Introduction Blog: Who Am I?

the first thing you need to know about me is i am a Ride Or Die Cleveland Indians fan. i don't like bandwagon bitches and i'll never apologize for my passion. i never give up on a game before it's over. i am currently in my 3rd consecutive year of not having missed so much as 1 out of 1 inning in 1 game. i will rearrange my social life, doc appts, etc. so that i don't miss games. and i do all this w/o having the benefit of actually watching Indians games. i live in an area of NY where Cleveland games are blacked out on the MLB Package. therefore, i have to listen to every game on my computer with GameDay audio. it's not that bad, as i love me some Hammy calls. but idk how many other people in my shoes would do this for 162 games a year, every year.

the amount of articles and Tribe writer tweets i read every day is astounding. not to toot my own horn but i can't even count how many times someone had a Tribe question and i had the answer for them. at least that's how it was on the message board i used to post on. i also listen to (and transcribed for the message board) Terry Pluto and Hoynsie's podcasts every week. you can trust that i know what's going on.

the second thing you need to know about me is that I AM MICHAEL BRANTLEY'S #1 FAN. that is not debatable. nobody dedicates as much time as i do to documenting all his #s and keeping track of what he does every game. until someone else gets his autograph 10 times, bookmarks all his videos, takes screen caps of videos he's in, saves his online pictures, and can proudly declare they supported him back in 2010 when his BA was as low as .118, you cannot argue this fact with me. not to mention the countless pictures and videos i myself take of him whenever i go to Cleveland for Tribe games.

i made the first "Michael Brantley's #1 fan" sign in 2010, which lured him over to my section before a game and got me my first Brantley autograph along with a big smile from Michael. as of September 2013, i currently have 10 Brantley autographs.

i made a personalized women's sized Brantley jersey in 2010 before most people even knew who he was, long before they sold his jerseys in the team shop, and way before he became the consistent hitter he is today. i also made a personalized blue Brantley shirt before everyone else too. i have his red player signature shirt as well. and thanks to a Brantley jersey giveaway in July 2013, i added TWO replica Brantley jerseys to my collection. just don't challenge me on this #1 fan business because you're gonna make yourself look bad.

my monthly Brantley blogs should support my cause as well. i take notes during every game Michael plays and write down all his game stats in a notebook, which later get written up into my blogs. i calculate all his final #s myself. i do not just pull his numbers off a statistics website. hell, i am turning into his statistics website now.

i really needed a new place to post my monthly Brantley blogs and thought it was about time i got myself a blogspot. so here it is. to anyone who takes the time to read through all my blogs and Brantley stats, thank you, i appreciate the support. and spread the word if you like.

if there's anything you need to know about Brantley, i'm your girl =D

Let's Talk Indians Attendance

let's talk about attendance for a minute. the Indians attendance numbers for the most part have been embarrassing all year, but they are really embarrassing as of late. the team has drastically improved from a year ago. we aren't going to lose 90+ games again. it's September and we're still very much in the race for a wild card spot, yet "fans" still won't go to the ballpark. they didn't even have 10,000 fans at tonight's game. i'm fuckin over it.

i'm tired of the excuses. i don't wanna hear that kids are back in school now. well what was the excuse when the kids were out of school and the Indians still weren't getting big crowds?

i don't wanna hear it's getting colder now. there were plenty of nice summer nights that should have brought lots of fans in yet didn't.

and i really don't wanna hear that it's too expensive. if you think going to a game is too expensive, then you better be piss fuck poor. i really believe that people make up bullshit in their mind as reason not to go to games. either that, or they're not really that good of fans to begin with.

let's go over just how "expensive" going to a Cleveland Indians game is, shall we?

there are limited numbers of $10 bleacher seats for every game. no, you won't get them if you wait until the day of the game, so plan ahead. also, there are many cheap tickets available on the online ticket seller sites, such as Stubhub. if you really want to be there and don't have a lot of money, you will buy a cheap seat.

so at this point, you can get a ticket for $10 and then all you have to pay for on top of that is gas and parking. if you know where to park downtown and don't mind walking 5 minutes to the ballpark, then you can park for under $10. and something tells me that you would be putting gas in your car at some point anyways, no matter where you went during the week, so i don't see that as too much extra money breaking your bank. (unless you live far away like i do. then you may need to save up/put aside some extra gas money.)

alright, so far it's really NOT that expensive right?

now you ask me about concessions. first off, they lowered food prices, so certain foods and drinks don't cost as much as they used to. and hello! you can bring you own damn food/snacks/drink in and virtually spend NOTHING on eating. you would have to eat anyways if you weren't at a game, so again that isn't really adding any more money to the pile. make a sandwich to bring, grab a sub from Subway or a burger from a fast food place, and bring a beverage. whatever you would normally eat, unless you're hardcore cooking a huge dinner, just bring that to the game. boom, done.

and do you really need alcohol? well if you do, let me remind you that the Indians currently have the 4th lowest beer prices out of all the major league ballparks. so you're getting a deal there. and seriously, maybe try being a DD for a night if you're that strapped for cash.

but if all this is STILL too expensive for you to go to a ballgame, then i better not hear about you gallivanting to other places. if you can afford to go to a movie, you can go to a ballgame. if you can afford to go out to a nice restaurant one night, you can go to a ballgame. if you can afford a trip to the casino, you have a gambling problem. jk, you can go to a ballgame. if you can go to a bar at night and spend money on drinks for yourself and/or any women you meet, you can go to a ballgame. if you can go on a family vacation, like hell you can't go to a ballgame. if you can afford to do any of the above and have any type of social life, then there is no reason you can't go to a ballgame. I DON'T WANNA HEAR THE FUCKING BULLSHIT EXCUSES ANYMORE.

i KNOW a lot of people who aren't going to games simply aren't going because they don't think the team is going to win and they don't want to potentially watch the team lose. what kind of fan are you then? if you're not gonna support the team through both the good times and the bad times, then you might as well just give up the sport. and that goes for ANY fan of ANY sport. it's not fair for a "fan" to disappear when times get tough and then just show up again when things have turned the corner. if you think the team should be perfect for all 162 games, then you have an unrealistic view of sports, and probably life too. if you can't deal with the bad times a team is going through, how do you deal with the struggles you go through in your life? oh you don't have any? your life is perfect? give me a break. life is tough, get a helmet, and don't be a bandwagon fan. (or if you are a bandwagon fan, then at least admit it. i won't get along with you, but at least i'll understand where your nonsense is coming from.)

the Indians went out and actually spent money during the offseason to bring guys in that we desperately needed. no, they aren't batting .300 and knocking homers out of the park every game, but trust me, things would be a lot worse if we stuck with some of the players we had on the team from last year. if you're disappointed because the Indians may not make the playoffs this year, i think you put too high of an expectation on this team. i said plenty of times before that it's very hard to go from losing 94 games to making the playoffs in one year's time. besides, Cleveland fans should be used to losing anyways. we joke about "there's always next year" but when that becomes reality, idk i guess some people can't handle it.

but the Indians finally did what fans wanted them to do. they did what fans said would get them back to the ballpark. yet here we stand, still with one of the lowest overall attendance numbers in the whole league. it's ridiculous and embarrassing. the Indians shouldn't have to "earn" anybody's support. that is straight bullshit. either love em regardless or don't love em at all, but i am so done with the excuses.

Brantley's August 2013 #s

August was an awkward month for Michael Brantley and i'm still trying to wrap my head around it. while he accomplished a lot, he also struggled. he set a new Indians record, he set a new season high in home runs for himself, he recorded his 500th major league hit, and he added to his season high outfield assist total with assists #10 and #11. but he played quite a few games without getting a hit and that really brought his batting average and on base percentage down.

Michael's worst month this season is officially June, but August is a close second. he worked so hard in July to get his batting average up from .275 to .285, and now it's down to .273. his August batting average is .085 lower than July's. this month, Michael went from being on a 7-game hitting streak, to a 5-game 0-for streak, to ending the month on a 5-game hitting streak. he was very up and down and uncharacteristically inconsistent.

something that was more consistent, finally this month there was some regularity in where Michael hit in the lineup. he bat 5th against right-handed starters and 7th against left-handed starters. he played a lot in the 5th spot last month too, so Tito clearly likes him there. if this keeps up through September, i would be very happy. i just want some kind of normalcy for him regarding batting order. however, with our new acquisition of Jason Kubel and all the new faces due to September call ups, i fear his BOP will once again be kind of all over the place. i also worry his playing time could be cut down. and if we're out of the playoff race, it almost assuredly will be. so he needs to make the most out of the opportunities he gets next month for sure.

