Brantley's 2012 Batting Order Position & CF/DH/PH #s

in 2012, Brantley ended up hitting everywhere in the order except for the 9th spot. he bat in a few abnormal places due to coming in to pinch hit in a few games and certain guys getting days off. but he mostly bat 4th and 5th. Michael is by no means a cleanup hitter, but this team was struggling so much, and Michael ended up being our most consistent and reliable hitter, so he was ultimately thrust into the cleanup spot and 5th spot on numerous occasions.

Michael started the year batting leadoff. however, he struggled there out of the gate. between that and other extenuating circumstances, he was eventually moved down lower in the batting order. i of course think it was unfair for Manny to move Michael out of the leadoff spot so soon, because Michael had been starting to get going at the end of April and was getting himself leadoff hits again. he made adjustments in his batting stance that really helped. alas, the impatience of Manny gave Michael a chance to show everyone that he can pretty much hit anywhere.

it took Michael some time to adjust to the move at first, which was to be expected considering he was seeing different pitches in different spots in the order. that would throw anyone off after they'd been so used to leading off for the majority of their career. but he did settle in and get comfortable, and he ended up being one of our most consistent hitters, if not the most consistent, against both righties and lefties all season.

according to the numbers, Michael put up a better batting average when he was lower in the order, and he did remarkably well in the 5th spot. maybe playing the most games there had a little something to do with it, but considering he's not a typical #5 hitter, i give him credit. he overcame the adversity, and fully utilized his talents to maintain a respectable batting average, no matter where he hit, throughout the season.


Michael played in 149 (of 162) games in 2012.


Michael led off 22 games.

Michael bat 2nd in 5 games.

Michael bat 3rd in 1 game.

Michael bat 4th in 24 games.

Michael bat 5th in 65 games.

Michael bat 6th in 19 games.

Michael bat 7th in 11 games.

Michael bat 8th in 2 games.


Michael played center in 144 games.

Michael was the PR in 1 game.

Michael was the DH in 3 games.

Michael was the PH in 4 games.


Michael played 132 complete games. he subbed into 6 games, by way of PR (1 game), PH (4 games), and/or late innings defensive replacement (1 game, no ABs). he was subbed out early in 8 games. he was the DH in 3 games. he did not play at all in 13 games. he missed 10 games due to injury.


in 2012, Michael had a total of 609 plate appearances and 552 at bats in 149 games. here is how he fared:

159 hits

112 singles

37 doubles

4 triples

6 home runs

60 RBIs (4 sac flies)

63 runs scored

53 walks (12 intentional)

56 strikeouts

12 stolen bases (9 caught stealing)

36 first at bat hits

2012 batting average: .288 (159-552) (149 games)


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


when Michael led off in 2012, he had a total of 106 plate appearances and 97 at bats in 22 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

22 hits

14 singles

7 doubles

1 triple

0 home runs

7 RBIs

14 runs scored

9 walks (1 intentional)

10 strikeouts

2 stolen bases (1 caught stealing)

5 leadoff/first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the leadoff spot: .227 (22-97) (22 games)


when Michael bat 2nd in 2012, he had a total of 20 plate appearances and 18 at bats in 5 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

5 hits

4 singles

1 double

0 triples

0 home runs

6 RBIs

4 runs scored

2 walks

3 strikeouts

1 stolen base

0 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 2nd spot: .278 (5-18) (5 games)


when Michael bat 3rd in 2012, he had a total of 5 plate appearances and 5 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

0 strikeouts

0 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 3rd spot: .200 (1-5) (1 game)


when Michael bat 4th in 2012, he had a total of 99 plate appearances and 89 at bats in 24 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

20 hits

15 singles

4 doubles

1 triple

0 home runs

4 RBIs

6 runs scored

10 walks (1 intentional)

8 strikeouts

1 stolen base (1 caught stealing)

5 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 4th spot: .225 (20-89) (24 games)


when Michael bat 5th in 2012, he had a total of 265 plate appearances and 237 at bats in 65 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

73 hits

53 singles

15 doubles

1 triple

4 home runs

31 RBIs (4 sac flies)

27 runs scored

24 walks (9 intentional)

23 strikeouts

5 stolen bases (3 caught stealing)

15 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 5th spot: .308 (73-237) (65 games)


when Michael bat 6th in 2012, he had a total of 67 plate appearances and 60 at bats in 19 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

21 hits

13 singles

5 doubles

1 triple

2 home runs

5 RBIs

7 runs scored

7 walks

6 strikeouts

3 stolen bases (1 caught stealing)

5 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 6th spot: .350 (21-60) (19 games)


when Michael bat 7th in 2012, he had a total of 42 plate appearances and 42 at bats in 11 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

14 hits

9 singles

5 doubles

0 triples

0 home runs

7 RBIs

4 runs scored

0 walks

4 strikeouts

0 stolen bases (1 caught stealing)

4 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 7th spot: .333 (14-42) (11 games)


when Michael bat 8th in 2012, he had a total of 5 plate appearances and 4 at bats in 2 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

3 hits

3 singles

1 run scored

1 walk (1 intentional)

0 strikeouts

2 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 8th spot: .750 (3-4) (2 games)


when Michael bat everywhere other than leadoff in 2012, he had a total of 503 plate appearances and 455 at bats in 127 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

137 hits

98 singles

30 doubles

3 triples

6 home runs

53 RBIs (4 sac flies)

49 runs scored

44 walks (11 intentional)

46 strikeouts

10 stolen bases (6 caught stealing)

31 first at bat hits

2012 batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .301 (137-455) (127 games)


defensively, Michael only played center field this season, but because he played a few games as the DH and PH'd a couple times without playing center, his numbers while playing center are not all the same as the numbers above. so now i will get into the break down of his numbers based on where he hit in the lineup while playing center.


Michael played 144 games total where he was the center fielder for some portion of the game.

