. but i'll never forget the game on September 20, when he went 0-for-5 against the Minnesota Twins. though he claims he was simply upset due to the Indians loss, i think there was more to it. a picture is worth a thousand words.
during Michael's streak, he bat .286 with 26 hits and 5 stolen bases. additionally, he had a .292 batting average with 12 extra base hits and 15 RBI from August 6 through the end of the 2010 season. it should have been apparent to everyone then that Michael was on his way to becoming the hitter that everyone said he would one day be. defensively, he played the majority of his games as our center fielder, while playing left in only 7 games.
during Michael's streak, he bat .286 with 26 hits and 5 stolen bases. additionally, he had a .292 batting average with 12 extra base hits and 15 RBI from August 6 through the end of the 2010 season. it should have been apparent to everyone then that Michael was on his way to becoming the hitter that everyone said he would one day be. defensively, he played the majority of his games as our center fielder, while playing left in only 7 games.
in 2011, Michael was poised to have a great year. in our
opener, he was our leadoff center fielder.
he played both center and left in 2011, appearing in left in 66 games vs. 52 in center. he mostly led off, but by year's end he had bat in every spot in the order except for 9th.
he played both center and left in 2011, appearing in left in 66 games vs. 52 in center. he mostly led off, but by year's end he had bat in every spot in the order except for 9th.
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| Brantley's first game in left field in 2011 |
his batting average for the months of April and May were the 2nd highest on the team, and in July he had the highest, batting .294.
however, shortly after the All Star break in July, he developed a wrist injury that later turned out to be a broken hamate bone, but he continued to play sparingly. it ended up bringing down his batting average for the year because he was unproductive in the majority of his at bats.
eventually, on August 26, he had to be shut down and put on the DL for the first time in his big league career. he had season ending surgery on August 31. i must confess, i did admire his desire to keep playing hurt. he was determined to help the team and i like that attitude. but people tend to forget that fact when looking back on his year, and that irks me. did you really think Michael was a .266 hitter? no. i approximated that had he stopped playing right when the injury first came up, he would have finished the year batting .281. you can see my reasoning for that in the blog i wrote here.
in an offseason interview with Nick Camino, Michael admitted
that he played for a month and a half while injured, confirming what i
previously deduced. he said he wanted to battle through and learn about himself
as a person, to see what he could take and what he could do. Michael wanted to
be out there with his teammates until he couldn't do it anymore. his goal once he
starts the season is to finish it to the end no matter what gets in the way. he
tried to fight through his injury, as he believed the team needed him as much
as he needed them. but he was limited in what he could do, so he had to make
adjustments and pull back. ultimately, the training staff makes the call as to
when to shut down a player, and they finally did that with Michael in late
August. but his teammates saw what he went through and how he was willing to
give it all he had each and every day.
Michael's offseason routine was not his usual routine due to
his rehab. but it did not seem to impact his 2012 season. he began the year
again as our leadoff center fielder.
but he did start out slow, most likely because of his irregular offseason preparations. sadly, that made Manny Acta think twice about Michael batting so high in the order and on May 2 he was moved down to 7th. conversely, when June came around, he never had a batting average lower than .276. from June 1 to the end of the year, he had a .294 batting average, with 22 doubles, 2 triples, 6 homers, 39 RBI, and 43 walks. he also had a career high 22-game hitting streak from May 20 - June 15, where he bat .337 with 29 hits, 6 extra base hits, and 16 RBI. he passed his father's RBI total with a career high of 60 during this season as well. and he finished the season batting .288, highest on the team.
so you see that Michael had a great year despite being demoted from the leadoff spot, which i maintained was a big mistake. Michael was moved all around the batting order, contradicting Manny Acta's claims that he wanted regularity in his lineup. but thankfully, he let Michael stay in center all season.
when Manny decided to give Michael a crack at the cleanup spot, pitchers were "unintentionally" pitching outside to him and walking him out of fear of giving up a big hit. i took that as a compliment, but was angry too because i wanted to see him get the big hits.
unfortunately, Michael once again had a few health issues towards the end of the year. first on September 13, he injured his left pectoral muscle in batting practice and missed a few games. but that wasn't nearly as serious as the sore left groin he developed on September 23 when he was attempting to stay out of a rundown. the injury caused him to miss 6 of the final 9 games of the season. he did somehow play 1 full game in October, pinch hit in 1, and then sat out the entire last game. so he couldn't finish the year the way i wanted him to, but i understood that his health was more important, especially since the Indians had no chance of making the playoffs. he ended up having sports hernia surgery on October 11 and it was revealed that Michael was playing with pain for the entire second half of the season. for a guy playing hurt, he did unbelievably well. but again, this caused Michael to not be able to have a proper offseason from a training standpoint.
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| photo cropped from a video on Indians.com |
but he did start out slow, most likely because of his irregular offseason preparations. sadly, that made Manny Acta think twice about Michael batting so high in the order and on May 2 he was moved down to 7th. conversely, when June came around, he never had a batting average lower than .276. from June 1 to the end of the year, he had a .294 batting average, with 22 doubles, 2 triples, 6 homers, 39 RBI, and 43 walks. he also had a career high 22-game hitting streak from May 20 - June 15, where he bat .337 with 29 hits, 6 extra base hits, and 16 RBI. he passed his father's RBI total with a career high of 60 during this season as well. and he finished the season batting .288, highest on the team.
this was also the season that the nickname "Dr. Smooth" started floating around the internet, thanks to Dennis Manoloff of The Plain Dealer.