Michael had a hit in 17 of the 27 games he played in in August and reached base safely in 20 games, 7 straight at one point. on August 8, Michael got the 500th hit of his major league career. then on August 9, Michael hit a home run, giving him a new season high of 8 home runs. i was hoping Michael would surpass his season high 60 RBI from last year as well, but i'll patiently wait for that feat to occur in September.

due to the fact that most of the rest of the Indians had a poor month offensively, Michael still boasts the 2nd highest batting average on the team behind Jason Kipnis. he is batting .354 (35-for-99) with runners in scoring position. last month that was the 3rd highest batting average in the American League; now he's moved up to 2nd, trailing only Detroit's Miguel Cabrera. Michael is also batting .321 (18-for-56) with two outs and runners in scoring position. despite his struggles, both of these RISP numbers continue to be the best on the team because he did well enough in these categories before August.

after Michael missed his 9th home run of the season by mere inches on August 17, his offense took a nosedive. he couldn't seem to find any holes in 5 straight games, then got a lucky RBI single (that easily could have been an error on the opposing outfielder), and then had another 0-for game. this concerned me. he was not working the count and seemed to swing very quickly, like he was distracted. my mind automatically goes to home/family problems when a player struggles like this. and with his wife being pregnant, that's an easy target, but it is just speculation. i think i have a better explanation for his troubles.

this is the first season Michael hasn't had any kind of an injury to give him extra time off, if you will. in 2011, he played hurt for a few weeks at the end of July and beginning of August before he was entirely shut down with a wrist/hamate issue. even last year, Michael was stricken with a groin injury/hernia that not only reduced his role to pinch hitting in a few games, but also caused him to completely miss a few games towards the end of September and October. as a result, it could be possible that all the games he's played this year are starting to catch up with and affect him. i really hope he can bounce back in September and finish the year around .285. his swing has been looking better as of late and he's working the count again, so there's a good chance he can turn things around before 2013 comes to a close.

regardless of what's happening with Michael's bat, he remains very hot in the outfield. for the 5th month in a row, Michael played errorless defense and his fielding percentage stays at a perfect 1.000, highest on the team out of the regular players. he had 51 putouts in August and 2 more outfield assists, giving him a season high total of 11.

on August 19, Michael set a new club record by playing 213 consecutive games in the outfield without committing an error. that was such a proud moment for me and when it happened i wrote a short blog revealing all of the details, which i will link here. since he continued to play errorless baseball after that, Michael is now at 223 consecutive games without an error. 223 and counting, that is. among major leaguers with at least 70 starts in left field, Michael is still just 1 of 3 with no errors, the other two being Kansas City's Alex Gordon and Baltimore's Nate McLouth.

on August 30, Michael recorded his 11th assist. (he picked up his 10th assist on August 5.) that's more assists than the previous 2 seasons combined. when asked about this, Michael said, "i just know i want to make sure i take advantage of every opportunity to get to throw out somebody. there's more that goes into it. obviously, you have your infielders catching the ball, making great tags, and being in the right position at the right time." while only 4 of his 11 assists have come at home, Michael still credits Progressive Field for giving him extra opportunities. "i think it's more of the opportunity. just playing left field at home. when they hit hard doubles off the wall, you have a chance to get a good hop and just make a good throw to second, and you have a chance. i just try to take advantage of every chance and opportunity i get." so far, so good.

Michael is now 3 assists behind Alex Gordon. Gordon currently leads all American League left fielders as well as AL outfielders in assists, and he's also the major league leader with his 14 assists. Michael's 11 assists are the most by an Indians outfielder since Shin-Soo Choo recorded 14 in 2010. he is now tied with Albert Belle, who also had 11 in 1996, for the most assists in one season by an Indians left fielder. that should be another record broken by Michael before this season ends.


now let's break down the numbers. i am going to document his August #s, the 7th spot #s, the 5th spot #s, the #s of everything not leadoff combined, as well as the left field #s, overall left field #s, and overall outfield #s.


August batting average: .233

OBP: .279

SLG: .330

OPS: .609

 
Michael played in 27 (of 28) games in August. he started and played left field in all 27 games. he had 1 complete game off and did not play any center field this month.


Michael bat 7th in 6 games.

Michael bat 5th in 21 games.


Michael played left field in all 27 games.

Michael played in 27 complete games.


in August, Michael had a total of 112 plate appearances and 103 at bats. here is how he fared:

24 hits

17 singles

5 doubles

1 triple

1 home run

7 RBI

1 sac fly

7 runs scored

7 walks

3 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

1 sac bunt

8 strikeouts

6 first at bat hits


45 left on base

51 putouts

2 assists

246.2 innings, 27 games

August batting average: .233 (24-103) (27 games)


now let's break down his (non-leadoff) numbers based on where he hit in the lineup.


when Michael bat 7th in August, he had a total of 25 plate appearances and 23 at bats in 6 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

3 hits

3 singles

1 walk

2 stolen bases

1 sac bunt

3 strikeouts


14 left on base

14 putouts

55.2 innings, 6 games

August batting average in the 7th spot: .130 (3-23) (6 games)
August batting average in the 7th spot while playing left: .130 (3-23) (6 games)

overall batting average so far in the 7th spot: .256 (22-86) (25 games) (212.1 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 7th spot while playing left: .247 (21-85) (25 games) (212.1 innings)
overall batting average so far as a PH in the 7th spot: 1.000 (1-1) (2 games)


when Michael bat 5th in August, he had a total of 87 plate appearances and 80 at bats in 21 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

21 hits

14 singles

5 doubles

1 triple

1 home run

7 RBI

1 sac fly

7 runs scored

6 walks

1 stolen base

1 caught stealing

5 strikeouts

6 first at bat hits


31 left on base

37 putouts

2 assists

191 innings, 21 games

August batting average in the 5th spot: .263 (21-80) (21 games)
August batting average in the 5th spot while playing left: .263 (21-80) (21 games)

overall batting average so far in the 5th spot: .253 (47-186) (51 games) (455 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 5th spot while playing left: .253 (47-186) (51 games) (455 innings)



when Michael was not leading off in August, he had a total of 112 plate appearances and 103 at bats in 27 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

24 hits

17 singles

5 doubles

1 triple

1 home run

7 RBI

1 sac fly

7 runs scored

7 walks

3 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

1 sac bunt

8 strikeouts

6 first at bat hits


45 left on base

51 putouts

2 assists

246.2 innings, 27 games

August batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .233 (24-103) (27 games)
August batting average everywhere other than leadoff while playing left: .233 (24-103) (27 games)

overall batting average so far everywhere other than leadoff: .265 (100-377) (107 games) (911.1 innings)
overall batting average so far everywhere other than leadoff while playing left: .264 (99-375) (107 games) (911.1 innings)



now let's break down his numbers based on where he played in the outfield.


when Michael played left in August, he had a total of 112 plate appearances and 103 at bats in 27 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

24 hits

17 singles

5 doubles

1 triple

1 home run

7 RBI

1 sac fly

7 runs scored

7 walks

3 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

1 sac bunt

8 strikeouts

6 first at bat hits


45 left on base

51 putouts

2 assists

246.2 innings, 27 games

(27 complete games)

August batting average while playing left: .233 (24-103) (27 games)
overall batting average so far while playing left: .273 (128-469) (129 games) (1103.1 innings)



August #s while playing left: 51 putouts, 2 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (246.2 innings, 27 games)

overall #s so far while playing left: 219 putouts, 11 assists, 1 double play, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (1103.1 innings, 129 games)

overall #s so far while playing center: 0 putouts, 0 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (4 innings, 1 game)

overall #s so far while playing the outfield: 219 putouts, 11 assists, 1 double play, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (1107.1 innings, 129 games)



now my game-by-game numbers and notes.

Game 103/Game 1, August 1: 0-4. AVG: .282
(7th/LF/CG)
 
Game 104/Game 2, August 2: 0-3. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 105/Game 3, August 3: 0-4. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 106/Game 4, August 4: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 107/Game 5, August 5: 2-4, single (first at bat), stolen base, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 108/Game 6, August 6: 1-3, single (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 109/Game 7, August 7: 3-5, walk (first at bat), double, single, caught stealing, double, run scored. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG14)

Game 110/Game 8, August 8: 1-4, single. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 111/Game 9, August 9: 1-4, home run (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .282
(5th/LF/CG)

August 10: not in lineup.