Michael started as the center fielder in 140 games.

Michael subbed in to play CF in 4 games.

Michael subbed out as CF early in 8 games.

Michael played 132 games where he stayed in center the entire game.


when Michael played center in 2012, he had a total of 594 plate appearances and 538 at bats in 144 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

156 hits

109 singles

37 doubles

4 triples

6 home runs

60 RBIs (4 sac flies)

62 runs scored

52 walks (12 intentional)

51 strikeouts

12 stolen bases (7 caught stealing)

34 first at bat hits

2012 batting average while playing center: .290 (156-538) (144 games)


when Michael played center and bat leadoff in 2012, he had a total of 106 plate appearances and 97 at bats in 22 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

22 hits

14 singles

7 doubles

1 triple

0 home runs

7 RBIs

14 runs scored

9 walks (1 intentional)

10 strikeouts

2 stolen bases (3 caught stealing)

5 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the leadoff spot while playing center: .227 (22-97) (22 games)


when Michael played center and bat 2nd in 2012, he had a total of 20 plate appearances and 18 at bats in 5 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

5 hits

4 singles

1 double

0 triples

0 home runs

6 RBIs

4 runs scored

2 walks

3 strikeouts

1 stolen base

0 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 2nd spot while playing center: .278 (5-18) (5 games)


when Michael played center and bat 3rd in 2012, he had a total of 5 plate appearances and 5 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

0 strikeouts

0 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 3rd spot while playing center: .200 (1-5) (1 game)


when Michael played center and bat 4th in 2012, he had a total of 92 plate appearances and 83 at bats in 22 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

20 hits

15 singles

4 doubles

1 triple

0 home runs

4 RBIs

6 runs scored

9 walks (1 intentional)

5 strikeouts

1 stolen base

5 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 4th spot while playing center: .241 (20-83) (22 games)


when Michael played center and bat 5th in 2012, he had a total of 261 plate appearances and 233 at bats in 64 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

72 hits

52 singles

15 doubles

1 triple

4 home runs

31 RBIs (4 sac flies)

27 runs scored

24 walks (9 intentional)

22 strikeouts

5 stolen bases (2 caught stealing)

15 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 5th spot while playing center: .309 (72-233) (64 games)


when Michael played center and bat 6th in 2012, he had a total of 66 plate appearances and 59 at bats in 18 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

21 hits

13 singles

5 doubles

1 triple

2 home runs

5 RBIs

7 runs scored

7 walks

6 strikeouts

3 stolen bases (1 caught stealing)

5 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 6th spot while playing center: .356 (21-59) (18 games)


when Michael played center and bat 7th in 2012, he had a total of 41 plate appearances and 41 at bats in 11 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

14 hits

9 singles

5 doubles

0 triples

0 home runs

7 RBIs

4 runs scored

0 walks

4 strikeouts

0 stolen bases (1 caught stealing)

4 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 7th spot while playing center: .341 (14-41) (11 games)


when Michael played center and bat 8th in 2012, he had a total of 3 plate appearances and 2 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

1 walk (1 intentional)

0 strikeouts

0 first at bat hits

2012 batting average in the 8th spot while playing center: .500 (1-2) (1 game)


when Michael played center and bat everywhere other than leadoff in 2012, he had a total of 488 plate appearances and 441 at bats in 122 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

134 hits

95 singles

30 doubles

3 triples

6 home runs

53 RBIs (4 sac flies)

48 runs scored

43 walks (11 intentional)

40 strikeouts

10 stolen bases (4 caught stealing)

29 first at bat hits

2012 batting average everywhere other than leadoff while playing center: .304 (134-441) (122 games)


other 2012 #s while playing center: 336 putouts, 5 assists, 1 error, .997 fielding percentage (144 games)



when Michael was the DH in 2012, he had a total of 11 plate appearances and 10 at bats in 3 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

1 walk

0 stolen bases (2 caught stealing)

4 strikeouts

2012 batting average as the DH: .100 (1-10) (3 games)


when Michael was the DH and bat 4th in 2012, he had a total of 7 plate appearances and 6 at bats in 2 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 walk

1 caught stealing

3 strikeouts

2012 batting average as the DH in the 4th spot: .000 (0-6) (2 games)


when Michael was the DH and bat 5th in 2012, 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

1 caught stealing

1 strikeout

2012 batting average as the DH in the 5th spot: .250 (1-4) (1 game)



when Michael came in to PH in 2012, he had a total of 4 plate appearances and 4 at bats in 4 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

2 hits

2 singles

1 run scored

1 strikeout

2 first at bat hits

2012 batting average as a PH: .500 (2-4) (4 games)


when Michael came in to PH and bat 6th in 2012, he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

0 hits

0 strikeouts

2012 batting average as a PH in the 6th spot: .000 (0-1) (1 game)


when Michael came in to PH and bat 7th in 2012, he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

0 hits

1 strikeout

2012 batting average as a PH in the 7th spot: .000 (0-1) (1 game)


when Michael came in to PH and bat 8th in 2012, he had a total of 2 plate appearances and 2 at bats in 2 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

2 hits

2 singles

1 run scored

2 first at bat hits

2012 batting average as a PH in the 8th spot: 1.000 (2-2) (2 games)


when Michael came in to PR in 2012, in 1 game, he did not come around to score a run.



next up, a blog about how my preseason hopes did or did not match up with Brantley's 2012 season, along with comparing this season to 2011.


Brantley's 2012 Game-by-Game Notes & Numbers blog

Brantley's 2012 Game-by-Game Notes & Numbers

keeping monthly blogs of Michael's stats made it so much easier to group all his info together now that the season is over. i will start with his game-by-game notes and numbers. you can clearly see he started out very slow, peaked in July, and then finished with a steady September and October.

Michael played in 149 of 162 games. he had a hit in 111 of 149 games that he played and reached base safely in 126 games, including his final 10 games of the year.

