Analyzing the Tribe's 2017 Season + Postseason

the Cleveland Indians won over 100 games this season, 102 to be exact, for only the second time in franchise history and first time since 1954. they were the favorites to win the American League pennant and many predicted them to win the World Series as well. unfortunately, to every Tribe fan's dismay, they didn't even make it out of the Division Series. so while the 2017 regular season was exciting and filled with highlights, the postseason was crushing. now i'm here to give you a final recap of the Tribe's year and my annual player evaluations.

and i want to apologize for posting this later than i would have liked. once i started going back over all the players' seasons and postseasons, i realized there was quite a lot to cover and i needed to make sure i included all the big and important stuff. i was very thorough and i hope you enjoy my analysis!

note: this blog is LONG, and i do mean LONG. feel free to just read what you like about who you like and what interests you the most. or, read it all over several days. whatever you prefer.📖✌☮


Looking Back at the Team's Most Memorable Moments

i'm going to spotlight some of the Tribe's best and worst moments from the 2017 campaign now. because i

Brantley's 2014 Game-by-Game Numbers & Notes

this blog mainly focuses on all of Michael's game-by-game numbers and notes for 2014. he had an incredible year, setting career highs in almost every offensive category. he was arguably the MVP of the Indians, leading his teammates not only with a plethora of stats, but also with his words. his season was not all sunshine and roses, however, as he did go through 2 slumps--one at the end of April, and one that lasted for 11 games in August. other than that, he excelled and finished with the highest batting average (.327) on the team for the 3rd straight year.

Michael played in 156 of 162 games this season and had a hit in 123 of the 156 games that he played. Michael had many significant hitting streaks, including two 9-game, an 11-game, a 12-game, and two 15-game hitting streaks. he also had three 5-consecutive multi-hit games, along with a 9- and 10-game road hitting streak, and a franchise record 19-game home hitting streak.

Michael reached base safely in 139 games. he had several long reached base streaks during the year as well. his 28-game on-base streak from August 28 - September 24 is the second longest of his career.

Michael started 154 games and played in 146 complete games. he played 147 games total in the outfield, starting 146 games and completing 138 of those.

he played left field in 107 games, for a total of 931.1 innings. as the left fielder, he started 106 games and completed 95 of those. he started 5 games and played a total of 31 innings, he left 2 games early with injury and played 8 innings, he was subbed out of 3 games and played 22 innings, he was lifted for a pinch runner in 1 game after 8 innings, and was a defensive switch (into left field) for 1 inning in 1 game.

Michael played center field in 46 games, for a total of 373 innings. as the center fielder, he started 40 games and completed 37 of those. he started 1 game and played 8 innings, he was subbed out of 1 game after 5 innings, he left 1 game early with injury after 6.1 innings, he was a defensive substitute in 1 game for 1 inning, and was a defensive switch (into center field) in 5 games totaling 15 innings.

he was a PH in 2 games, playing 1 inning in center field as a defensive sub in 1 of them. he started and was the DH for 8 complete games. he missed 3 games due to injury, 1 because of mid-back tightness from playing on astroturf and 2 because of a mild concussion. Michael had 3 complete games off.

defensively, Michael put together a year worthy of Gold Glove consideration. despite his 1 error and .996 fielding percentage, he acquired 12 outfield assists, 2 double plays, and was part of his very first triple play. additionally, he played a franchise record 247 consecutive games in the outfield without an error, a streak that spanned from June 5, 2012 to April 2, 2014.


now here are my game-by-game numbers and notes for Michael Brantley's 2014 season:

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)

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)

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)

Game 77, June 29: 0-3, walk (first at bat). AVG: .318

(3rd/LF/CG8)

Game 78, June 30: 0-3. AVG: .314

(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)

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)

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)

Game 91, July 18: 4-5, single, single, stolen base, run scored, single, double, run scored. AVG: .329

(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 92, July 19 (Day Game): 1-5, bunt single (first at bat), caught stealing. AVG: .327
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 93, July 19 (Night Game): 2-4, double (first at bat), single, intentional walk, run scored. AVG: .329
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 94, July 20: 0-3, walk. AVG: .326

(3rd/CF/CG8)

Game 95, July 21: 1-1, double (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .328
(5th/PH-CF – 1 i/8-GF)

^^Michael sets new career high in runs scored with 67^^

Game 96, July 22: 0-4, walk. AVG: .324
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 97, July 23: 0-4. AVG: .321

(3rd/CF/CG8)

Game 98, July 24: 0-6. AVG: .316
(3rd/CF/CG13.1)

Game 99, July 25: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .315

(3rd/CF/CG8)

Game 100, July 26: 2-5, RBI double, single. AVG: .316

(3rd/CF/CG8)

Game 101, July 27: 2-4, RBI sac fly, single, run scored, double, run scored. AVG: .318

(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 102, July 29: 0-3, walk (first at bat). AVG: .316

(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 103, July 30: 0-3, walk. AVG: .313

(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 104, July 31: 2-3, RBI single (first at bat), triple, run scored, walk, stolen base, walk. AVG: .316
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 105, August 1: 3-4, RBI double (first at bat), single, run scored, RBI single. AVG: .320

(3rd/CF/GS5)

Game 106, August 2: 2-4, single (first at bat), single. AVG: .322
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 107, August 3: 2-6, double, home run, run scored. AVG: .322

(3rd/CF/CG12) 

^^Michael passes his father's career high HR total with his 2nd career walk-off home run^^

Game 108, August 4: 2-4, RBI groundout (first at bat), single, run scored, RBI single, stolen base. AVG: .324

(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 109, August 5: 1-4, RBI single (first at bat). AVG: .323

(3rd/CF/CG9) 

**Michael's 11-game reached base streak ends**

Game 110, August 6: 0-3. AVG: .321

(3rd/CF/GS6.1) 

^^Michael was removed from the game as part of a double switch during the top of the 7th inning. he banged his right knee into the wall in right-center field after making a running catch in the bottom of the 3rd inning^^

Game 111, August 7: 1-4, double (first at bat). AVG: .320

(3rd/CF/CG8) 

^^Michael sets new career high in extra base hits with 48^^

Game 112, August 8: 1-3, walk, double, run scored, RBI walk, run scored. AVG: .320
(3rd/DH/CG) 

^^Michael sets new career high in total bases with 223^^

Game 113, August 9: 3-4, single (first at bat), single, home run, run scored. AVG: .324
(3rd/DH/CG) 

^^Michael sets new career high in RBI with 74^^

Game 114, August 10: 1-3, RBI single (first at bat), RBI sac fly, reached on fielder's choice, walk. AVG: .324

(3rd/DH/CG)

August 12: rain delay/game postponed, to be made up August 13 at 4 pm in a traditional DH.