so you see that Michael had a great year despite being demoted from the leadoff spot, which i maintained was a big mistake. Michael was moved all around the batting order, contradicting Manny Acta's claims that he wanted regularity in his lineup. but thankfully, he let Michael stay in center all season.
when Manny decided to give Michael a crack at the cleanup spot, pitchers were "unintentionally" pitching outside to him and walking him out of fear of giving up a big hit. i took that as a compliment, but was angry too because i wanted to see him get the big hits.
unfortunately, Michael once again had a few health issues towards the end of the year. first on September 13, he injured his left pectoral muscle in batting practice and missed a few games. but that wasn't nearly as serious as the sore left groin he developed on September 23 when he was attempting to stay out of a rundown. the injury caused him to miss 6 of the final 9 games of the season. he did somehow play 1 full game in October, pinch hit in 1, and then sat out the entire last game. so he couldn't finish the year the way i wanted him to, but i understood that his health was more important, especially since the Indians had no chance of making the playoffs. he ended up having sports hernia surgery on October 11 and it was revealed that Michael was playing with pain for the entire second half of the season. for a guy playing hurt, he did unbelievably well. but again, this caused Michael to not be able to have a proper offseason from a training standpoint.
2013 was the first year he played in full and he put up some
career highs for himself, particularly in home runs (10) and RBI (73). he played
left field for the whole season except in 1 game when he was moved to center
for 4 innings. he only bat leadoff when Bourn, who was our final offseason
acquisition, was out hurt. he spent the majority of the year batting 5th.
however, on May 21, just 45 games into the season, Michael had already bat in every spot in the lineup. i didn't like it, but he handled it well, never complaining.
this was the season Michael finally became fully appreciated by the fan base.
he worked very hard, some days harder than others.
and he finished the season with the highest batting average on the team (.284) for the 2nd year in a row.
he played in the first postseason game of his career when the Indians played in their wild card game against Tampa Bay, and he recorded one hit, a single. he proved himself as a leader to me after that game, which we lost, when he was seen publicly consoling Jason Kipnis in the dugout, who was visibly upset and crying.
i was so proud to see that, so much so that my sadness over our loss almost completely went away.
before spring training 2014 officially got underway, Michael signed a 4-year contract extension with the Indians. it was very exciting, but i firmly believed Michael's agent undersold him. (and based on his numbers so far this season, it looks like i was right.)
however, on May 21, just 45 games into the season, Michael had already bat in every spot in the lineup. i didn't like it, but he handled it well, never complaining.
this was the season Michael finally became fully appreciated by the fan base.
he worked very hard, some days harder than others.
and he finished the season with the highest batting average on the team (.284) for the 2nd year in a row.
he played in the first postseason game of his career when the Indians played in their wild card game against Tampa Bay, and he recorded one hit, a single. he proved himself as a leader to me after that game, which we lost, when he was seen publicly consoling Jason Kipnis in the dugout, who was visibly upset and crying.
i was so proud to see that, so much so that my sadness over our loss almost completely went away.
before spring training 2014 officially got underway, Michael signed a 4-year contract extension with the Indians. it was very exciting, but i firmly believed Michael's agent undersold him. (and based on his numbers so far this season, it looks like i was right.)
and now here we are in 2014. Michael's opportunity as a leadoff hitter seems to be gone, at least for the time being, but he's now found a home in the 3rd spot and is doing amazing. the only dark cloud on his year so far was when he ended April with a bad stretch in San Fran. but he's more than made up for it since then, confirmed by his selection to this year's All Star team. oh, and there was also this mishap. don't get me started lol
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| screenshot cropped from Indians.com |
Michael's already set 2 new franchise records this year, with a 247 consecutive game errorless streak in the outfield and a 19-game home hitting streak.
then there was his first career walk-off home run on May 19.
he was also named American League Player of the Week for the first time in his career back in June of this season. he doesn't play for the individual accolades, he's very much a team first player. but with all the talent he has, he can't help but set new records. and getting yourself in the Tribe record books is certainly not a bad thing.
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| screenshot cropped from a video on Indians.com |
Michael currently the leads the team in batting average, RBI, runs scored, and stolen bases.
and he's tied for the team lead in home runs.
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| all of these leader photos were cropped from Indians.com |
additionally, Michael is the team leader with 103 hits, 34 extra base hits, 164 total bases, .385 OBP, .511 SLG, .896 OPS, 358 PA, and 83 games.
he's a perfect 10-for-10 in stolen bases, also tops on the club. he's tied for 2nd with 20 doubles and 3rd with 29 walks. plus, he has only 30 strikeouts among all the regular players.
Michael is on pace to set career highs for himself in all the major categories this season. any home run he hits for the rest of the year is a new career high. and he's going to crush his RBI career high as long as other Indians continue to get on base ahead of him. can he sustain his hot hitting and continue batting over .300 in these final 2 and a half months? idk, but i'm gonna be keeping a close eye on it, as i always do.
watching Michael develop as a player, offensively and defensively, and go from being a quiet kid to a leading man, has been a real treat. he's a great all-around ballplayer, a great teammate, and great to his fans. and i am very grateful that he's a Cleveland Indian.
so congrats again Michael on your first All Star nod. i have no doubt this is just the
beginning for you. and i will continue to be there as you continue to flourish
as a ballplayer. "i'll be there for you..." ;D
disclaimer: all the photos here that were not cropped screenshots were found using google image search, from cleveland.com's photo gallery page, or on various Indians writers twitter accounts. i do not claim to have taken any of the photos used in this blog.
disclaimer: all the photos here that were not cropped screenshots were found using google image search, from cleveland.com's photo gallery page, or on various Indians writers twitter accounts. i do not claim to have taken any of the photos used in this blog.
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