Michael played 132 complete games. he subbed into 6 games, by way of PR, PH, and/or late innings defensive replacement. he was subbed out early in 8 games. he was the DH for 3 games. he was the DH for 3 games. he did not play at all in 13 games. he missed 10 games due to injury.

Michael had numerous hitting streaks throughout the season, including a 13-game, 9-game, and 8-game streak, along with his career high 22-game hitting streak in May and June. Michael had the highest batting average of all the regulars on the team several times, and as of August 5, he took sole possession of that honor for the remainder of the season. congratulations to Michael for finishing the year at .288, his best year yet.


my game-by-game notes and numbers for Michael Brantley's 2012 season:
(**where not noted, Michael bat leadoff**)

Game 1, April 5: 1-6, double, walk. AVG: .167

Game 2, April 7: 0-5. AVG: .091

Game 3, April 8: 0-2, 2 walks, 1 caught stealing. AVG: .077

April 9: not in lineup

April 10: Game PPD

Game 4, April 11: 0-4, walk. AVG: .059

**this is when Brantley reviewed tape of his at bats and decided changes were needed**

Game 5, April 13: 2-5, leadoff single, RBI double, run scored. AVG: .136

Game 6, April 14: 1-6, triple, run scored, fielder's choice, run scored. AVG: .143

Game 7, April 15: 3-6, single, run scored, 2-run double, single. AVG: .206

Game 8, April 17: 1-5, leadoff single, stolen base, run scored, RBI, fielder's choice, run scored. AVG: .205
^^this is the game in which Michael tweaked his right wrist sliding^^

April 18: not in lineup

Game 9, April 19: 1-4, single, intentional walk. AVG: .209

Game 10, April 20: 1-4, walk, double. AVG: .213

Game 11, April 21: 1-5, single, run scored. AVG: .212

**Michael had a 7-game hitting streak until...

Game 12, April 22: 0-4. AVG: .196

Game 13, April 24: did not start due to sore wrist. defensive sub for 8th and 9th innings. no ABs.

Game 14, April 25: 1-4, single, stolen base, run scored. AVG: .200

Game 15, April 26: 1-4, drag bunt single, run scored, walk. AVG: .203

Game 16, April 27: 3-5, leadoff single, single, caught stealing, RBI double, run scored. AVG: .232

Game 17, April 28: 1-4, leadoff double. AVG: .233

Game 18, April 29: 2-3, leadoff single, walk, run scored, single. AVG: .250

Game 19/May 1: 0-4, fielder's choice, caught stealing. AVG: .237
(leading off)
^^prior to this game, Michael was informed that Damon would be taking over the leadoff spot, and i have to believe that news affected his performance^^

Game 20/May 2: 1-5, single, run scored. AVG: .235
(batting 7th)

Game 21/May 3: 1-4, single (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .236
(batting 7th)

Game 22/May 4: 1-3, single (first at bat), caught stealing. AVG: .239
(batting 7th)

Game 23/May 5: 2-5, double, single, run scored. AVG: .247
(leading off)

Game 24/May 6: 0-4. AVG: .238
(batting 7th)

Game 25/May 7 (Day game): 2-4, RBI single (first at bat), 2-run double, run scored. AVG: .248
(batting 7th)

Game 26/May 7 (Night game): 1-4, RBI single, run scored. AVG: .248
(leading off)

Game 27/May 8: 0-4. AVG: .239
(batting 7th)

Game 28/May 9: 0-3. AVG: .233
(batting 7th)

Game 29/May 10: 4-5, double (first at bat), run scored, 2-run double, single, single. AVG: .256
(batting 7th)

Game 30/May 11: 2-5, RBI single, RBI single. AVG: .262
(batting 7th)

Game 31/May 12: 0-4. AVG: .254
(leading off)

Game 32/May 13: 3-4, double, single, double. AVG: .269
(batting 7th)

Game 33/May 14: 0-4. AVG: .261
(batting 6th)
^^this is the day Manny decided Damon would no longer be leading off, and neither would Michael. he will now bat 6th unless Travis Hafner is not in the lineup^^

Game 34/May 15: 2-4, triple, single, stolen base. AVG: .268
(batting 5th)

Game 35/May 16: 2-3, double, RBI single, walk. AVG: .276
(batting 6th)

Game 36/May 17: 0-5. AVG: .267
(batting 6th)

Game 37/May 18: 0-4. AVG: .260
(batting 6th)

Game 38/May 19: 0-3. AVG: .255
(batting 6th)

Game 39/May 20: 1-4, single, stolen base, run scored, fielder's choice, run scored. AVG: .255
(batting 6th)

Game 40/May 22: 2-4, single, stolen base, run scored, single, stolen base. AVG: .261
(batting 6th)

Game 41/May 23: 1-3, double. AVG: .262
(batting 6th)

Game 42/May 24: 2-3, single (first at bat), single, stolen base, run scored. AVG: .269
(batting 5th)
^^this is the game in which Michael tweaked his left ankle after stealing 2nd base^^

May 25: not in lineup

Game 43/May 26: 1-4, 3-run double, run scored. AVG: .269
(batting 2nd)

Game 44/May 27: 2-5, RBI single, RBI groundout, single, run scored. AVG: .272
(batting 2nd)

Game 45/May 28: 1-3, fielder's choice, walk, run scored, RBI single, stolen base, run scored. AVG: .273
(batting 2nd)

Game 46/May 29: 1-4, fielder's choice RBI, stolen base, single. AVG: .273
(batting 5th)

Game 47/May 30: 2-4, single (first at bat), run scored, single. AVG: .277
(batting 6th)

Michael ended May and therefore started June on a 9-game hitting streak.