(3rd/CF)

Game 115, August 13 (Game 1): 1-4, 2-run single, reached on fielding error. AVG: .324
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 116, August 13 (Game 2): 2-5, single, double. AVG: .325

(3rd/DH/CG)

Game 117, August 15: 0-4. AVG: .322

(3rd/CF/CG11)

Game 118, August 16: 1-4, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .321

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 119, August 17: 0-3, walk (first at bat), stolen base. AVG: .319

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 120, August 19: 1-3, walk (first at bat), single, stolen base. AVG: .319

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 121, August 20: 0-4. AVG: .316

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 122, August 21: 0-4, reached on fielding error. AVG: .314

(3rd/LF/CG8)

Game 123, August 22: 0-4. AVG: .311

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 124, August 23: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .311
(3rd/LF/CG9)

August 24: not in lineup.

Game 125, August 26: 1-4, hit by pitch (first at bat), run scored, RBI double. AVG: .310
(3rd/LF/CG10)

Game 126, August 27: 0-4. AVG: .308

(3rd/LF/CG8)

Game 127, August 28: 1-4, RBI single, stolen base, intentional walk. AVG: .307

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 128, August 29: 3-5, single, run scored, double, double. AVG: .310

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 129, August 30: 2-5, double (first at bat), RBI single, stolen base, run scored. AVG: .311

(3rd/LF/CG11)

Game 130, August 31: 1-5, RBI double. AVG: .310

(3rd/LF/CG10)

^^game suspended due to rain, resumed at 6 pm on September 22 in the bottom of the 10th inning.

Game 131, September 1: 1-3, single (first at bat), run scored, walk. AVG: .310

(3rd/LF/GS5)

Game 132, September 2: 2-4, single (first at bat), run scored, walk, single. AVG: .311

(3rd/LF/CG9) 

^^Michael sets new career high in hits with 160^^

Game 133, September 3: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .311

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 134, September 4: 2-5, double, run scored, RBI double. AVG: .312

(3rd/LF/CG11) 

^^Michael sets new career high in doubles with 38^^

Game 135, September 5: 1-4, single (first at bat), stolen base, run scored, reached on fielder's choice. AVG: .311

(3rd/LF/CG10)

^^Michael sets new career high in stolen bases with 18^^

Game 136, September 6: 3-4, single (first at bat), stolen base, single, RBI single. AVG: .315

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 137, September 7: 2-3, RBI single (first at bat), single, intentional walk. AVG: .317

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 138, September 8: 1-4, single. AVG: .316

(3rd/LF/GS8) 

**Michael's 12-game hitting streak ends**

Game 139, September 9: 0-3, walk. AVG: .314

(3rd/LF/CG9)

September 10: game postponed, to be made up September 11 at 12 pm in a traditional DH.

(3rd/LF)

Game 140, September 11 (Game 1): 2-3, walk (first at bat), run scored, RBI single, run scored, RBI single. AVG: .316

(3rd/DH/CG)

Game 141, September 11 (Game 2): 1-3, single (first at bat), walk. AVG: .316

(3rd/LF/CG9) 

^^Michael sets new career high in outfield assists with 12^^

Game 142, September 12: 2-4, single (first at bat), single. AVG: .318

(3rd/DH/CG) 

^^Michael sets new career high in plate appearances with 612^^

Game 143, September 13: 2-4, 2-run home run (first at bat), run scored, single, stolen base. AVG: .319

(3rd/LF/CG8) 

^^Michael sets new career high in at bats with 557^^

Game 144, September 14: 2-4, single, stolen base, RBI hit by pitch, single, run scored. AVG: .320

(3rd/LF/CG8) 

^^Michael sets new career high in singles with 120^^

Game 145, September 15: 2-4, double, single. AVG: .322

(3rd/LF/CG8)

Game 146, September 16: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .321

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 147, September 17: 2-4, bunt single, run scored, single, stolen base. AVG: .322

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 148, September 18: 1-5, reached on fielder's choice, single, intentional walk. AVG: .321

(3rd/LF/CG13)

Game 149, September 19: 2-5, home run, run scored, double, reached on fielding error. AVG: .322

(3rd/DH/CG) 

^^Michael joins 20-20 club for the first time in his career^^

Game 150, September 20: 2-4, walk (first at bat), double, run scored, single. AVG: .323

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 151, September 21: 3-5, RBI double, reached on force attempt/error, run scored, RBI single, single. AVG: .325

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 152, September 22: 1-3, single (first at bat), walk, stolen base. AVG: .326

(3rd/LF/CG9) 

^^Michael sets new career high in games played with 152^^

Game 153, September 23: 2-4, single (first at bat), reached on fielder's choice, double. AVG: .327

(3rd/LF/GS8)

Game 154, September 24: 3-4, single (first at bat), run scored, single, double. AVG: .329

(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 155, September 26: 0-3. AVG: .328

(3rd/LF/CG9) 

**Michael's 15-game hitting streak and 28-game on-base streak end**

Game 156, September 27: 1-4, single. AVG: .327

(3rd/LF/CG9) 

^^Michael sets new career high in innings played with 1297.2^^

^^Michael sets franchise record with 200th hit^^

September 28: not in lineup.

**Michael finishes season with career high .327 BA, .385 OBP, .506 SLG, and .890 OPS**
**Michael sets new career high in SB:CS with 23:1 and new career low in CS with 1**

**Michael Brantley finishes the 2014 season with a batting average of .327**

in 2014, Michael had a total of 676 plate appearances and 611 at bats in 156 games (1304.1 innings). in total, he had 200 hits, 133 singles, 45 doubles, 2 triples, 20 home runs, 97 RBI, 5 sac flies, 94 runs scored, 52 walks, 4 intentional walks, 8 hit by pitches, 23 stolen bases, 1 caught stealing, 16 GIDP, 56 strikeouts (38 swinging, 18 looking), 51 first at bat hits, 309 total bases, 211 left on base, 271 putouts, 12 assists, 2 double plays, and 1 error.