Game 112/Game 10, August 11: 1-4, double. AVG: .282
(5th/LF/CG)
^^Michael's 7-game hitting streak ends.^^

Game 113/Game 11, August 12: 0-3. AVG: .280
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 114/Game 12, August 13: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 115/Game 13, August 14: 2-5, RBI single, RBI single, run scored, RBI sac fly. AVG: .281
(5th/LF/CG12)

Game 116/Game 14, August 16: 2-4, single (first at bat), walk, single. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 117/Game 15, August 17: 2-3, walk (first at bat), double, double, run scored. AVG: .286
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 118/Game 16, August 18: 0-2, walk, sac bunt. AVG: .284
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 119/Game 17, August 19: 0-4, walk. AVG: .282
(5th/LF/CG)
^^Michael set a new club record once this game was completed, going 213 consecutive games without committing an error in the outfield.^^

Game 120/Game 18, August 20: 0-6, reached on forceout. AVG: .278
(7th/LF/CG14)

Game 121/Game 19, August 21: 0-4. AVG: .275
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 122/Game 20, August 23: 0-3, walk. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 123/Game 21, August 24: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 124/Game 22, August 25: 0-4. AVG: .271
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 125/Game 23, August 27: 1-4, single, stolen base. AVG: .271
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 126/Game 24, August 28: 2-4, single, stolen base, single. AVG: .273
(7th/LF/8.2 innings)

Game 127/Game 25, August 29: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 128/Game 26, August 30: 1-2, single (first at bat), walk. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG7)

Game 129/Game 27, August 31: 1-4, triple. AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG)
^^Michael ends the month on a 5-game hitting streak.^^



so far in 2013, Michael has a total of 522 plate appearances and 472 at bats in 129 games (1107.1 innings). in total, he has 129 hits, 96 singles, 22 doubles, 3 triples, 8 home runs, 59 RBI, 7 sac flies, 58 runs scored, 37 walks, 1 intentional walk, 4 hit by pitches, 14 stolen bases, 3 caught stealing, 2 sac bunts, 53 strikeouts, 33 first at bat hits, 189 left on base, 219 putouts, 11 assists, and 1 double play.

season batting average: .273 (129-472)

OBP: .327

SLG: .383

OPS: .710

Brantley Sets A New Club Record!!! =D

after tonight's Cleveland Indians @ Los Angeles Angels game was completed, Michael Brantley set a new club record. from June 5, 2012-August 19, 2013, he has played 213 consecutive games in the outfield (both center and left) without committing an error. words can't even begin to explain how proud of him i am. congratulations, Michael! =D

so whose record did he break? that would be the beloved Rocky Colavito. Rocky played errorless baseball from September 25, 1959-June 15, 1966 during two tours with the Tribe. as you can see, that record of 212 consecutive games held up for quite a long time, but it was bound to be broken sooner or later, and who better to do it than Dr. Smooth? ;D

Michael has been playing amazing defense all season. he's made many great catches and many great throws. he currently has 10 outfield assists. that ties him for the lead in the AL with Dayan Viciedo, Leonys Martin, and Alex Gordon. he also has 198 putouts and 1 double play to date.


and let's not forget, Michael may have broken that record tonight, but he can still easily set a higher record as this season continues. the fact that Michael has played such stellar defense this year means he has a legitimate chance to finish the entire 2013 season without an error, thus adding to the new record. there are 37 games left. if he played every game for the rest of the year, he could end the season at 250 consecutive errorless games. most likely he'll get a few of those games off, so maybe we'll aim for around 245. i think he can do it, and then add to it again next season and make the new record unattainable for any future outfielders lol ;D

i'm so proud of Michael. i was waiting for this day to come for weeks and i'm very happy for him. this is one heck of an accomplishment. i expect Michael to continue to set new records for himself and i'm beyond excited to see what else he does in his career.

213 and counting...

<3

Brantley's July 2013 #s

July was a big improvement from last month for Michael Brantley. his batting average went up almost a full .100, so i'm very happy. he started July batting .275 and finished batting .285, which is more where i expect his batting average to be. hopefully that number continues to increase as he completes these last two months of the season.

this month, Michael hit in 5 different spots in the lineup, getting the most time in the 5th spot. on July 21, Francona shed some light on the constant shuffling of Michael by saying he doesn't want to have to lock him into one spot in the lineup because "he's done a great job bouncing all over the place." while that may be true, it's not really fair to Michael. i think everyone knows my feelings about this by now and nothing i say will change things so let's move on.

Michael had a hit in 17 of the 24 games he played in in July and reached base safely in 19 games. he had 27 hits, 9 of which were for extra bases, 10 walks, and only 8 strikeouts. he is one of only 4 Indians since the year 2000 to achieve this feat. the others include Omar Vizquel, Kenny Lofton, and, the most current up until now, Victor Martinez (June 2004).

Michael currently has the 2nd highest batting average on the team behind Jason Kipnis. Michael is batting .360 (27-for-75) with runners in scoring position, with one home run, two doubles, two triples, and 21 RBI. that's good enough for 3rd in the American League, trailing only Miguel Cabrera and Chris Davis. Michael is also batting .386 (17-for-44) with two outs and runners in scoring position. both of these RISP numbers are the highest on the team. said Michael, "there's times when the game might dictate getting on base or driving a guy in or whatnot. but the game dictates that. i don't dictate that. i just try to put up a good at-bat every time."

on July 7, Michael hit 2 home runs, marking his second multi-home run game of this season and his career. he also scored 3 runs, had 3 extra base hits, 5 RBI, and touched 10 total bases in that game. Michael became the first hitter to record all those stats in one game since Choo did it on September 17, 2010 against Kansas City. Travis Hafner was the last Indian with these numbers against the Tigers back on July 4, 2005. before Travis, Carlos Baerga is next in the record books with these numbers against Detroit. the date? June 17, 1993. (thanks to Bastian for providing me with this information.)

after Michael hit his 2nd home run in that game, he tied his career high of 7 home runs from 2011. with two months of baseball left, he will almost assuredly set a new record for himself in that category. i know he'd love to pass his father's season high of 15 homers, but unless Michael goes on a tear, i am doubtful that will be happening. i said before i would be satisfied with 10-12 homers from him for the season. he is not a home run hitter, so expecting much more than that just isn't realistic. besides, with the way he hits in the clutch and gets himself on base, he doesn't need to go yard all the time. even though people prefer a corner outfielder to have more power, well, sorry folks, you can't have everything lol Michael's still a big contributor offensively and defensively, which is more than we can say about some other members of this team.

speaking of, let's discuss his outfield performance now. once again, Michael played errorless left field and his fielding percentage remains a perfect 1.000. he is the only Indians regular without an error this season. he had 49 putouts in July and 2 more outfield assists, giving him a season high total now of 9. even more exciting is that Michael has played 196 straight games in the outfield without an error. according to Elias Sports, that errorless streak is the 2nd longest streak by an Indians outfielder in club history. the record is currently set by Rocky Colavito at 212 games. Michael is so close to breaking that record, and i want it for him SO bad. i look forward to seeing what August brings ;D

now let's break down the numbers. i am going to document his July #s, the leadoff #s, the 5th spot #s, the 4th spot #s, the 7th spot #s, the PH #s, the 9th spots #s, the #s of everything not leadoff combined, as well as the left field #s, overall left field #s, and overall outfield #s.


July batting average: .318

OBP: .396

SLG: .482

OPS: .878


Michael played in 24 (of 25) games in July. he started and played left field in 23 games, and he came in to PH in late innings in 1 game. after he PH'd, he remained in the game as the left fielder and played a total of 2 innings in left field. he had 1 complete game off and did not play any center field this month.


Michael bat leadoff in 2 games.

Michael bat 5th in 16 games.

Michael bat 4th in 2 games.

Michael bat 7th in 3 games.

Michael bat 9th in 1 game. (PH/defensive sub: 2 innings)


Michael played left field in 24 games.

Michael was the PH in 1 game.

Michael played in 23 complete games.


in July, Michael had a total of 97 plate appearances and 85 at bats. here is how he fared:

27 hits

18 singles

6 doubles

1 triple

2 home runs

13 RBI

15 runs scored

10 walks

1 hit by pitch

3 stolen bases

1 sac bunt

8 strikeouts

6 first at bat hits


32 left on base

49 putouts

2 assists

207 innings, 24 games

July batting average: .318 (27-85) (24 games)

now let's break down his numbers based on where he hit in the lineup.


when Michael led off in July, he had a total of 9 plate appearances and 7 at bats in 2 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

1 run scored

2 walks

1 strikeout


3 left on base

7 putouts

18 innings, 2 games

July batting average in the leadoff spot: .143 (1-7) (2 games)
July batting average in the leadoff spot while playing left: .143 (1-7) (2 games)

overall batting average so far in the leadoff spot: .305 (29-95) (22 games) (196 innings)
overall batting average so far in the leadoff spot while playing left: .309 (29-94) (22 games) (192 innings)
overall batting average so far in the leadoff spot while playing center: .000 (0-1) (1 game) (4 innings)


when Michael was not leading off in July, he had a total of 88 plate appearances and 78 at bats in 22 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

26 hits

17 singles

6 doubles

1 triple

2 home runs

13 RBI

14 runs scored

8 walks

1 hit by pitch

3 stolen bases

1 sac bunt

7 strikeouts

6 first at bat hits


29 left on base

42 putouts

2 assists

189 innings, 22 games

July batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .333 (26-78) (22 games)
July batting average everywhere other than leadoff while playing left: .338 (26-77) (22 games)

overall batting average so far everywhere other than leadoff: .277 (76-274) (80 games) (664.2 innings)
overall batting average so far everywhere other than leadoff while playing left: .276 (75-272) (80 games) (664.2 innings)


now let's break down his non-leadoff numbers even further.


when Michael bat 5th in July, he had a total of 65 plate appearances and 57 at bats in 16 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