Game 48/June 1: 1-4, RBI double. AVG: .277
(batting 5th)

Game 49/June 2: 1-4, fielder’s choice RBI, RBI single. AVG: .276
(batting 5th)

Game 50/June 3: 2-4, single, single. AVG: .281
(batting 5th)

Game 51/June 5: 1-2, walk (first at bat), RBI triple, walk. AVG: .283
(batting 6th)

Game 52/June 6: 1-4, 3-run home run (first at bat), run scored, intentional walk. AVG: .282
(batting 5th)

Game 53/June 7: 1-4, reached on fielding error, single. AVG: .282
(batting 6th)

Game 54/June 8: 2-5, RBI groundout (first at bat), single, single, run scored. AVG: .284
(batting 5th)

Game 55/June 9: 2-4, single, single. AVG: .288
(batting 5th)
^^before this game, it was reported by Nick Camino that Michael had "soreness"^^

Game 56/June 10: 1-5, single. AVG: .286
(batting 5th)

Game 57/June 12: 1-4, single, caught stealing. AVG: .286
(batting 5th)

Game 58/June 13: 1-4, single. AVG: .285
(batting 5th)

Game 59/June 14: 1-4, double, run scored. AVG: .285
(batting 5th)

Game 60/June 15: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .284
(batting 5th)
^^Michael's 22-game hitting streak comes to an end^^

Game 61/June 16: 0-3, walk (first at bat). AVG: .280
(batting 5th)

Game 62/June 17: 1-4, RBI double. AVG: .280
(batting 5th)

Game 63/June 18: 2-3, double (first at bat), run scored, double, run scored, RBI sac fly. AVG: .285
(batting 5th)

Game 64/June 19: 1-4, single. AVG: .284
(batting 5th)

Game 65/June 20: 1-5, single. AVG: .282
(batting 3rd)

Game 66/June 22: 1-3, walk, RBI single. AVG: .283
(batting 5th)

Game 67/June 23: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .283
(batting 5th)

Game 68/June 24: 0-4. AVG: .278
(batting 5th)

Game 69/June 25: 1-3, single (first at bat), reached on force out. AVG: .279
(batting 5th)

Game 70/June 26: 1-4, double. AVG: .279
(batting 5th)

Game 71/June 27: 0-4, fielder's choice, run scored, RBI walk. AVG: .275
(leading off)

Game 72/June 28: 2-3, walk (first at bat), run scored, double, single, walk. AVG: .279
(batting 5th)

Game 73/June 29: 1-4, RBI single (first at bat), walk. AVG: .278
(batting 4th)

Game 74/June 30: 2-5, walk (first at bat), single, single. AVG: .280
(batting 5th)

Michael ended June and therefore started July on a 3-game hitting streak.

Game 75/July 1: 0-0, intentional walk. AVG: .280
(batting 5th)
^^Michael did not start this game because he was supposed to have an off day. but he came in the 8th inning to pinch run, and then had 1 plate appearance in the 9th inning.^^

Game 76/July 2: 1-4, single. AVG: .280
(batting 4th)

Game 77/July 3: 1-4, single (first at bat), run scored, RBI groundout, fielder's choice RBI, stolen base. AVG: .280
(batting 5th)

Game 78/July 4: 1-5, 3-run home run (first at bat), run scored, fielder's choice, run scored, fielder's choice. AVG: .278
(batting 5th)

Game 79/July 5: 2-3, home run (first at bat), run scored, single, caught stealing, walk. AVG: .282
(batting 6th)

Game 80/July 6: 1-3, single. AVG: .283
(batting 6th)

Game 81/July 7: 1-4, double (first at bat), run scored, RBI groundout. AVG: .282
(batting 4th)

Game 82/July 8: 3-4, single (first at bat), double, walk, single. AVG: .288
(batting 5th)

Game 83/July 13: 3-4, single (first at bat), double, single. AVG: .294
(batting 6th)

Game 84/July 14: 3-4, single (first at bat), walk, run scored, single, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .299
(batting 6th)

Game 85/July 15: 2-3, double (first at bat), walk, double. AVG: .302
(batting 6th)
^^Michael's 13-game hitting streak comes to an end^^

Game 86/July 16: 0-1, walk (first at bat), walk, walk. AVG: .301
(batting 4th)

Game 87/July 17: 0-2, walk, walk. AVG: .300
(batting 4th)

Game 88/July 18: 2-5, triple (first at bat), RBI single, run scored. AVG: .301
(batting 4th)

Game 89/July 19: 0-3. AVG: .299
(batting 4th, DH)

Game 90/July 20: 0-4. AVG: .295
(batting 4th)

Game 91/July 21: 1-4, single. AVG: .295
(batting 4th)

Game 92/July 22: 1-3, walk, single, run scored. AVG: .295
(batting 5th)

Game 93/July 23: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .294
(batting 4th)

Game 94/July 24: 1-4, single. AVG: .294
(batting 4th)
^^Michael jarred his hand, wrist, and shoulder sliding into Prince Fielder's leg in this game^^

Game 95/July 25: 1-4, double, stolen base. AVG: .293
(batting 4th)

Game 96/July 26: 1-4, single. AVG: .293
(batting 4th)
^^Michael's 6-game hitting streak comes to an end^^

Game 97/July 27: 0-3. AVG: .291
(batting 4th)

Game 98/July 28: 0-2, walk (first at bat). AVG: .289
(batting 2nd)

Game 99/July 29: 1-4, single. AVG: .289
(batting 5th)

Game 100/July 31: 2-4, single (first at bat), run scored, double. AVG: .291
(batting 4th)

Game 101/August 1: 0-4. AVG: .288
(batting 4th)

Game 102/August 2: 1-4, double (first at bat), run scored, RBI sac fly. AVG: .288
(batting 5th)

Game 103/August 3: 1-3, single. AVG: .288
(batting 5th)

Game 104/August 4: 1-3, single. AVG: .288
(batting 5th)