2014 batting average: .327 (200-611)

OBP: .385

SLG: .506

OPS: .890

next up: a blog breaking down Michael's #s according to where he hit in the lineup.

previous blog:
Brantley's 2014 Career Highs, Career Firsts, & Franchise Records

Brantley's 2014 Second Half #s

time for another little blog documenting Michael's second half numbers. the 2nd half of the 2014 season was comprised of 68 games for the Indians. i still don't get how they refer to this as a "half," but it is what it is. just like in the 1st half blog, i won't be doing post-break BOP break downs here; i'm only including the game-by-game numbers and notes.

Michael's batting average in the second half was .335, best on the team. the fact that he could improve upon his first half batting average of .322 is phenomenal. he had an 11-game slump in August, but his .416 September BA more than compensated for that. comparing his past 1st/2nd half batting averages, Michael hit .288/.288 in 2012, and .279/.291 in 2013. so it looks like he's beginning to trend upwards in the 2nd halves now. i'll take that.

Michael did not surpass his 1st half numbers in many categories simply because he played less games in this 2nd half of the season. not to mention he excelled in just about everything in his 1st half, so that would be tough to top. however, he did have 23 doubles versus 22 pre-All Star break, and 13 stolen bases versus 10 pre-ASB. as stated above, his batting average improved 13 points and he also drew all 4 of his intentional walks in this 2nd half.

Michael had a hit in 51 of the 66 games he played in post-All Star break. during these 66 games, Michael had a few significant hitting streaks, including

--5-straight multi-hit games from July 31 - August 4 (for the third time this season).

--a 12-game hitting streak from August 28 - September 8.

--and for the second time this season, a 15-game hitting streak from September 11-24 (over 14 days).

Michael reached base safely in 58 games and had a couple of long reached base streaks as well. he

--reached base in 11 straight games from July 25 - August 5.

--reached base in 28 straight games from August 28 - September 24.

after the All Star break, Michael bat .329 (54-for-164) against right-handed pitchers and .344 (33-for-96) against left-handed pitchers, the latter being a 69 point increase from the 1st half.

he hit .342 (40-for-117) with 18 RBI at home and .329 (47-for-143) on the road. his road BA improved by 49 points in the 2nd half.

Michael also bat .397 (25-for-63) with runners in scoring position, totaling 29 RBI. that's a 37 point increase from the 1st half and a 9 point increase from his 2nd half in 2013. additionally, he hit .364 (4-for-11) with 0 outs and runners in scoring position, .462 (12-for-26) with 1 out and RISP, and .346 (9-for-26) with 2 outs and RISP and 11 RBI. his RISP with 2 outs increased by 68 points in this 2nd half and 26 points compared with 2013.

post-break, Michael had a batting average of .320 (32-for-100) with 31 RBI with runners on base and .000 (0-for-1) with 2 RBI when the bases were loaded, both decreases from the 1st half. on the contrary, he bat .396 (40-for-101) with 12 RBI with 2 outs in an inning, and that's a 107 point improvement in the 2nd half.

Michael led the team in the 2nd half with: 87 hits, 29 extra base hits, 127 total bases, 58 singles, 23 doubles, 31 runs, 4 intentional walks (tied), 2 hit by pitches (tied), 13 stolen bases, 13:1 stolen base:caught stealing ratio, 260 at bats, .335 batting average, .388 OBP, and .877 OPS.

he was 2nd on the team with 22 walks, 66 games, 286 plate appearances, and .488 SLG. he was also 3rd with 34 RBI, and 4th with 1 triple (tied), 5 home runs, and 2 sac flies (tied). he had the least amount of strikeouts with 24 as well.

(these rankings include qualifiers only.)

Michael put together one of the better 2nd halves he's ever had in the big leagues this season. as a result, he had 2nd half career highs of: 87 hits, 29 extra base hits, 127 total bases, 58 singles, 3 doubles, 5 home runs, 34 RBI, 13 stolen bases, 13/1 stolen base/caught stealing ratio, 286 plate appearances, 260 at bats, .335 BA, .388 OBP, .488 SLG, and .877 OPS.

furthermore, Michael joined the 20-20 club for the first time in his career. and he set a new franchise record when he got his final hit, his 200th hit of the season. that made him the 1st Indians player in franchise history to ever have 200 hits, 40 doubles, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in one season.

also in this 2nd half, Michael hit safely in 24 of 31 home games overall. he had 28 multi-hit games, multi-hitting in 42.4% of the games he played in. he recorded an RBI in 26 out of 66 games (39.4%) and had 8 multi-RBI games. he had 7 3+ hit games post-ASB as well.

Michael played both center and left field after the break, but mostly left. he did not make any errors and had a perfect 1.000 overall fielding percentage. so, obviously, his fielding percentage in left field was a perfect 1.000 and his fielding percentage in center was also 1.000. he had a total of 116 putouts, 2 outfield assists, and 1 double play.


2nd Half batting average: .335

OBP: .388

SLG: .488

OPS: .877


2nd Half of July BA: .278

August BA: .286

September BA: .416


Michael played in 66 (of 68) games, 60 complete, after the All Star break.

he started and played center in 22 games, completing 20 of those games.

he came in to PH in the top of the 8th inning for 1 game, and then played 1 inning in center field as part of a defensive substitution.

he was subbed out of 1 game after 5 innings because the Indians had a solid lead.

he left 1 game early after banging his right knee into the right-center field wall and played 6.1 innings.

he started and played left in 36 games, completing 33 of those games.

he was subbed out of 1 game after 7 innings because the Indians were getting blown out.

he was subbed out of 1 game after 8 innings because the Indians were losing.

he was lifted for a pinch runner in 1 game after hitting a double and playing 8 innings in left field prior to his final at bat of the night in a game where the Indians were getting blown out.

he started and was the DH for 7 complete games.

he had 2 games off.

Michael bat 3rd in 65 games.

Michael bat 5th in 1 game. (PH)


Michael played center field in 23 games, for a total of 196.2 innings. (20 complete, 1 defensive sub (PH): 1 inning, 1 subbed out: 5 innings, 1 left early w/ injury: 6.1 innings)

Michael played left field in 36 games, for a total of 326 innings. (33 complete, 2 subbed out: 15 innings, 1 lifted for PR: 8 innings)

Michael was the PH in 1 game.

Michael was the DH in 7 games.