14 hits

8 singles

4 doubles

2 home runs

8 RBI

9 runs scored

7 walks

2 stolen bases

1 sac bunt

6 strikeouts

2 first at bat hits


27 left on base

28 putouts

1 assist

140 innings, 16 games

July batting average in the 5th spot: .246 (14-57) (16 games)
July batting average in the 5th spot while playing left: .246 (14-57) (16 games)

overall batting average so far in the 5th spot: .245 (26-106) (30 games) (264 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 5th spot while playing left: .245 (26-106) (30 games) (264 innings)


when Michael bat 4th in July, he had a total of 9 plate appearances and 8 at bats in 2 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

5 hits

5 singles

1 RBI

2 runs scored

1 hit by pitch

1 stolen base

2 first at bat hits


5 putouts

17 innings, 2 games

July batting average in the 4th spot: .625 (5-8) (2 games)
July batting average in the 4th spot while playing left: .625 (5-8) (2 games)

overall batting average so far in the 4th spot: .283 (13-46) (11 games) (95 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 4th spot while playing left: .283 (13-46) (11 games) (95 innings)


when Michael bat 7th in July, he had a total of 13 plate appearances and 12 at bats in 3 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

7 hits

4 singles

2 doubles

1 triple

4 RBI

3 runs scored

1 walk

2 first at bat hits


1 left on base

8 putouts

1 assist

30 innings, 3 games

July batting average in the 7th spot: .583 (7-12) (3 games)
July batting average in the 7th spot while playing left: .583 (7-12) (3 games)

overall batting average so far in the 7th spot: .302 (19-63) (19 games) (156.2 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 7th spot while playing left: .290 (18-62) (19 games) (156.2 innings)
overall batting average so far as a PH in the 7th spot: 1.000 (1-1) (2 games)


when Michael bat 9th in July, he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 strikeout


1 left on base

1 putout

2 innings, 1 game

July batting average in the 9th spot: .000 (0-1) (1 game)
July batting average in the 9th spot while playing left: .000 (0-0) (1 game)

overall batting average so far in the 9th spot: .000 (0-1) (2 games) (5 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 9th spot while playing left: .000 (0-0) (2 games) (5 innings)

when Michael bat 9th, he was the PH in July for 1 game. he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 strikeout


1 left on base

1 game

July batting average as a PH in the 9th spot: .000 (0-1) (1 game)
overall batting average so far as a PH in the 9th spot: .000 (0-1) (1 game)

when Michael came in to PH in July, he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 strikeout


1 left on base

1 game

July batting average as a PH: .000 (0-1) (1 game)
overall batting average so far as a PH: .500 (1-2) (3 games)


now let's break down his numbers based on where he played in the outfield.


when Michael played left in July, he had a total of 96 plate appearances and 84 at bats in 24 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

27 hits

18 singles

6 doubles

1 triple

2 home runs

13 RBI

15 runs scored

10 walks

1 hit by pitch

3 stolen bases

1 sac bunt

7 strikeouts

6 first at bat hits


31 left on base

49 putouts

2 assists

207 innings, 24 games

(23 complete games)

July batting average while playing left: .321 (27-84) (24 games)
overall batting average so far while playing left: .284 (104-366) (102 games) (856.2 innings)



July #s while playing left: 49 putouts, 2 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (207 innings, 24 games)

overall #s so far while playing left: 168 putouts, 9 assists, 1 double play, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (856.2 innings, 102 games)

overall #s so far while playing center: 0 putouts, 0 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (4 innings, 1 game)

overall #s so far while playing the outfield: 168 putouts, 9 assists, 1 double play, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (860.2 innings, 102 games)

now my game-by-game numbers and notes.

Game 79/Game 1, July 2: 1-3, walk (first at bat), run scored, walk, single. AVG: .275
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 80/Game 2, July 3: 0-4. AVG: .271
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 81/Game 3, July 4: 4-5, RBI single (first at bat), single, single, run scored, single. AVG: .280
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 82/Game 4, July 5: 0-3, reached on forceout, reached on forceout, walk. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 83/Game 5, July 6: 0-4. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 84/Game 6, July 7: 3-4, 2-run double (first at bat), run scored, home run, run scored, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 85/Game 7, July 8: 2-3, single (first at bat), stolen base, run scored, walk, walk, single. AVG: .284
(5th/LF/CG10)

Game 86/Game 8, July 9: 1-3, RBI single. AVG: .284
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 87/Game 9, July 10: 1-4, walk (first at bat), run scored, RBI single. AVG: .284
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 88/Game 10, July 11: 1-3, single (first at bat), hit by pitch, stolen base, run scored. AVG: .284
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 89/Game 11, July 12: 0-4. AVG: .281
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 90/Game 12, July 13: 1-4, double, run scored. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 91/Game 13, July 14: 1-5, RBI single, run scored. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 92/Game 14, July 19: 1-3, walk, single. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 93/Game 15, July 20: 0-3, sac bunt. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 94/Game 16, July 21: 1-4, reached on fielder’s choice, 3-run triple. AVG: .277
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 95/Game 17, July 22: 1-4, double. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 96/Game 18, July 23: 1-3, walk, single. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

July 24: not in lineup.

Game 97/Game 19, July 26: 3-4, single (first at bat), run scored, walk, run scored, single, single. AVG: .282
(7th/LF/CG11)

Game 98/Game 20, July 27: 1-3, double, stolen base. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 99/Game 21, July 28: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 100/Game 22, July 29: 0-1. AVG: .282
(9th/PH-LF/2 innings)
^^Michael did not start this game, but came in to pinch hit in the bottom of the 7th inning. then he stayed in the game as a defensive substitution for the top of the 8th and 9th innings.^^

Game 101/Game 23, July 30: 0-3, walk, run scored. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 102/Game 24, July 31: 3-4, single (first at bat), RBI double, double, run scored. AVG: .285
(7th/LF/CG10)



so far in 2013, Michael has a total of 410 plate appearances and 369 at bats in 102 games (860.2 innings). in total, he has 105 hits, 79 singles, 17 doubles, 2 triples, 7 home runs, 52 RBI, 6 sac flies, 51 runs scored, 30 walks, 1 intentional walk, 4 hit by pitches, 11 stolen bases, 2 caught stealing, 1 sac bunt, 45 strikeouts, 27 first at bat hits, 144 left on base, 168 putouts, 9 assists, and 1 double play.

season batting average: .285 (105-369)

OBP: .340

SLG: .398

OPS: .738

Brantley's 2013 First Half #s

i decided to write a quick (LOL!) blog with Michael's total numbers up to this point at the All Star Break. while this is widely referred to as the "first half" of the season, we are past the halfway 81 game mark. (the Indians have played 95 games thus far.) but because it is accepted to call this the halfway point of the year, that is what i will do. i am not going to do batting order position break downs in this blog, because i feel there's really no reason to. i will however be listing all his game-by-game numbers so far.

Michael is batting .279 at the break, 3rd highest on the team right now. last year at this time he was batting .288, so that's a little sad to see. but even though his BA is a little lower, some of his other numbers are better. he's got more home runs, more RBI, more sac flies, more runs scored, more hit by pitches (i like that he's not afraid to take a hit to get on base), and more stolen bases/less caught stealings. so while i love to harp on a player's batting average, it's clear he's still been doing well.

Michael had a hit in 58 of the 91 games he's played so far. (*though it should be mentioned that he did not have any official at bats in 3 of those games, because he was subbed in defensively in late innings.) he reached base safely in 70 games.

at the All Star break, Michael is batting a team high .366 (26-for-71) with runners in scoring position and .390 (16-for-41) with 2 outs and runners in scoring position. as of July 10, he was ranked 2nd in the AL with these numbers.

Michael played all but 4 innings so far this season in left field and his fielding percentage is still a perfect 1.000. he currently has 143 putouts, 8 outfield assists, and 1 double play. his 8 outfield assists are not only a season high for him, but they also tie him for 2nd in the American League.

it is also noteworthy that Michael has played 185 straight games in the outfield without an error. according to Elias Sports, that errorless streak is the 2nd longest streak by an Indians outfielder in club history. the record is currently set by Rocky Colavito at 212 games.


1st Half batting average: .279

OBP: .333

SLG: .387

OPS: .721


Michael played in 91 (of 95) games before the All Star Break. he started and played left field in 86 games. of those 86 games, he completed 85 in left field. he was moved to center field for the final 4 innings of 1 game. he was a defensive substitute in 5 games, playing a total of 11 innings, all in left field. he came in to PH in late innings in 2 games. after he PH'd, he remained in those 2 games as the left fielder and played a total of 5 innings. he had 4 complete games off.


Michael bat 5th in 23 games.

Michael bat 6th in 6 games. (defensive sub: 1 game, 2 innings)

Michael bat 3rd in 4 games.

Michael bat leadoff in 22 games. (defensive switch: 1 game, 5 innings LF/4 innings CF)

Michael bat 8th in 7 games. (defensive sub: 1 game, 1 inning)

Michael bat 7th in 16 games. (PH/defensive sub: 2 games, 5 innings)

Michael bat 2nd in 1 game.

Michael bat 9th in 1 game. (defensive sub: 1 game, 3 innings)

Michael bat 4th in 11 games.

Michael bat non-leadoff in 69 games. (defensive sub: 5 games, 11 innings)

**Michael started all games (in left field) except where noted.


Michael played left field in 91 games, for a total of 765.2 innings.