Game 105/August 5: 3-4, RBI single (first at bat), double, double, walk. AVG: .293
(batting 5th)

Game 106/August 6: 1-3, double. AVG: .293
(batting 5th)

Game 107/August 7: 2-4, walk (first at bat), run scored, single, single, stolen base. AVG: .295
(batting 5th)

Game 108/August 8: 1-4, single. AVG: .295
(batting 5th)

Game 109/August 9: 1-3, double (first at bat), RBI sac fly. AVG: .295
(batting 5th)
^^Michael's 8-game hitting streak comes to an end^^

Game 110/August 10: 0-3. AVG: .293
(batting 5th)

Game 111/August 11: 0-2, walk, run scored, RBI sac fly. AVG: .291
(batting 5th)

August 12: not in lineup

Game 112/August 13: 0-4. AVG: .289
(batting 5th)

Game 113/August 14: 3-4, 2-run home run, run scored, single, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .293
(batting 5th)

Game 114/August 15: 0-4. AVG: .290
(batting 5th)

Game 115/August 17: 2-4, single (first at bat), single, run scored. AVG: .292
(batting 5th)

Game 116/August 18: 2-4, single, single, run scored. AVG: .294
(batting 5th)

Game 117/August 19: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .294
(batting 5th)

Game 118/August 20: 0-3, walk. AVG: .292
(batting 5th)

Game 119/August 21: 1-4, single, caught stealing. AVG: .291
(batting 5th, DH)

Game 120/August 22: 1-3, single, walk. AVG: .292
(batting 5th)

Game 121/August 24: 1-4, single. AVG: .291
(batting 5th)

Game 122/August 25: 1-3, 3-run home run (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .292
(batting 5th)

Game 123/August 26: 1-4, reached on passed ball, caught stealing, single. AVG: .291
(batting 5th)

Game 124/August 27: 1-4, single, reached on error. AVG: .291
(batting 5th)
^^Michael's 6-game hitting streak comes to an end^^

Game 125/August 28: 0-4. AVG: .289
(batting 5th)

Game 126/August 29: 0-3, walk, reached on error. AVG: .287
(batting 5th)

Game 127/August 30: 1-4, walk (first at bat), double, fielder’s choice. AVG: .286
(batting 4th)

Game 128/August 31: 0-3, walk, caught stealing. AVG: .285
(batting 4th, DH)

Game 129/September 1: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .284
(batting 4th)

September 2: not in lineup (day off)

Game 130/September 3: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .284
(batting 4th)

Game 131/September 4: 1-2, RBI double (first at bat), run scored, intentional walk, walk. AVG: .285
(batting 5th)

Game 132/September 5: 1-3, RBI single. AVG: .285
(batting 5th)

Game 133/September 7: 2-3, single, run scored, intentional walk, RBI single, run scored, intentional walk. AVG: .287
(batting 5th)

Game 134/September 8: 0-3. AVG: .286
(batting 5th)

Game 135/September 9: 1-4, walk, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .285
(batting 4th)

Game 136/September 10: 1-4, single. AVG: .285
(batting 2nd)

Game 137/September 11: 0-1. AVG: .285
(PH, batting 7th)
^^Michael did not start this game because he was supposed to have a day off. but he came in in the top of the 8th inning to pinch hit, and then played defense in center in the bottom of the 8th.^^

Game 138/September 12: 1-4, single. AVG: .284
(batting 4th)

September 13: not in lineup
^^Michael was originally in the lineup batting 4th, but was a late scratch due to left pectoral soreness he suffered during batting practice.^^

September 14: not in lineup

Game 139/September 15: 0-1. AVG: .284
(PH, batting 6th)
^^Michael did not start this game because of his left pec injury, but came in in the bottom of the 9th inning to pinch hit.^^

Game 140/September 16: 0-3, walk (first at bat), reached on force out, run scored, intentional walk. AVG: .282
(batting 5th)

Game 141/September 18: 1-5, single, run scored, intentional walk. AVG: .281
(batting 5th)

Game 142/September 19: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .281
(batting 5th)

Game 143/September 20: 2-4, single (first at bat), single, intentional walk. AVG: .283
(batting 4th)

Game 144/September 21: 1-3, intentional walk (first at bat), RBI single. AVG: .283
(batting 5th)

Game 145/September 22: 1-4, single, reached on fielding error. AVG: .283
(batting 4th)

Game 146/September 23: 3-5, single, intentional walk, run scored, double, run scored, single. AVG: .286
(batting 5th)

September 24: not in lineup
^^Michael will miss the next couple games because of a sore left groin according to Acta. he injured his groin during a rundown in the 6th inning of the September 23 game.^^

September 25: not in lineup

September 26: not in lineup

September 28: not in lineup

Game 147/September 29: 2-3, single (first at bat), run scored, intentional walk, single. AVG: .288
(PH, batting 8th)
^^Michael did not start this game because of his left groin injury, but came in in the bottom of the 8th inning to pinch hit, and then played defense in center in the top of the 9th inning. because the game went 14 innings, Michael came to the plate 3 more times and remained in center through the 14th.^^

September 30: not in lineup

Michael ended September and therefore started October on a 7-game hitting streak.

Game 148/October 1: 0-2, walk (first at bat). AVG: .287
(batting 6th)

Game 149/October 2: 1-1, single (first at bat). AVG: .288
(PH, batting 8th)
^^Michael did not start this game because it had been a rainy day in Cleveland and Sandy Alomar didn't want him playing in center and possibly re-injuring his groin. but he came in to pinch hit in the bottom of the 9th inning, got a hit, and then was replaced by a pinch runner.^^

October 3: not in lineup
^^i had hoped Michael would at least get a chance to pinch hit in this game, but because we got blown out, there was no need to give him an at bat.^^


**Michael Brantley finishes the 2012 season with a batting average of .288**


in 2012, Michael had a total of 609 plate appearances and 552 at bats in 149 games. in total, he had 159 hits, 112 singles, 37 doubles, 4 triples, 6 home runs, 60 RBIs (4 sac flies), 63 runs scored, 53 walks (12 intentional), 56 strikeouts, and 12 stolen bases (9 caught stealing).