Michael played in 60 complete games.


in the second half, Michael had a total of 286 plate appearances and 260 at bats. here is how he fared:

87 hits

58 singles

23 doubles

1 triple

5 home runs

34 RBI

2 sac flies

31 runs scored

22 walks

4 intentional walks

13 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

6 GIDP

24 strikeouts (14 swinging, 10 looking)

23 first at bat hits

127 total bases


85 left on base

116 putouts

2 assists

1 double play

522.2 innings, 66 games

(60 complete games)

2nd Half batting average: .335 (87-260) (66 games)

now my game-by-game numbers and notes.

Game 91/Game 1, July 18: 4-5, single, single, stolen base, run scored, single, double, run scored. AVG: .329
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 92/Game 2, July 19 (Day Game): 1-5, bunt single (first at bat), caught stealing. AVG: .327
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 93/Game 3, July 19 (Night Game): 2-4, double (first at bat), single, intentional walk, run scored. AVG: .329
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 94/Game 4, July 20: 0-3, walk. AVG: .326
(3rd/CF/CG8)

Game 95/Game 5, July 21: 1-1, double (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .328
(5th/PH-CF – 1 i/8-GF)

^^Michael sets new career high in runs scored with 67^^

Game 96/Game 6, July 22: 0-4, walk. AVG: .324
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 97/Game 7, July 23: 0-4. AVG: .321
(3rd/CF/CG8)

Game 98/Game 8, July 24: 0-6. AVG: .316
(3rd/CF/CG13.1)

Game 99/Game 9, July 25: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .315
(3rd/CF/CG8)

Game 100/Game 10, July 26: 2-5, RBI double, single. AVG: .316
(3rd/CF/CG8)

Game 101/Game 11, July 27: 2-4, RBI sac fly, single, run scored, double, run scored. AVG: .318
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 102/Game 12, July 29: 0-3, walk (first at bat). AVG: .316
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 103/Game 13, July 30: 0-3, walk. AVG: .313
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 104/Game 14, July 31: 2-3, RBI single (first at bat), triple, run scored, walk, stolen base, walk. AVG: .316
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 105/Game 15, August 1: 3-4, RBI double (first at bat), single, run scored, RBI single. AVG: .320
(3rd/CF/GS5)

Game 106/Game 16, August 2: 2-4, single (first at bat), single. AVG: .322
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 107/Game 17, August 3: 2-6, double, home run, run scored. AVG: .322
(3rd/CF/CG12)

^^Michael passes his father's career high HR total with his 2nd career walk-off home run^^

Game 108/Game 18, August 4: 2-4, RBI groundout (first at bat), single, run scored, RBI single, stolen base. AVG: .324
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 109/Game 19, August 5: 1-4, RBI single (first at bat). AVG: .323
(3rd/CF/CG9)

**Michael's 11-game reached base streak ends**

Game 110/Game 20, August 6: 0-3. AVG: .321
(3rd/CF/GS6.1)

^^Michael was removed from the game as part of a double switch during the top of the 7th inning. he banged his right knee into the wall in right-center field after making a running catch in the bottom of the 3rd inning^^

Game 111/Game 21, August 7: 1-4, double (first at bat). AVG: .320
(3rd/CF/CG8)

^^Michael sets new career high in extra base hits with 48^^

Game 112/Game 22, August 8: 1-3, walk, double, run scored, RBI walk, run scored. AVG: .320
(3rd/DH/CG)

^^Michael sets new career high in total bases with 223^^

Game 113/Game 23, August 9: 3-4, single (first at bat), single, home run, run scored. AVG: .324
(3rd/DH/CG)

^^Michael sets new career high in RBI with 74^^

Game 114/Game 24, August 10: 1-3, RBI single (first at bat), RBI sac fly, reached on fielder's choice, walk. AVG: .324

(3rd/DH/CG)

August 12: rain delay/game postponed, to be made up August 13 at 4 pm in a traditional DH.
(3rd/CF)

Game 115/Game 25, August 13 (Game 1): 1-4, 2-run single, reached on fielding error. AVG: .324
(3rd/CF/CG9)

Game 116/Game 26, August 13 (Game 2): 2-5, single, double. AVG: .325
(3rd/DH/CG)

Game 117/Game 27, August 15: 0-4. AVG: .322
(3rd/CF/CG11)

Game 118/Game 28, August 16: 1-4, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .321
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 119/Game 29, August 17: 0-3, walk (first at bat), stolen base. AVG: .319
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 120/Game 30, August 19: 1-3, walk (first at bat), single, stolen base. AVG: .319
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 121/Game 31, August 20: 0-4. AVG: .316
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 122/Game 32, August 21: 0-4, reached on fielding error. AVG: .314
(3rd/LF/CG8)

Game 123/Game 33, August 22: 0-4. AVG: .311
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 124/Game 34, August 23: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .311
(3rd/LF/CG9)

August 24: not in lineup.

Game 125/Game 35, August 26: 1-4, hit by pitch (first at bat), run scored, RBI double. AVG: .310
(3rd/LF/CG10)

Game 126/Game 36, August 27: 0-4. AVG: .308
(3rd/LF/CG8)

Game 127/Game 37, August 28: 1-4, RBI single, stolen base, intentional walk. AVG: .307
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 128/Game 38, August 29: 3-5, single, run scored, double, double. AVG: .310
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 129/Game 39, August 30: 2-5, double (first at bat), RBI single, stolen base, run scored. AVG: .311
(3rd/LF/CG11)

Game 130/Game 40, August 31: 1-5, RBI double. AVG: .310

(3rd/LF/CG10)

^^game suspended due to rain, resumed at 6 pm on September 22 in the bottom of the 10th inning.

Game 131/Game 41, September 1: 1-3, single (first at bat), run scored, walk. AVG: .310
(3rd/LF/GS5)

Game 132/Game 42, September 2: 2-4, single (first at bat), run scored, walk, single. AVG: .311
(3rd/LF/CG9)

^^Michael sets new career high in hits with 160^^

Game 133/Game 43, September 3: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .311
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 134/Game 44, September 4: 2-5, double, run scored, RBI double. AVG: .312
(3rd/LF/CG11)

^^Michael sets new career high in doubles with 38^^

Game 135/Game 45, September 5: 1-4, single (first at bat), stolen base, run scored, reached on fielder's choice. AVG: .311
(3rd/LF/CG10)

^^Michael sets new career high in stolen bases with 18^^

Game 136/Game 46, September 6: 3-4, single (first at bat), stolen base, single, RBI single. AVG: .315
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 137/Game 47, September 7: 2-3, RBI single (first at bat), single, intentional walk. AVG: .317
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 138/Game 48, September 8: 1-4, single. AVG: .316
(3rd/LF/GS8)