Michael played center field in 1 game, for a total of 4 innings.

Michael played in 86 complete games.

Michael was the defensive substitute in 5 games, for a total of 11 innings.

Michael was the PH in 2 games.



in the first half, Michael had a total of 369 plate appearances and 333 at bats. here is how he fared:

93 hits

72 singles

13 doubles

1 triple

7 home runs

48 RBI

6 sac flies

46 runs scored

26 walks

1 intentional walk

4 hit by pitches

10 stolen bases

2 caught stealing

42 strikeouts

25 first at bat hits


133 left on base

143 putouts

8 assists

1 double play

769.2 innings, 91 games

1st Half batting average: .279 (93-333) (91 games)



now my game-by-game numbers and notes.

Game 1, April 2: 1-2, single (first at bat), run scored, walk, walk. AVG: .500
(batting 5th/LF/CG)

Game 2, April 3: 4-5, single (first at bat), RBI single, single, single, run scored, reached on forceout. AVG: .714
(5th/LF/CG11)

Game 3, April 4: 1-4, hit by pitch, run scored, single. AVG: .545
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 4, April 5: 0-2, walk. AVG: .462
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 5, April 6: 0-4. AVG: .353
(5th/LF/CG)

April 7: not in lineup.

Game 6, April 8: 1-5, RBI single (first at bat). AVG: .318
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 7, April 9: 0-3, walk. AVG: .280
(6th/LF/CG)

April 10: game postponed, to be made up in a May 13 DH.
(5th/LF/CG)

April 11: game postponed, to be made up in a May 13 DH.
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 8, April 12: 1-3, double (first at bat). AVG: .286
(6th/LF/CG)

Game 9, April 13: 0-3, hit by pitch, run scored. AVG: .258
(6th/LF/CG)
 
Game 10, April 14: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .257
(3rd/LF/CG)

Game 11, April 16: 2-4, single (first at bat), single. AVG: .282
(6th/LF/CG)

Game 12, April 17: 0-3, walk. AVG: .262
(leadoff/LF/CG)
^^i guess Tito decided to give Michael a shot at leading off again because Bourn is on the 15-day DL with a finger laceration. i definitely don't expect him to lead off again once Bourn comes back.^^

Game 13, April 18: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .261
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 14, April 19: 0-4, walk. AVG: .240
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 15, April 20: 2-6, 2-run double, RBI walk, run scored, single. AVG: .250
(leadoff/LF - 5 i/CF - 4 i)

Game 16, April 21: 1-5, single. AVG: .246
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 17, April 22: 1-3, single, caught stealing, walk, run scored. AVG: .250
(leadoff/LF/CG)

April 23: game postponed.

Game 18, April 24: 2-4, single, single, run scored. AVG: .265
(leadoff/LF/CG)

April 26: game postponed, to be made up April 28.
(leadoff/LF)

Game 19, April 27: 2-5, double, 2-run triple. AVG: .274
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 20, April 28 (Day Game): 0-4. AVG: .260
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 21, April 28 (Night Game): 2-4, single (first at bat), run scored, hit by pitch, single, run scored. AVG: .272
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 22, April 29: 3-5, double, run scored, double, run scored, single. AVG: .291
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 23, April 30: 1-5, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .286
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 24, May 1: 3-5, single, run scored, single, single. AVG: .302
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 25, May 3: 1-4, single, run scored, intentional walk. AVG: .300
(leadoff/LF/CG10)

Game 26, May 4: 1-5, RBI single. AVG: .295
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 27, May 5: 0-4. AVG: .284
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 28, May 6: 2-5, single, single, stolen base. AVG: .289
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 29, May 7: did not start, defensive substitution for 9th inning. no ABs.
(8th/LF/1 inning)

Game 30, May 8: 2-4, single (first at bat), fielder’s choice RBI, single, stolen base. AVG: .297
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 31, May 9: 2-5, single (first at bat), run scored, single. AVG: .301
(leadoff/LF/CG)
^^Michael Bourn is scheduled to come back tomorrow, and Brantley won't be leading off anymore.^^

Game 32, May 10: 0-2, RBI sac fly. AVG: .296
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 33, May 11: 2-5, double, single. AVG: .300
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 34, May 12: 2-4, single, run scored, walk, RBI single. AVG: .306
(leadoff/LF/CG10)

Game 35, May 13 (first game): 1-3, single (first at bat), reached on forceout. AVG: .307
(8th/LF/CG)
 
Game 36, May 13 (second game): 1-4, single. AVG: .305
(2nd/LF/CG)

Game 37, May 14: 1-4, 2-run single (first at bat). AVG: .303
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 38, May 15: 0-0, walk (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .303
(9th/LF/3 innings)
^^did not start, defensive substitution for 7th, 8th, and 9th innings. no official ABs.^^

Game 39, May 17: 0-4. AVG: .295
(8th/LF/CG10)

Game 40, May 18: did not start, defensive substitution for 8th and 9th innings. no ABs.
(6th/LF/2 innings)

Game 41, May 19: 2-4, RBI single (first at bat), run scored, 3-run home run, run scored. AVG: .301
(3rd/LF/CG)

Game 42, May 20: 2-4, walk (first at bat), run scored, RBI single, single, run scored. AVG: .306
(7th/LF/CG10)

Game 43, May 21: 0-3, RBI sac fly. AVG: .300
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 44, May 22: 3-5, RBI single (first at bat), RBI single, run scored, RBI single. AVG: .309
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 45, May 23: 1-5, walk, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .306
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 46, May 24: 2-3, single (first at bat), stolen base, double. AVG: .312
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 47, May 25: 2-4, single (first at bat), double. AVG: .316
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 48, May 26: 0-4. AVG: .309
(7th/LF/8.2 innings)

Game 49, May 27: 0-3. AVG: .304
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 50, May 28: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .303
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 51, May 29: 0-3. AVG: .298
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 52, May 30: 1-3, RBI single, stolen base, run scored, walk. AVG: .299
(7th/LF/CG)

May 31: not in lineup.

Game 53, June 1: 0-3, walk. AVG: .294
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 54, June 2: 2-4, single (first at bat), single. AVG: .299
(3rd/LF/CG)

Game 55, June 3: 0-1, walk (first at bat). AVG: .297
(7th/PH-LF/4 innings)
^^Michael did not start this game, but came in to pinch hit in the top of the 5th inning. then he stayed in the game as a defensive substitution for the bottom of the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th innings. he had 1 other official at bat during that time.^^

Game 56, June 4: 1-3, walk, caught stealing, single. AVG: .298
(3rd/LF/CG)

Game 57, June 5: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .297
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 58, June 7: 0-4. AVG: .291
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 59, June 8: 0-4. AVG: .286
(4th/LF/CG)

June 9: not in lineup.

Game 60, June 10: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .285
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 61, June 11: 1-3, walk, stolen base, single. AVG: .286
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 62, June 12: 2-4, single (first at bat), RBI single, walk, run scored. AVG: .289
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 63, June 14: 0-4. AVG: .284
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 64, June 15: 1-4, 2-run double. AVG: .284
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 65, June 16: 0-3. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 66, June 17: 0-4. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 67, June 18: 0-3, reached on forceout, RBI sac fly. AVG: .272
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 68, June 19: 2-3, home run, run scored, RBI sac fly, home run, run scored. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 69, June 21: 1-4, double (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 70, June 22: 0-5, reached on forceout. AVG: .271
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 71, June 23: 1-1, single (first at bat), stolen base, stolen base. AVG: .274
(7th/PH-LF/1 inning)
^^Michael did not start this game, but came in to pinch hit in the bottom of the 8th inning. then he stayed in the game as a defensive substitution for the top of the 9th inning.^^

Game 72, June 24: 2-4, 2-run single, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .278
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 73, June 25: 0-3, RBI sac fly (first at bat). AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 74, June 26: 0-3, walk, run scored. AVG: .271
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 75, June 27: 1-4, double, run scored. AVG: .271
(6th/LF/CG)

June 28 (Game 1): not in lineup.

Game 76, June 28 (Game 2): 0-3, RBI sac fly (first at bat). AVG: .268
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 77, June 29: 2-4, single (first at bat), single, stolen base. AVG: .271
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 78, June 30: 2-4, single, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .275
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 79, July 2: 1-3, walk (first at bat), run scored, walk, single. AVG: .275
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 80, July 3: 0-4. AVG: .271
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 81, July 4: 4-5, RBI single (first at bat), single, single, run scored, single. AVG: .280
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 82, July 5: 0-3, reached on forceout, reached on forceout, walk. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 83, July 6: 0-4. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 84, July 7: 3-4, 2-run double (first at bat), run scored, home run, run scored, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 85, July 8: 2-3, single (first at bat), stolen base, run scored, walk, walk, single. AVG: .284
(5th/LF/CG10)

Game 86, July 9: 1-3, RBI single. AVG: .284
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 87, July 10: 1-4, walk (first at bat), run scored, RBI single. AVG: .284
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 88, July 11: 1-3, single (first at bat), hit by pitch, stolen base, run scored. AVG: .284
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 89, July 12: 0-4. AVG: .281
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 90, July 13: 1-4, double, run scored. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 91, July 14: 1-5, RBI single, run scored. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG)



some numbers that i would like to see Michael improve on in the 2nd half are his doubles and walks, and i really want him to finish the year with a batting average somewhere in the .290s. i also want him to cut down on the strikeouts. he's one of the hardest players in the league to strike out because his contact rate is ridiculously high, but his strikeout number is close to surpassing last season's, so i am concerned regarding that. otherwise, i think he's having a great year so far and as long as he remains healthy, i fully expect that to continue. Go Brantley! Go Tribe!