2012 batting average: .288 (159-552)

OBP: .348

SLG: .402

OPS: .750


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

My Final #s for the 2012 Cleveland Indians Season

i'm at the point now where i like to try and outdo myself each year. sadly, i did not back up my final #s from last year so they are now gone, but i think it's safe to say i topped out in all categories. and yet, i wish there was more i could have done. i feel like it wasn't enough. i wish i could have gone to more games and i wish i could have made a difference in the outcome of our season. but even though we had a losing year, i still feel like a winner as far as making memories is concerned.

in this 2012 season, i was present for every single inning of every single game in real time. (i can't say "watched" because i have to listen to the majority of games on my computer.) i went 162 strong. i was present for every game dating back to the preseason games as well. in fact, the only preseason game i missed was the very first one, and that was because it was the Saturday before my birthday and i went birthday shopping that day. however, i did wait to leave until after Brantley's first at bat. (leadoff double, who remembers that? haha)

for the second year in a row, i was lucky enough to arrange my schedule/social life around Indians games, and i have no regrets. i did not turn the audio off on my computer before any games ended, and i never walked out on a game before the final out was recorded. you will be hard pressed to find anyone else who can say the same other than the true diehard fans.


i went to 11 games this year, three of which went to extra innings, and i sat through them all.

--compare this to 7 games in 2011 and i think i've set a high record that will be tough to beat in future years.


i took 6680 pictures

--including during batting practice, warm-ups, the actual game, and of course parking lot.


of those pictures, 2010 were of Brantley

--don't forget, i am his #1 fan, so this should have been expected haha


i took 300 videos

--and that isn't even due to all the extra innings, because by the time those games got into extras, my Bloggie battery was just about dead.


other mentionables:

--i got 4 baseballs

--i got my picture taken with 3 players

--i got 40 autographs

     --6 of which were from Brantley



and between game tickets, food, souvenirs, merchandise, and hotel costs for the 2 overnighters, we spent approximately $2500. which is about what we spent last year oddly enough.

as long as i live, you better believe i will never NOT go to games because i disagree with the cheap allowance allotted to this team's payroll. i won't deprive myself of loving and supporting the team, my team, my Tribe. it doesn't matter to me if the team is good, bad, or collapsing. my ass is going to games every year because i am ride or motherfucking die for this team. and because i know there are some people out there who have adopted this "i won't spend until the Dolans do" attitude, it only makes me want to contribute more of my own money to the Tribe as a counterbalance. i got ya covered, no worries.

anyways, the bar has been set pretty high now and if i don't at least meet these #s again next year, i will not be happy lol i consider myself very lucky to have gotten all of the above and i will always cherish these things. i will definitely use them to help me get through my offseason withdrawal. so to every guy who wore an Indians uniform this year, from my least favorite player to my #1 boy, thank you for making my 2012 Tribe experience amazing.

Brantley's October and Final 2012 #s

i know i said i would not be writing an October blog, but even with Michael only playing in 2 of the final 3 games, the break down is still a bit lengthy. so i decided to write a blog for this month, not so much focusing on his monthly #s, but mostly just to finalize his 6th spot, 8th spot, and PH #s.

the only thing to really note about October is that Michael had a hit in 1 of the 2 games he played and reached base safely in both games. dating back to September, he had safely reached base in his last 10 games of the season.

Michael finishes the year with the highest batting average on the team. he had maintained the highest batting average out of all the regular players on the team since August 5.

i'm sad Michael finished the season watching from the bench. maybe next year he'll get in there for Game #162. hasn't happened since 2010 lol but more on these thoughts in a future blog.


now i am going to document his October #s, the October 6th spot/overall 6th spot #s, the October 8th spot/overall 8th spot #s, his October PH/overall PH #s, his October center/overall center #s, and the overall #s of everything other than leadoff. i will include his final #s here as well.

 
October batting average: .333 (1-3) (2 games)
 
OBP: .500
 
SLG: .333
 
OPS: .833


and just so his final #s don't look completely ridiculous lol
 
September & October batting average: .313 (21-67) (21 games)
 
OBP: .425
 
SLG: .343
 
OPS: .768


Michael played in 2 (of 3) games in October. he started and played center in 1 game, and he came in in late innings to PH in 1 game. he had 1 plate appearance in the game that he did not start. he missed 1 game due to injury.


Michael bat 6th in 1 game.

Michael bat 8th in 1 game.


Michael played center in 1 game.

Michael was the PH in 1 game.


in October, Michael had a total of 4 plate appearances and 3 at bats. here is how he fared:

1 hit

1 single

1 walk

0 strikeouts

1 first at bat hit
 
October batting average: .333 (1-3) (2 games)


when Michael bat 6th in October, he had a total of 3 plate appearances and 2 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 walk

0 strikeouts
 
October batting average in the 6th spot: .000 (0-2)
overall batting average in the 6th spot: .350 (21-60) (19 games)
overall batting average in the 6th spot while playing center: .356 (21-59) (18 games)
overall batting average in the 6th spot as the PH: .000 (0-1) (1 game)


when Michael bat 8th, he was the PH in October for 1 game. he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

1 first at bat hit
 
October batting average in the 8th spot as the PH: 1.000 (1-1) (1 game)
overall batting average in the 8th spot as the PH: 1.000 (2-2) (2 games)

 
October batting average in the 8th spot: 1.000 (1-1) (1 game)
overall batting average in the 8th spot: .750 (3-4) (2 games)
overall batting average in the 8th spot while playing center: .667 (2-3) (1 game)

 
October batting average as a PH: 1.000 (1-1) (1 game)
overall batting average as a PH: .500 (2-4) (4 games)

 
October batting average while playing center: .000 (0-2) (1 game)
overall batting average while playing center: .290 (156-538) (144 games)

 
October batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .333 (1-3) (2 games)
overall batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .301 (137-455) (127 games)

 
other overall #s while playing center: 336 putouts, 5 assists, 1 error, .997 fielding percentage (144 games)


now my game-by-game numbers and notes.
 