**Michael's 12-game hitting streak ends**

Game 139/Game 49, September 9: 0-3, walk. AVG: .314
(3rd/LF/CG9)

September 10: game postponed, to be made up September 11 at 12 pm in a traditional DH.
(3rd/LF)

Game 140/Game 50, September 11 (Game 1): 2-3, walk (first at bat), run scored, RBI single, run scored, RBI single. AVG: .316
(3rd/DH/CG)

Game 141/Game 51, September 11 (Game 2): 1-3, single (first at bat), walk. AVG: .316
(3rd/LF/CG9)

^^Michael sets new career high in outfield assists with 12^^

Game 142/Game 52, September 12: 2-4, single (first at bat), single. AVG: .318
(3rd/DH/CG)

^^Michael sets new career high in plate appearances with 612^^

Game 143/Game 53, September 13: 2-4, 2-run home run (first at bat), run scored, single, stolen base. AVG: .319
(3rd/LF/CG8)

^^Michael sets new career high in at bats with 557^^

Game 144/Game 54, September 14: 2-4, single, stolen base, RBI hit by pitch, single, run scored. AVG: .320
(3rd/LF/CG8)

^^Michael sets new career high in singles with 120^^

Game 145/Game 55, September 15: 2-4, double, single. AVG: .322
(3rd/LF/CG8)

Game 146/Game 56, September 16: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .321
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 147/Game 57, September 17: 2-4, bunt single, run scored, single, stolen base. AVG: .322
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 148/Game 58, September 18: 1-5, reached on fielder's choice, single, intentional walk. AVG: .321
(3rd/LF/CG13)

Game 149/Game 59, September 19: 2-5, home run, run scored, double, reached on fielding error. AVG: .322
(3rd/DH/CG)

^^Michael joins 20-20 club for the first time in his career^^

Game 150/Game 60, September 20: 2-4, walk (first at bat), double, run scored, single. AVG: .323
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 151/Game 61, September 21: 3-5, RBI double, reached on force attempt/error, run scored, RBI single, single. AVG: .325
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 152/Game 62, September 22: 1-3, single (first at bat), walk, stolen base. AVG: .326
(3rd/LF/CG9)

^^Michael sets new career high in games played with 152^^

Game 153/Game 63, September 23: 2-4, single (first at bat), reached on fielder's choice, double. AVG: .327
(3rd/LF/GS8)

Game 154/Game 64, September 24: 3-4, single (first at bat), run scored, single, double. AVG: .329
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 155/Game 65, September 26: 0-3. AVG: .328
(3rd/LF/CG9)

**Michael's 15-game hitting streak and 28-game on-base streak end**

Game 156/Game 66, September 27: 1-4, single. AVG: .327
(3rd/LF/CG9)

^^Michael sets new career high in innings played with 1297.2^^

^^Michael sets franchise record with 200th hit^^

September 28: not in lineup.

**Michael finishes season with career high .327 BA, .385 OBP, .506 SLG, and .890 OPS**
**Michael sets new career high in SB:CS with 23:1 and new career low in CS with 1**

click here for Brantley's 2014 First Half #s

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.

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).

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.

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.

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)

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)

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)

Game 77, June 29: 0-3, walk (first at bat). AVG: .318
(3rd/LF/CG8)

Game 78, June 30: 0-3. AVG: .314
(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)

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)

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!

Brantley's May 2014 #s

at the end of last month, i said there was nowhere for Michael to go but up, and up he went. forget about a gradual progression. he put his foot down on the pedal and didn't let up. this is the best May Michael's ever had in the big leagues. shit, it's the best month he's had period. he accomplished things he's never accomplished before, he set a new franchise record, and he brought his overall batting average up .048. my boy played the hell outta this month and it was more than i could have asked for.

i have a plethora of statistics in this blog because Michael did so many things worth mentioning, so bear with me. this really was the shortest synopsis i could write lol but if you're not big on reading long blogs, then just direct your eyes to the parts in bold italics, cause that's the best stuff ;D

we're only two months into the season, yet we can already see some big changes in Michael's ABs. and i don't just mean his power equating to more homers. for example, he's hitting more ground balls and less line drives. he has 81 groundouts through May versus 59 flyouts. his fly ball percentage is down quite a bit, which is clearly a result of the increase in balls going out of the park for home runs instead of being caught at or near the wall on the warning track. his home run to fly ball ratio is near 17% so far this year, compared with 6.2% for his career.

at the plate, Michael has also been seeing fewer fastballs and more breaking and offspeed pitches. because of this, he's swinging earlier in the count and taking less pitches. he's swinging less overall on pitches inside and outside the strike zone. he'll jump on a pitch early if he thinks he can do something with it. consequently, that's made his swing-and-miss rate increase to 4.1%, the highest of his career. (thank you to Jordan Bastian for these percentages.) i'm very curious to see how these numbers change as the season continues and if possible future movement in his batting order position has any effect.

on May 2, Kipnis went on the DL and Michael was quickly inserted into his spot in the 3 hole, where he remained for the rest of the month. he proved to be a more than adequate replacement. however, there were two things i disliked about this new BOP. the first thing was that Santana was then batting behind Michael. because Santana was still struggling, he didn't hit to get on base much and that hurt Michael's chances of scoring many runs. the second thing was that hitting higher in the order took away some of Michael's RBI opportunities—at first. it certainly wasn't due to lack of hitting; Michael was swinging the bat well and getting himself on base. it's just that a lot of times there wasn't anyone on base or in scoring position when it was his turn to bat because Swisher was totally lost at the plate in the 2 hole and Bourn wasn't getting on base much then either. the fact that over 30% of Michael's RBIs this month came when he hit his 5 home runs proves this.

but thankfully on May 18, Tito moved both Swisher and Santana down in the order, giving Michael a better chance to add to his RBI total. oddly enough though, Michael hit a solo homer on this date, giving him his first RBI in 9 days since he hit his last (solo) home run on May 9. it measured 423 feet, one of the furthest he's hit in his career. moving Santana down also improved Michael's odds to score more runs other than just from the homers he hit himself.

when Kipnis came off the DL on May 28, Tito opted to keep Michael in the 3 hole and have Kipnis bat cleanup. he thinks Michael has done a great job there and, for once, does not want to move him. Tito believes giving guys some regular spots in the lineup will help the team overall, and i'm all for that where Michael is concerned. i'd love to see Michael finally get one regular place in the batting order after being moved around so much in the past 2 years. so i am hoping now that this will be Michael's new permanent spot in the lineup regardless of whatever handed pitcher is on the mound.