Brantley's June 2013 #s

i hope this is the worst month of Michael's season. several players had a slow month, so it wasn't just him. but usually when the team slumps, Michael manages to remain consistent. not this time around. he went 0-for more times in a month than ever before. it was somewhat reminiscent of his rookie year when he was trying to figure things out in the major leagues and would have many games without getting on base or getting a hit. i know he's capable of more than he's been doing lately. true, a lot of his outs have been "loud outs," but an out is still an out and the more he piles up, the worse his numbers look. there were still some highlights for Michael in June, however, and i'll get to those in a minute.

i thought Michael would bat somewhat regularly this month. when Cabrera went down with the quad injury, Tito first said Michael would slip right into his spot in the 3 hole. he would bat 3rd against righties and 7th against lefties. well, at some point, he got moved down to 4th against righties, and then he started batting 5th against righties. so any chance for regularity that i had hoped for was gone by the middle of June. did this contribute to his poor numbers this month? his track record would have me think no, but at some point you have to wonder if all the constant moving around is starting to weigh on the guy.

Michael had a hit in 14 of the 26 games he played in in June and reached base safely in 19 games. he did not have a hit in 12 games, almost half of the games he played this month. while he had a few RBI sac flies and walks in those hitless games, that is not typical for Michael.

despite this little slump, Michael is still a very good hitter. this is proven by the fact that about a week ago, Michael was leading the American League with a 91% contact rate and his 6% swing-and-miss rate was tied for the lowest in the AL. he was putting balls in play at a 79% rate and had a very low 11.6% strikeout rate. Michael also leads the Tribe with a batting average in the .350s with runners in scoring position. "i just want to make sure i can do what i can for my team--get that run in from third base however i can do it," said Michael.

Michael also hit 3 home runs in June. he is not a home run hitter, so it was pleasantly surprising not only when Michael hit the 3 home runs within a 5-game time span, but also that Michael hit 2 home runs in 1 game. that marked the first multi-home run game of his career.

more positive play can be found in the outfield. for the 3rd month in a row, Michael played errorless left field and his fielding percentage is perfect. his great catches in left field are becoming a habit, as he had 46 putouts in June. also, Michael had 2 more impressive outfield assists, one of which was part of a double play, his first double play of this season. currently, his 7 outfield assists tie him for 3rd in the American League. his arm is getting a lot more attention this year in left field than it ever got in left or center in years past. i am happy to see that while he may struggle at times offensively, he does not let it affect him defensively.

what i'm noticing so far this season is that one player seems to be hot every month. Reynolds was hot in April, Santana put up great numbers in May, and Kipnis was absolutely scorching in June. maybe July will be Brantley's month. fingers crossed.


now let's break down the numbers. i am going to document his June #s, the 7th spot #s, the PH #s, the 3rd spot #s, the 4th spot #s, the 5th spot #s, the 6th spots #s, the #s of everything not leadoff combined, as well as the left field #s, overall left field #s, and overall outfield #s.


June batting average: .222

OBP: .260

SLG: .356

OPS: .616


Michael played in 26 (of 28) games in June. he started and played left field in 24 games, and he came in to PH in late innings in 2 games. after he PH'd, he remained in those 2 games as the left fielder and played a total of 5 innings in left field. he also had an additional plate appearance and at bat in 1 of the games that he did not start. he had 2 complete games off and did not play any center field this month.


Michael bat 7th in 9 games. (7 started, 2 PH/defensive sub)

Michael bat 3rd in 2 games.

Michael bat 4th in 6 games.

Michael bat 5th in 8 games.

Michael bat 6th in 1 game.


Michael played left field in all 26 games.

Michael was the PH in 2 games.

Michael played in 24 complete games.


in June, Michael had a total of 100 plate appearances and 90 at bats. here is how he fared:

20 hits

14 singles

3 doubles

0 triples

3 home runs

13 RBI

4 sac flies

10 runs scored

6 walks

4 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

11 strikeouts

6 first at bat hits


37 left on base

46 putouts

2 assists

1 double play

214 innings, 26 games

June batting average: .222 (20-90) (26 games)


now let's break down his (non-leadoff) numbers based on where he hit in the lineup.


when Michael bat 7th in June, he had a total of 31 plate appearances and 27 at bats in 9 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

7 hits

6 singles

1 home run

5 RBI

1 sac fly

4 runs scored

3 walks

3 stolen bases

4 strikeouts

1 first at bat hit


9 left on base

13 putouts

1 assist

1 double play

67 innings, 9 games

June batting average in the 7th spot: .259 (7-27) (9 games)
June batting average in the 7th spot while playing left: .231 (6-26) (9 games)

overall batting average so far in the 7th spot: .235 (12-51) (16 games) (126.2 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 7th spot while playing left: .220 (11-50) (16 games) (126.2 innings)

when Michael bat 7th, he was the PH in June for 2 games. he had a total of 2 plate appearances and 1 at bat. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

1 walk

2 stolen bases

1 first at bat hit


2 games

June batting average as a PH in the 7th spot: 1.000 (1-1) (2 games)
overall batting average so far as a PH in the 7th spot: 1.000 (1-1) (2 games)

when Michael came in to PH in June, he had a total of 2 plate appearances and 1 at bat in 2 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

1 walk

2 stolen bases

1 first at bat hit


2 games

June batting average as a PH: 1.000 (1-1) (2 games)
overall batting average so far as a PH: 1.000 (1-1) (2 games)


when Michael bat 3rd in June, he had a total of 8 plate appearances and 7 at bats in 2 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

3 hits

3 singles

1 walk

1 caught stealing

1 first at bat hit


1 left on base

5 putouts

17 innings, 2 games

June batting average in the 3rd spot: .429 (3-7) (2 games)
June batting average in the 3rd spot while playing left: .429 (3-7) (2 games)

overall batting average so far in the 3rd spot: .400 (6-15) (4 games) (35 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 3rd spot while playing left: .400 (6-15) (4 games) (35 innings)


when Michael bat 4th in June, he had a total of 26 plate appearances and 25 at bats in 6 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

4 hits

3 singles

1 double

3 RBI

1 run scored

1 walk

2 strikeouts

2 first at bat hits


18 left on base

11 putouts

51 innings, 6 games

June batting average in the 4th spot: .160 (4-25) (6 games)
June batting average in the 4th spot while playing left: .160 (4-25) (6 games)

overall batting average so far in the 4th spot: .211 (8-38) (9 games) (78 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 4th spot while playing left: .211 (8-38) (9 games) (78 innings)


when Michael bat 5th in June, he had a total of 31 plate appearances and 27 at bats in 8 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

5 hits

2 singles

1 double

2 home runs

5 RBI

3 sac flies

4 runs scored

1 walk

1 stolen base

5 strikeouts

2 first at bat hits


9 left on base

16 putouts

1 assist

71 innings, 8 games

June batting average in the 5th spot: .185 (5-27) (8 games)
June batting average in the 5th spot while playing left: .185 (5-27) (8 games)

overall batting average so far in the 5th spot: .245 (12-49) (14 games) (124 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 5th spot while playing left: .245 (12-49) (14 games) (124 innings)


when Michael bat 6th in June, he had a total of 4 plate appearances and 4 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 double

1 run scored


1 putout

8 innings, 1 game

June batting average in the 6th spot: .250 (1-4) (1 game)
June batting average in the 6th spot while playing left: .250 (1-4) (1 game)

overall batting average so far in the 6th spot: .235 (4-17) (6 games) (46 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 6th spot while playing left: .235 (4-17) (6 games) (46 innings)


when Michael was not leading off in June, he had a total of 100 plate appearances and 90 at bats in 26 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

20 hits

14 singles

3 doubles

3 home runs

13 RBI

4 sac flies

10 runs scored

6 walks

4 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

11 strikeouts

6 first at bat hits


37 left on base

46 putouts

2 assists

1 double play

214 innings, 26 games

June batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .222 (20-90) (26 games)
June batting average everywhere other than leadoff while playing left: .213 (19-89) (26 games)

overall batting average so far everywhere other than leadoff: .255 (50-196) (58 games) (475.2 innings)
overall batting average so far everywhere other than leadoff while playing left: .251 (49-195) (58 games) (475.2 innings)


now let's break down his numbers based on where he played in the outfield.


when Michael played left in June, he had a total of 98 plate appearances and 89 at bats in 26 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

19 hits

13 singles

3 doubles

3 home runs

13 RBI

4 sac flies

10 runs scored

5 walks

2 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

11 strikeouts

5 first at bat hits


37 left on base

46 putouts

2 assists

1 double play

214 innings, 26 games

(24 complete games)

June batting average while playing left: .213 (19-89) (26 games)
overall batting average so far while playing left: .273 (77-282) (78 games) (649.2 innings)



June #s while playing left: 46 putouts, 2 assists, 1 double play, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (214 innings, 26 games)

overall #s so far while playing left: 119 putouts, 7 assists, 1 double play, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (649.2 innings, 78 games)

overall #s so far while playing center: 0 putouts, 0 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (4 innings, 1 game)

overall #s so far while playing the outfield: 119 putouts, 7 assists, 1 double play, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (653.2 innings, 78 games)



now my game-by-game numbers and notes.