Michael started the month on a 7-game hitting streak.

Game 148/Game 1, October 1: 0-2, walk (first at bat). AVG: .287
(batting 6th)

Game 149/Game 2, October 2: 1-1, single (first at bat). AVG: .288
(PH, batting 8th)
^^Michael did not start this game because it had been a rainy day in Cleveland and Sandy Alomar didn't want him playing in center and possibly re-injuring his groin. but he came in to pinch hit in the bottom of the 9th inning, got a hit, and then was replaced by a pinch runner.^^

October 3: not in lineup
^^i had hoped Michael would at least get a chance to pinch hit in this game, but because we got blown out, there was no need to give him an at bat.^^

 
**Michael Brantley finishes the 2012 season with a batting average of .288**


in 2012, Michael had a total of 609 plate appearances and 552 at bats in 149 games. in total, he had 159 hits, 112 singles, 37 doubles, 4 triples, 6 home runs, 60 RBIs (4 sac flies), 63 runs scored, 53 walks (12 intentional), 56 strikeouts, and 12 stolen bases (9 caught stealing).
 
2012 batting average: .288 (159-552)

OBP: .348

SLG: .402

OPS: .750



i have a couple more blogs planned, including a blog with all of Michael's game by game #s and notes, a blog with all of Michael's total #s according to where he hit in the lineup, a blog with my thoughts on Michael's 2012 season where i'll compare it to his 2011 season, a wrap up blog including my preseason 2012 Tribe expectations and what went wrong along with other thoughts on the year, and a blog with hopes for the 2013 season. stay tuned.

Brantley's September and Overall 2012 #s

up to this point, Michael hasn't played this much in one season. and unfortunately in September, the injury bug began to bite. first, he developed a sore left pectoral muscle one day during batting practice. 10 days later, he suffered a left groin injury when trying to avoid a tag in a game. unlike last year where his injury was season ending, Michael has not yet been shut down. he was able to pinch hit for the first time all season this month in a couple of games. however, he did not play in 7 full games because of his ailments.

i was sad to find out about Michael's injuries. his pec was not that big of a problem and he didn't miss much time because of it. but this groin injury is a more pressing issue, and bringing him back before he's ready could do more harm than good. i wanted him to finish his season strong, get as many plate appearances as possible, and have as high a batting average as possible. plus i know he doesn't want to end his season sitting on the bench and being out hurt, and i didn't want this to be déjà vu for him. but, if it's in his best interest for him to sit out the final games in October, then that's what must be done. no point in pushing him now, especially since this team will not be going to the playoffs.

in spite of missing out on what could have been approximately 25 more at bats this month, Michael managed to keep a respectable batting average. he hit very well for the month. he had a hit in 15 of the 19 games he played and reached base in 16 games. he also had a modest 5-game hitting streak to start September and finishes the month on a 7-game hitting streak. out of all the players who got regular at bats all season, he still maintains the highest batting average on the team.

while Michael did manage to surpass his father's career high RBI total in a season this month, he did not have many RBIs in September due to a few different reasons. one being that a lot of times when Michael went to bat and got a hit, nobody was on base or in scoring position. but the main reason is that Michael was intentionally walked a total of 9 times, purposely taking away his opportunities to get an RBI hit. and considering he did only play in 19 games this month, that's an extremely high intentional walk ratio. does this make me sad? absolutely. so many times i wanted to see Michael get the big hit and be the hero of the game, and so many times the other team denied me this desire. Michael can take that as a compliment though, knowing he is beginning to be respected in the league as a good hitter in the clutch. that's certainly better than the alternative of knowing a weaker hitter was batting behind him and the opposing pitcher would rather face that guy instead... which brings me back to missing Michael leading off. maybe the new manager will put him back there next year.

as usual, Michael's center field defense continues to be highlighted by spectacular catches and numerous putouts. i was a bit surprised that he has not played in left field at all this season, but finally the Indians see how great and legitimate a CF he is, and don't want to move him from there. i know he prefers center field, and i'm glad that's worked out for him.

once again, Michael mainly batted in the 4th and 5th spots in the lineup. but coming in to pinch hit put him in other/abnormal spots, and that in turn extended my break downs of his September blog #s.


so let's break down those numbers. i am going to document his September #s, the September 4th spot/overall 4th spot #s, the September 5th spot/overall 5th spot #s, the September 2nd spot/overall 2nd spots #s, the September 7th spot/overall 7th spot #s, the September 6th spot/overall 6th spot #s, the September 8th spot/overall 8th spot #s, his September PH/overall PH #s, his September center/overall center #s, and the overall #s of everything other than leadoff. i will include his overall #s so far here as well.

 
September batting average: .313 (20-64)
 
OBP: .421
 
SLG: .344
 
OPS: .765


Michael played in 19 (of 27) games in September. he started and played center in 16 games, and he came in in late innings to PH in 3 games. he had 1 plate appearance in 2 of the games that he did not start, and 4 plate appearances in the 3rd game that he did not start. he missed 7 games due to injury.


Michael bat 4th in 6 games.

Michael bat 5th in 9 games.

Michael bat 2nd in 1 game.

Michael bat 7th in 1 game.

Michael bat 6th in 1 game.

Michael bat 8th in 1 game.


Michael played center in 18 games.