Michael had a hit in 25 of the 27 games he played in May and reached base safely in 25 games. he only had two 0-for games this month.

Michael had 3 significant hitting streaks this month, each a team high. the first was an 11-game hitting streak from April 29 - May 11. during his hitting streak, he bat .356 (16-for-45) with 16 hits and 29 total bases. 7 of those hits were extra base hits, 4 being doubles and 3 being home runs. he also tallied 11 RBI, 7 runs, 3 walks, and only 6 strikeouts. his OBP was .388 and his SLG was .644, making his OPS 1.032.

Michael reached base in 12 straight games from April 28 - May 11 as well.

Michael's second hitting streak this month was a 15-game hitting streak, longest on the team and 3rd longest in the American League this season, from May 14-30. during this streak, he bat .383 (23-for-60) with 23 hits, 7 for extra bases. he hit 4 doubles, 1 triple, and 2 home runs, giving him 35 total bases. he also had 9 RBI, 14 runs, 6 walks, 4 stolen bases, and just 4 strikeouts. his OBP was .456, his SLG was .583, and his OPS was 1.039. this streak is also the longest streak by an Indian since last year when Jason Kipnis had a season high 16-game hitting streak from June 18 - July 5.

Michael also obviously reached base safely in 15 straight games from May 14-30.

additionally, Michael set a new franchise record with his 19-game hitting streak at home (Progressive Field/Jacobs Field), longest in the major leagues, which was snapped on May 31. it dated back to April 20, 2014. during this streak, he bat .408 (31-for-76) with 31 hits, including 7 doubles and 6 home runs equaling 56 total bases. he also had 20 RBI, 19 runs, 7 walks, 4 stolen bases, and just 3 strikeouts. defensively, he recorded 4 of his current 6 outfield assists as well.

Michael is now batting .309 (43-for-139) against right-handed pitchers and .290 (20-for-69) against left-handed pitchers. these are both great improvements from April, especially with the righty pitchers. and like i said last month, these numbers are closer together and fairly comparable because Michael is a good hitter no matter who is on the mound.

Michael's ability to hit in the clutch has not wavered. he's batting .302 (16-for-53) with runners in scoring position, producing 29 RBI. he's also hitting .222 (2-for-9) with 0 outs and runners in scoring position, .400 (8-for-20) with 1 out and RISP, and .250 (6-for-24) with 2 outs and RISP. Michael's batting .326 (30-for-92) with 33 RBI with runners on base, and .667 (6-for-9) with 16 RBI when the bases are loaded. lastly, he improved to hitting .303 (20-for-66) with 2 outs in an inning.

Michael continues to quickly increase his home run total. he hit 5 homers in May, a career high for the month. he had back-to-back home run games on May 8 and 9, and again on May 18 and 19. the home run that he hit on May 19 was his 9th home run of the year, a walk-off no less. 9 home runs at this point in the season is another career high for Michael, and he still holds the team high HR total. last season, he didn't hit his 9th home run until September 21! i might be a believer now that he can finish the year with 20 homers or so.

Michael now has a team high 39 RBI, also a career high for him through May. his 39th RBI didn't come last year until June 28. he's ranked 8th in the American League and 10th overall in the league with his 39 RBI as well.

it's interesting to note that 6 of Michael's 9 home runs have been solo, while the other 3 were 2-run homers. therefore, 6 of his 39 RBI have come from solo homers, and 12 of his 39 RBI (just under one-third) have come from all 9 of his home runs. this shows that Michael doesn't need necessarily need to hit home runs to drive guys home, as has been the case throughout his career so far.

when asked about his newfound power, Michael jokingly credits it to the daddy strength he's acquired from carrying around his newborn baby girl during the offseason. "i'm just putting good swings on good pitches," Brantley said. "i worked hard this offseason to mature my swing and grow as a hitter. i feel like i'm doing a great job at it."

Michael said working in the offseason to have more of a "mature" swing this year was key. "that means just trusting my swing," Brantley said. "it's trusting that every time it's going to be all right and not trying to tinker or make adjustments when there's no need to."

this season he's tried to be the same hitter with the same swing and not toy with his mechanics, as he's sometimes done in the past when going through a little slump. "i was young. i was trying to do whatever worked that felt good at the time, instead of going back to the basics and doing exactly what i was doing before. that's just not trying to do too much and putting good swings on good pitches." sounds like a good strategy to me.

but with newfound power comes responsibility and i do have one concern. it's very important that Michael does not start to get pull happy now and try to knock one out of the park every time he's at the plate in a big situation. he had some poor at bats during the Orioles series this month where he wasn't using the entire field and his fluid swing was absent. he can be too anxious during certain at bats, sometimes swinging at the first pitch and/or not working the count much, resulting in a quick out. he's also striking out more than normal. i just don't want him to lose what's made him such a great hitter to this point--intelligence, confidence, patience, and of course the swing that dubbed him as Dr. Smooth.

aside from once again leading the team in home runs (9)* and RBI (39)*, Michael also leads the team with: 63 hits*, 22 extra base hits*, 104 total bases*, 34 runs*, 8 stolen bases, 54 games*, 231 plate appearances*, 208 at bats*, .303 BA*, .368 OBP*, .500 SLG*, and .868 OPS*. he also leads the outfielders with 6 assists*.

he's tied for 2nd on the team with 12 doubles, and is 3rd with 19 walks. he has the least amount of strikeouts with 19 as well.