Game 53/Game 1, June 1: 0-3, walk. AVG: .294
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 54/Game 2, June 2: 2-4, single (first at bat), single. AVG: .299
(3rd/LF/CG)

Game 55/Game 3, June 3: 0-1, walk (first at bat). AVG: .297
(7th/PH-LF/4 innings)
^^Michael did not start this game, but came in to pinch hit in the top of the 5th inning. then he stayed in the game as a defensive substitution for the bottom of the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th innings. he had 1 other official at bat during that time.^^

Game 56/Game 4, June 4: 1-3, walk, caught stealing, single. AVG: .298
(3rd/LF/CG)

Game 57/Game 5, June 5: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .297
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 58/Game 6, June 7: 0-4. AVG: .291
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 59/Game 7, June 8: 0-4. AVG: .286
(4th/LF/CG)

June 9: not in lineup.

Game 60/Game 8, June 10: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .285
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 61/Game 9, June 11: 1-3, walk, stolen base, single. AVG: .286
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 62/Game 10, June 12: 2-4, single (first at bat), RBI single, walk, run scored. AVG: .289
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 63/Game 11, June 14: 0-4. AVG: .284
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 64/Game 12, June 15: 1-4, 2-run double. AVG: .284
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 65/Game 13, June 16: 0-3. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 66/Game 14, June 17: 0-4. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 67/Game 15, June 18: 0-3, reached on forceout, RBI sac fly. AVG: .272
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 68/Game 16, June 19: 2-3, home run, run scored, RBI sac fly, home run, run scored. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 69/Game 17, June 21: 1-4, double (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 70/Game 18, June 22: 0-5, reached on forceout. AVG: .271
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 71/Game 19, June 23: 1-1, single (first at bat), stolen base, stolen base. AVG: .274
(7th/PH-LF/1 inning)
^^Michael did not start this game, but came in to pinch hit in the bottom of the 8th inning. then he stayed in the game as a defensive substitution for the top of the 9th inning.^^

Game 72/Game 20, June 24: 2-4, 2-run single, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .278
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 73/Game 21, June 25: 0-3, RBI sac fly (first at bat). AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 74/Game 22, June 26: 0-3, walk, run scored. AVG: .271
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 75/Game 23, June 27: 1-4, double, run scored. AVG: .271
(6th/LF/CG)

June 28 (Game 1): not in lineup.

Game 76/Game 24, June 28 (Game 2): 0-3, RBI sac fly (first at bat). AVG: .268
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 77/Game 25, June 29: 2-4, single (first at bat), single, stolen base. AVG: .271
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 78/Game 26, June 30: 2-4, single, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .275
(7th/LF/CG)



so far in 2013, Michael has a total of 313 plate appearances and 284 at bats in 78 games (653.2 innings). in total, he has 78 hits, 61 singles, 11 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs, 39 RBI, 6 sac flies, 36 runs scored, 20 walks, 1 intentional walk, 3 hit by pitches, 8 stolen bases, 2 caught stealing, 37 strikeouts, 21 first at bat hits, 112 left on base, 119 putouts, 7 assists, and 1 double play.

season batting average: .275 (78-284)

OBP: .323

SLG: .373

OPS: .696

Brantley's May 2013 #s

my blog is a bit late because i was in Cleveland from May 31-June 2, which is normally the time on the calendar when i'd be getting all the numbers crunched and writing up the blog. so i'm behind this month, due to social life scheduling, not pure laziness. just wanna make that clear.


so as i previously blogged, by May 21, only the 45th game of the year, Michael had at least 1 plate appearance in every spot in the batting order. as soon as i saw the lineup for that day i was thinking oh em gee, this is ridiculous, and it's going to make my May blog breakdown unbearably long lol the #1 fans of Bourn, Kip, Cabby, and Swish would have it so easy if they were to do what i do with these monthly blogs...

Michael bat everywhere in the lineup this month except for the 5th spot. i hate seeing Michael batting behind guys like Giambi and Reynolds. even seeing Santana in that 5th spot makes me mad because i think Michael is best suited there. but it does not appear that Michael will be getting much time in the 5th hole, at least not anytime soon.

Michael had a hit in 19 of the 26 games he started and completed in May and reached base safely in 20 games. no one on the team has been jerked around in the lineup more than Michael, and the fact that he's somehow been able to remain consistent and not let it severely mess up his game is impressive and i believe he does not get enough credit for it.

when Michael took over the cleanup spot for Swisher, he did very well with 4 hits, 4 RBI, 2 runs scored, and 1 walk in 3 games. now that the lineup has been changing, he's not getting as many RBI opportunities when he's lower in the order anymore. that only adds to my case that Michael should be batting higher. i must say, he also did a great job filling in for Bourn at leadoff, hitting .361 in 8 games. another highlight of the month was when Michael hit his 2nd home run of the season. it measured 423 feet, easily the farthest he's hit a ball so far in his career.

in the last week of May, Michael was batting either 7th or 8th in the lineup, and he was in a little slump. most bottom of the orders are weak. i think sometimes, if you stay in the 8 or 9 hole too long, you'll start to be an 8 or 9 hole type hitter. i hope this isn't the case with Michael. he had a couple really good games after going over some film with his dad, and i feel he could stand to benefit from doing that again. or all year.

some fans have a habit of noticing what a player doesn't do, as opposed to what he does do. fans are going to complain about Michael's lack of speed/stolen bases, i already know, but look who he's been stuck behind. the guys at the top are faster and have more opportunities to steal bases. Michael doesn't really need to worry about that anymore. let Bourn, Kip, Aviles, Stubbs, Cabby, and whoever else steal bases. i want Michael to just concentrate on continuing to get himself on base.

switching gears now to the outfield, Michael played strictly left field this month, and as usual, his defense was excellent. his fielding percentage for May is once again perfect. he had 35 putouts, but could have had more if he had started some of the games he was subbed in to. also this month, Michael had 3 very nice assists, including throwing a runner out at home, bringing his total for the season so far to 5 already. i never thought about making assist predictions, but at this point i think it's safe to say he will set a new career high and have at least 10 this year.


now let's break down the numbers. i am going to document his May #s, the leadoff #s, the 8th spot #s, the 7th spot #s, the 2nd spot #s, the 9th spot #s, the 6th spot #s, the 3rd spot #s, the 4th spot #s, and the #s of everything not leadoff combined, as well as the left field #s, overall left field #s, and overall outfield #s.


May batting average: .311

OBP: .342

SLG: .369

OPS: .711


Michael played in 29 (of 30) games in May. he started and played left field in 26 games, and he was a defensive (left) substitution for a total of 6 innings in 3 games. he did not have any official at bats in the 3 games that he did not start, however he did have 1 plate appearance. the one game he did not play in was just him not being in Tito's lineup. he did not play any center field this month.


Michael led off 8 games.

Michael bat 8th in 7 games. (6 started, 1 defensive sub)

Michael bat 7th in 7 games.

Michael bat 2nd in 1 game.

Michael bat 9th in 1 game. (defensive sub)

Michael bat 6th in 1 game. (defensive sub)

Michael bat 3rd in 1 game. (Cabby off day)

Michael bat 4th in 3 games. (Swisher Paternity List)


Michael played left field in all 29 games.