(*denotes these are also career highs for Michael through May. these rankings include qualifiers only.)

after doing extensive research, i found that Michael set career highs for himself in the month of May with the following: 38 hits, 13 extra base hits, 62 total bases, 5 home runs, 19 RBI, 21 runs, 9 walks, 2 hit by pitches, 121 plate appearances, .345 BA, .405 OBP, .564 SLG, and .969 OPS.

among Indians players with at least 100 at bats, Michael's slash line of .345/.405/.564 in May was the best in one month since Grady Sizemore's line of .377/.455/.642 in June 2005. before Grady, there was Roberto Alomar in July 2001, Manny Ramirez in September-October 2000, and Alomar again in September-October 2000. besides that, the last Indian to hit .345 with at least 5 home runs, 19 RBI, and 21 runs in one month was Shin-Soo Choo in September-October 2008.

want to know some other facts about Michael's season thus far? okay. he's hit safely in 24 of 28 home games overall. he has 14 multi-hit games and 11 multi-RBI games. he has 11 go-ahead hits and 11 go-ahead RBI this season. and these all rank towards the top of the American League.

now let's get into a couple of the more noteworthy events of the month. a minor scare occurred on May 14 when Michael left the game early with mid-back tightness due to playing on the astroturf in Tampa and Toronto. luckily he only missed 1 game and it didn't hurt his timing or his stats.

on May 19, Michael hit his first career walk-off hit, a home run, on a full count (6 pitches) with 2 outs and no one on in the bottom of the 10th inning against Detroit's Al Alburquerque. Michael got mobbed at home plate, literally running into a waterfall and his excited teammates. it was so funny to me because he is always the guy on the outside of the home plate mob when other guys get walk-off hits, because he doesn't want to get injured. but he had no choice other than to be right in the middle of it all this time, and he loved every second of it. this was his 9th home run of the season and his 33rd RBI. i have a separate blog commemorating this occasion here.

on May 21, Michael tied the franchise record of hitting in 18 straight games at home. the last player to accomplish this was Roberto Alomar in 2000, and Kenny Lofton before him in 1996.

also on May 21, Michael recorded the seventh 4-hit game of his career with 3 singles, 1 double, 3 RBI, and 2 stolen bases. the last player in the big leagues to accomplish this was Alex Rios (then of the Chicago White Sox) on October 3, 1999 at Detroit.

Michael became only the 6th Indians player in history (dating back to 1914) with at least 4 hits, 3 RBI, and 2 stolen bases in a game. the last player to do so was Franklin Gutierrez on July 16, 2007 in an 11-10 loss to the White Sox at Progressive Field. the other Indians who achieved this were Joe Carter on June 10, 1986; Chuck Hinton on June 27, 1965; Lew Fonseca on April 18, 1929; and Charlie Jamieson on June 15, 1925. (thanks to TribeVibe for these statistics.)

on May 30, the next home game following May 21, Michael set a new record by extending his home hitting streak to a franchise high 19 consecutive games (as i mentioned earlier). his historical streak ended the following day when he went 0-for-4. (blame it on bad timing/more goddamn end-of-the-month interleague play again lol) i wrote a blog with all the details about his record here.

Michael is making a strong case to be named to the All Star team this year. compared with other qualifying outfielders in the American League, Michael ranks 2nd in RBI (39) behind Jose Bautista; 4th in batting average (.303) behind Alex Rios, Bautista, and Melky Cabrera; 3rd in OPS (.868) behind Bautista and Mike Trout; and tied for 5th in extra base hits (22) behind Yoenis Cespedes, Trout, Bautista, and Cabrera. (apparently Nelson Cruz is not counted in the rankings since he's played almost half his games as a DH.)

keeping in tune with Michael's outstanding offense, he had a great month defensively. Michael spent the majority of May playing left field, as was expected now that Bourn is back. also as expected, Michael did not commit one error and his fielding percentage for the month is a perfect 1.000. he had 45 putouts this month. on May 21, he played 13 innings in left field and did not record one putout. the major league record for zero putouts is held by Chuck Hinton in an 18 inning game way back on June 14, 1963.

also this month, Michael had 3 more nice assists. his 6 total outfield assists tie him for the lead in the major leagues. his 5th assist came on May 20 at Progressive Field, when he caught the ball off the 19-foot left field wall, spun around, and threw a runner out at 2nd base. don't run on Michael! or no, please do, so he can continue to add to his assist total and hopefully get some consideration for a Gold Glove this year ;D




now let's break down the numbers. i am going to document his May #s, the 6th spot #s, the 3rd spot #s, and the DH #s, as well as the left field #s, the center field #s, and overall outfield #s.


May batting average: .345

OBP: .405

SLG: .564

OPS: .969


Michael played in 27 (of 28) games, 26 complete, in May. he started and played left in 25 games, completing 21 of those games. he left 1 game early with mid-back tightness and played 4 innings. he started and played center in 1 game, and completed it. he was part of a defensive switch in 3 games, moving from left to center. he played 10 innings when he moved over to center with 4 official at bats. he started and was the DH for 1 game. he missed 1 game with mid-back tightness from playing on astroturf.


Michael bat 6th in 1 game.

Michael bat 3rd in 26 games. (Kip DL)


Michael played left field in 25 games. (21 complete, 4 started: 22 innings)

Michael played center field in 4 games. (1 complete, 3 defensive switches: 10 innings)

Michael was the DH in 1 game.

Michael played in 26 complete games.



in May, Michael had a total of 121 plate appearances and 110 at bats. here is how he fared:

38 hits

25 singles

7 doubles

1 triple

5 home runs

19 RBI

21 runs scored

9 walks

2 hit by pitches

4 stolen bases

4 GIDP

11 strikeouts (9 swinging, 2 looking)

7 first at bat hits

62 total bases


41 left on base

45 putouts

3 assists

232.1 innings, 27 games

(26 complete games)

May batting average: .345 (38-110) (27 games)


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


when Michael bat 6th in May, he had a total of 5 plate appearances and 5 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

3 hits

2 singles

1 home run

3 RBI

2 runs scored

1 strikeout (swinging)

1 first at bat hit

6 total bases


2 left on base

9 innings, 1 game

(1 complete game)

May batting average in the 6th spot: .600 (3-5) (1 game)
overall batting average so far in the 6th spot: .257 (9-35) (10 games) (85.1 innings)


when Michael bat 6th and played left in May, he had a total of 5 plate appearances and 5 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

3 hits

2 singles

1 home run

3 RBI

2 runs scored

1 strikeout (swinging)

1 first at bat hit

6 total bases


2 left on base

9 innings, 1 game

(1 complete game)

May batting average in the 6th spot while playing left: .600 (3-5) (1 game)
overall batting average so far in the 6th spot while playing left: .333 (4-12) (4 games) (27 innings)


when Michael bat 3rd in May, he had a total of 116 plate appearances and 105 at bats in 26 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

35 hits

23 singles

7 doubles

1 triple

4 home runs

16 RBI

19 runs scored

9 walks

2 hit by pitches

4 stolen bases

4 GIDP

10 strikeouts (8 swinging, 2 looking)

6 first at bat hits

56 total bases


39 left on base

45 putouts

3 assists

223.1 innings, 26 games

(25 complete games)

May batting average in the 3rd spot: .333 (35-105) (26 games)


when Michael bat 3rd and played left in May, he had a total of 103 plate appearances and 94 at bats in 24 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

33 hits

21 singles

7 doubles

1 triple

4 home runs

16 RBI

19 runs scored

7 walks

2 hit by pitches

4 stolen bases

4 GIDP

7 strikeouts (5 swinging, 2 looking)

6 first at bat hits

54 total bases


38 left on base

38 putouts

3 assists

205.1 innings, 24 games

(20 complete games)

May batting average in the 3rd spot while playing left: .351 (33-94) (24 games)


when Michael bat 3rd and played center in May, he had a total of 8 plate appearances and 7 at bats in 4 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

1 walk

2 strikeouts (swinging)

1 total base


7 putouts

18 innings, 4 games

(1 complete game)

May batting average in the 3rd spot while playing center: .143 (1-7) (4 games)


when Michael bat 3rd, he was the DH in May for 1 game. he had a total of 5 plate appearances and 4 at bats. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

1 walk

1 strikeout (swinging)

1 total base


1 left on base

May batting average in the 3rd spot as the DH: .250 (1-4) (1 game)


May/overall batting average so far as the DH: .250 (1-4) (1 game)


now let's break down his outfield numbers.


when Michael played the outfield in May, he had a total of 116 plate appearances and 106 at bats in 26 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

37 hits

24 singles

7 doubles

1 triple

5 home runs

19 RBI

21 runs scored

8 walks

2 hit by pitches

4 stolen bases

4 GIDP

10 strikeouts (8 swinging, 2 looking)

7 first at bat hits

61 total bases


40 left on base

45 putouts

3 assists

232.1 innings, 26 games

(25 complete games)

May batting average while playing the outfield: .349 (37-106) (26 games)
overall batting average so far while playing the outfield: .304 (62-204) (53 games) (466.1 innings)


now let's break down his numbers specific to where he played in the outfield.


when Michael played left in May, he had a total of 108 plate appearances and 99 at bats in 25 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

36 hits

23 singles

7 doubles

1 triple

5 home runs

19 RBI

21 runs scored

7 walks

2 hit by pitches

4 stolen bases

4 GIDP

8 strikeouts (6 swinging, 2 looking)

7 first at bat hits

60 total bases


40 left on base

38 putouts

3 assists

214.1 innings, 25 games

(21 complete games)

May batting average while playing left: .364 (36-99) (25 games)
overall batting average so far while playing left: .320 (54-169) (45 games) (377.0 innings)


when Michael played center in May, he had a total of 8 plate appearances and 7 at bats in 4 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

1 walk

2 strikeouts (swinging)

1 total base


7 putouts

18 innings, 4 games

(1 complete game)

May batting average while playing center: .143 (1-7) (4 games)
overall batting average so far while playing center: .229 (8-35) (13 games) (89.1 innings)


 
May #s while playing left: 38 putouts, 3 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (214.1 innings, 25 games)

overall #s so far while playing left: 68 putouts, 5 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (377.0 innings, 45 games)

May #s while playing center: 7 putouts, 0 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (18 innings, 4 games)

overall #s so far while playing center: 24 putouts, 1 assist, 1 error, 0.962 fielding percentage (89.1 innings, 13 games)

May #s while playing the outfield: 45 putouts, 3 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (232.1 innings, 26 games)

overall #s so far while playing the outfield: 92 putouts, 6 assists, 1 error, 0.990 fielding percentage (466.1 innings, 53 games)



now my game-by-game numbers and notes.

Game 28/Game 1, May 2: 3-5, single (first at bat), run scored, home run, run scored, 2-run single. AVG: .272
(6th/LF/CG9)

Game 29/Game 2, May 3: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .271
(3rd/LF – 3 i, CF – 6 i/CG9)

Game 30/Game 3, May 4: 1-5, single, run scored. AVG: .268
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 31/Game 4, May 5: 1-4, double (first at bat). AVG: .267
(3rd/LF – 8 i, CF – 2 i/CG10)

Game 32/Game 5, May 6: 1-3, RBI single (first at bat), run scored, walk. AVG: .269
(3rd/LF – 7 i, CF – 2 i/CG9)

Game 33/Game 6, May 7: 2-4, 2-run double, single. AVG: .276
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 34/Game 7, 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/Game 8, May 9: 1-5, reached on fielding error (first at bat), home run, run scored. AVG: .286
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 36/Game 9, May 10: 1-3, walk, single. AVG: .287
(3rd/CF/CG8)

Game 37/Game 10, 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/Game 11, May 13: 0-4. AVG: .278
(3rd/LF/CG8)

Game 39/Game 12, 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/Game 13, May 16: 1-4, single. AVG: .278
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 41/Game 14, May 17: 1-3, walk (first at bat), single, run scored. AVG: .279
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 42/Game 15, May 18: 2-3, walk (first at bat), single, home run, run scored, RBI walk. AVG: .287
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 43/Game 16, 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/Game 17, May 20: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .291
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 45/Game 18, 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/Game 19, May 22: 2-6, RBI triple, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .303
(3rd/LF/CG13)

Game 47/Game 20, May 23: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .302
(3rd/LF/CG8)

Game 48/Game 21, May 24: 1-3, walk (first at bat), stolen base, RBI hit by pitch, single, run scored. AVG: .303
(3rd/LF/CG9)

Game 49/Game 22, May 25: 1-4, single. AVG: .302
(3rd/LF/CG8)

Game 50/Game 23, May 26: 2-3, RBI single, walk, stolen base, run scored, single. AVG: .307
(3rd/LF/CG8)

Game 51/Game 24, May 27: 1-4, single. AVG: .306
(3rd/LF/CG8)

Game 52/Game 25, May 28: 2-4, single, single, run scored. AVG: .310
(3rd/LF/CG8.1)

Game 53/Game 26, 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/Game 27, May 31: 0-4. AVG: .303
(3rd/LF/CG9)



so far in 2014, Michael has a total of 231 plate appearances and 208 at bats in 54 games (466.1 innings). in total, he has 63 hits, 41 singles, 12 doubles, 1 triple, 9 home runs, 39 RBI, 1 sac fly, 34 runs scored, 19 walks, 3 hit by pitches, 8 stolen bases, 7 GIDP, 19 strikeouts (14 swinging, 5 looking), 12 first at bat hits, 104 total bases, 89 left on base, 92 putouts, 6 assists, and 1 error.

2014 season batting average: .303 (63-208)

OBP: .368

SLG: .500

OPS: .868