Michael played in 26 complete games.


in May, Michael had a total of 111 plate appearances and 103 at bats. here is how he fared:

32 hits

28 singles

3 doubles

1 home run

17 RBI

2 sac flies

13 runs scored

6 walks

1 intentional walk

4 stolen bases

12 strikeouts

8 first at bat hits


41 left on base

35 putouts

3 assists

237.2 innings, 29 games

May batting average: .311 (32-103) (29 games)


now let's break down his numbers based on where he hit in the lineup.


when Michael led off in May, he had a total of 38 plate appearances and 36 at bats in 8 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

13 hits

13 singles

3 RBI

4 runs scored

2 walks

(1 intentional walk)

2 stolen bases

4 strikeouts

2 leadoff/first at bat hits


14 left on base

13 putouts

74 innings, 8 games

May batting average in the leadoff spot: .361 (13-36) (8 games)
May batting average in the leadoff spot while playing left: .361 (13-36) (8 games)

overall batting average so far in the leadoff spot: .318 (28-88) (20 games) (178 innings)
overall batting average so far in the leadoff spot while playing left: .322 (28-87) (20 games) (174 innings)
overall batting average so far in the leadoff spot while playing center: .000 (0-1) (1 game) (4 innings)


when Michael was not leading off in May, he had a total of 73 plate appearances and 67 at bats in 21 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

19 hits

15 singles

3 doubles

1 home run

14 RBI

2 sac flies

9 runs scored

4 walks

2 stolen bases

8 strikeouts

6 first at bat hits


27 left on base

22 putouts

3 assists

163.2 innings, 21 games

May batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .284 (19-67) (21 games)
May batting average everywhere other than leadoff while playing left: .284 (19-67) (21 games)

overall batting average so far everywhere other than leadoff: .283 (30-106) (32 games) (261.2 innings)
overall batting average so far everywhere other than leadoff while playing left: .283 (30-106) (32 games) (261.2 innings)


now let's break down his non-leadoff numbers even further.


when Michael bat 8th in May, he had a total of 22 plate appearances and 22 at bats in 7 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

7 hits

4 singles

3 doubles

1 stolen base

2 strikeouts

3 first at bat hits


9 left on base

3 putouts

54 innings, 7 games

May batting average in the 8th spot: .318 (7-22) (7 games)
May batting average in the 8th spot while playing left: .318 (7-22) (7 games)

overall batting average so far in the 8th spot: .318 (7-22) (7 games) (54 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 8th spot while playing left: .318 (7-22) (7 games) (54 innings)


when Michael bat 7th in May, he had a total of 27 plate appearances and 24 at bats in 7 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

5 hits

5 singles

6 RBI

1 sac fly

3 runs scored

2 walks

1 stolen base

4 strikeouts

1 first at bat hit


8 left on base

9 putouts

59.2 innings, 7 games

May batting average in the 7th spot: .208 (5-24) (7 games)
May batting average in the 7th spot while playing left: .208 (5-24) (7 games)

overall batting average so far in the 7th spot: .208 (5-24) (7 games) (59.2 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 7th spot while playing left: .208 (5-24) (7 games) (59.2 innings)


when Michael bat 2nd in May, he had a total of 4 plate appearances and 4 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

0 strikeouts


2 left on base

1 putout

9 innings, 1 game

May batting average in the 2nd spot: .250 (1-4) (1 game)
May batting average in the 2nd spot while playing left: .250 (1-4) (1 game)

overall batting average so far in the 2nd spot: .250 (1-4) (1 game) (9 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 2nd spot while playing left: .250 (1-4) (1 game) (9 innings)


when Michael bat 9th in May, he was a defensive substitution in left for 1 game and had a total of 1 plate appearances and 0 at bats. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 run scored

1 walk


1 putout

3 innings, 1 game

May batting average in the 9th spot: .000 (0-0) (1 game)
May batting average in the 9th spot while playing left: .000 (0-0) (1 game)

overall batting average so far in the 9th spot: .000 (0-0) (1 game) (3 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 9th spot while playing left: .000 (0-0) (1 game) (3 innings)


when Michael bat 6th in May, he was a defensive substitution in left for 1 game and had 0 plate appearances and 0 at bats. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 putout

2 innings, 1 game


overall batting average so far in the 6th spot: .231 (3-13) (5 games) (38 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 6th spot while playing left: .231 (3-13) (5 games) (38 innings)


when Michael bat 3rd in May, he had a total of 4 plate appearances and 4 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

2 hits

1 single

1 home run

4 RBI

2 runs scored

1 strikeout

1 first at bat hit


1 left on base

2 putouts

9 innings, 1 game

May batting average in the 3rd spot: .500 (2-4) (1 game)
May batting average in the 3rd spot while playing left: .500 (2-4) (1 game)

overall batting average so far in the 3rd spot: .375 (3-8) (2 games) (18 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 3rd spot while playing left: .375 (3-8) (2 games) (18 innings)


when Michael bat 4th in May, he had a total of 15 plate appearances and 13 at bats in 3 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

4 hits

4 singles

4 RBI

1 sac fly

3 runs scored

1 walk

1 strikeout

1 first at bat hit


7 left on base

5 putouts

27 innings, 3 games

May batting average in the 4th spot: .308 (4-13) (3 games)
May batting average in the 4th spot while playing left: .308 (4-13) (3 games)

overall batting average so far in the 4th spot: .308 (4-13) (3 games) (27 innings)
overall batting average so far in the 4th spot while playing left: .308 (4-13) (3 games) (27 innings)


now let's break down his numbers based on where he played in the outfield.


when Michael played left in May, he had a total of 111 plate appearances and 103 at bats in 29 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

32 hits

28 singles

3 doubles

1 home run

17 RBI

2 sac flies

13 runs scored

6 walks

1 intentional walk

4 stolen bases

12 strikeouts

8 first at bat hits


41 left on base

35 putouts

3 assists

237.2 innings, 29 games

(26 complete games)

May batting average while playing left: .311 (32-103) (29 games)
overall batting average so far while playing left: .301 (58-193) (52 games) (435.2 innings)



May #s while playing left: 35 putouts, 3 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (237.2 innings, 29 games)

overall #s so far while playing left: 73 putouts, 5 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (435.2 innings, 52 games)

overall #s so far while playing center: 0 putouts, 0 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (4 innings, 1 game)

overall #s so far while playing the outfield: 73 putouts, 5 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (439.2 innings, 52 games)



now my game-by-game numbers and notes.

Game 24/Game 1, May 1: 3-5, single, run scored, single, single. AVG: .302
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 25/Game 2, May 3: 1-4, single, run scored, intentional walk. AVG: .300
(leadoff/LF/CG10)

Game 26/Game 3, May 4: 1-5, RBI single. AVG: .295
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 27/Game 4, May 5: 0-4. AVG: .284
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 28/Game 5, May 6: 2-5, single, single, stolen base. AVG: .289
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 29/Game 6, May 7: did not start, defensive substitution for 9th inning. no ABs.
(8th/LF/1 inning)

Game 30/Game 7, May 8: 2-4, single (first at bat), fielder’s choice RBI, single, stolen base. AVG: .297
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 31/Game 8, May 9: 2-5, single (first at bat), run scored, single. AVG: .301
(leadoff/LF/CG)
^^Michael Bourn is scheduled to come back tomorrow, and Brantley won't be leading off anymore.^^

Game 32/Game 9, May 10: 0-2, RBI sac fly. AVG: .296
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 33/Game 10, May 11: 2-5, double, single. AVG: .300
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 34/Game 11, May 12: 2-4, single, run scored, walk, RBI single. AVG: .306
(leadoff/LF/CG10)

Game 35/Game 12, May 13 (first game): 1-3, single (first at bat), reached on forceout. AVG: .307
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 36/Game 13, May 13 (second game): 1-4, single. AVG: .305
(2nd/LF/CG)

Game 37/Game 14, May 14: 1-4, 2-run single (first at bat). AVG: .303
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 38/Game 15, May 15: 0-0, walk (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .303
(9th/LF/3 innings)
^^did not start, defensive substitution for 7th, 8th, and 9th innings. no official ABs.^^

Game 39/Game 16, May 17: 0-4. AVG: .295
(8th/LF/CG10)

Game 40/Game 17, May 18: did not start, defensive substitution for 8th and 9th innings. no ABs.
(6th/LF/2 innings)

Game 41/Game 18, May 19: 2-4, RBI single (first at bat), run scored, 3-run home run, run scored. AVG: .301
(3rd/LF/CG)

Game 42/Game 19, May 20: 2-4, walk (first at bat), run scored, RBI single, single, run scored. AVG: .306
(7th/LF/CG10)

Game 43/Game 20, May 21: 0-3, RBI sac fly. AVG: .300
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 44/Game 21, May 22: 3-5, RBI single (first at bat), RBI single, run scored, RBI single. AVG: .309
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 45/Game 22, May 23: 1-5, walk, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .306
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 46/Game 23, May 24: 2-3, single (first at bat), stolen base, double. AVG: .312
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 47/Game 24, May 25: 2-4, single (first at bat), double. AVG: .316
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 48/Game 25, May 26: 0-4. AVG: .309
(7th/LF/8.2 innings)

Game 49/Game 26, May 27: 0-3. AVG: .304
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 50/Game 27, May 28: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .303
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 51/Game 28, May 29: 0-3. AVG: .298
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 52/Game 29, May 30: 1-3, RBI single, stolen base, run scored, walk. AVG: .299
(7th/LF/CG)

May 31: not in lineup.



so far in 2013, Michael has a total of 213 plate appearances and 194 at bats in 52 games (439.2 innings). in total, he has 58 hits, 47 singles, 8 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs, 26 RBI, 2 sac flies, 26 runs scored, 14 walks, 1 intentional walk, 3 hit by pitches, 4 stolen bases, 1 caught stealing, 26 strikeouts, 15 first at bat hits, 75 left on base, 73 putouts, and 5 assists.

season batting average: .299 (58-194)

OBP: .352

SLG: .381

OPS: .734