Michael was the PH in 3 games.


in September, Michael had a total of 76 plate appearances and 64 at bats. here is how he fared:

20 hits

18 singles

2 doubles

0 triples

0 home runs

5 RBIs

11 runs scored

12 walks (9 intentional)

2 strikeouts

0 stolen bases

4 first at bat hits
 
September batting average: .313 (20-64) (19 games)


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


when Michael bat 4th in September, he had a total of 26 plate appearances and 24 at bats in 6 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

7 hits

7 singles

3 runs scored

2 walks (1 intentional)

0 strikeouts

2 first at bat hits
 
September batting average in the 4th spot: .292 (7-24) (6 games)
overall batting average so far in the 4th spot: .225 (20-89) (24 games)
overall batting average so far in the 4th spot while playing center: .241 (20-83) (22 games)
overall batting average so far in the 4th spot as the DH: .000 (0-6) (2 games)


when Michael bat 5th in September, he had a total of 40 plate appearances and 31 at bats in 9 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

10 hits

8 singles

2 doubles

5 RBIs

7 runs scored

9 walks (7 intentional)

1 strikeout

1 first at bat hit
 
September batting average in the 5th spot: .323 (10-31) (9 games)
overall batting average so far in the 5th spot: .308 (73-237) (65 games)
overall batting average so far in the 5th spot while playing center: .309 (72-233) (64 games)
overall batting average so far in the 5th spot as the DH: .250 (1-4) (1 game)


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

1 single
 
September batting average in the 2nd spot: .250 (1-4)
overall batting average so far in the 2nd spot: .278 (5-18) (5 games)


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

1 strikeout
 
September batting average in the 7th spot: .000 (0-1)
overall batting average in the 7th spot: .333 (14-42) (11 games)
September/overall batting average so far in the 7th spot as the PH: .000 (0-1) (1 game)


when Michael bat 6th, he was the PH in September for 1 game. he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

0 hits

0 strikeouts
 
September batting average in the 6th spot: .000 (0-1)
overall batting average so far in the 6th spot: .362 (21-58) (18 games)
overall batting average so far in the 6th spot while playing center: .368 (21-57) (17 games)
September/overall batting average so far in the 6th spot as the PH: .000 (0-1) (1 game)


when Michael bat 8th, he was the PH in September for 1 game. he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

1 run scored

1 first at bat hit
 
September/overall batting average so far in the 8th spot as the PH: 1.000 (1-1) (1 game)

also when Michael bat 8th in this 1 game, he had 3 more plate appearances and 2 more at bats, for an overall total of 4 plate appearances and 3 at bats. including his 1 PA and 1 AB as a PH, breaking down the numbers for the 8th spot are as follows:

2 hits

2 singles

1 run scored

1 walk (1 intentional)

1 first at bat hit
 
September/overall batting average so far in the 8th spot: .667 (2-3) (1 game)

 
September/overall batting average so far as a PH: .333 (1-3) (3 games)

 
September batting average while playing center: .311 (19-61) (18 games)
overall batting average so far while playing center: .291 (156-536) (143 games)

 
September batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .313 (20-64) (19 games)
overall batting average so far everywhere other than leadoff: .301 (136-452) (125 games)

 
overall batting average so far in the leadoff spot: .227 (22-97) (22 games)

 
overall batting average so far as the DH: .100 (1-10) (3 games)

 
other overall #s so far while playing center: 336 putouts, 5 assists, 1 error, .997 fielding percentage (143 games)


now my game-by-game numbers and notes.

Game 129/Game 1, September 1: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .284
(batting 4th)

September 2: not in lineup (day off)

Game 130/Game 2, September 3: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .284
(batting 4th)

Game 131/Game 3, September 4: 1-2, RBI double (first at bat), run scored, intentional walk, walk. AVG: .285
(batting 5th)

Game 132/Game 4, September 5: 1-3, RBI single. AVG: .285
(batting 5th)

Game 133/Game 5, September 7: 2-3, single, run scored, intentional walk, RBI single, run scored, intentional walk. AVG: .287
(batting 5th)

Game 134/Game 6, September 8: 0-3. AVG: .286
(batting 5th)

Game 135/Game 7, September 9: 1-4, walk, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .285
(batting 4th)

Game 136/Game 8, September 10: 1-4, single. AVG: .285
(batting 2nd)

Game 137/Game 9, September 11: 0-1. AVG: .285
(PH, batting 7th)
^^Michael did not start this game because he was supposed to have a day off. but he came in in the top of the 8th inning to pinch hit, and then played defense in center in the bottom of the 8th.^^

Game 138/Game 10, September 12: 1-4, single. AVG: .284
(batting 4th)

September 13: not in lineup
^^Michael was originally in the lineup batting 4th, but was a late scratch due to left pectoral soreness he suffered during batting practice.^^

September 14: not in lineup

Game 139/Game 11, September 15: 0-1. AVG: .284
(PH, batting 6th)
^^Michael did not start this game because of his left pec injury, but came in in the bottom of the 9th inning to pinch hit.^^

Game 140/Game 12, September 16: 0-3, walk (first at bat), reached on force out, run scored, intentional walk. AVG: .282
(batting 5th)

Game 141/Game 13, September 18: 1-5, single, run scored, intentional walk. AVG: .281
(batting 5th)

Game 142/Game 14, September 19: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .281
(batting 5th)

Game 143/Game 15, September 20: 2-4, single (first at bat), single, intentional walk. AVG: .283
(batting 4th)

Game 144/Game 16, September 21: 1-3, intentional walk (first at bat), RBI single. AVG: .283
(batting 5th)

Game 145/Game 17, September 22: 1-4, single, reached on fielding error. AVG: .283
(batting 4th)

Game 146/Game 18, September 23: 3-5, single, intentional walk, run scored, double, run scored, single. AVG: .286
(batting 5th)

September 24: not in lineup
^^Michael will miss the next couple games because of a sore left groin according to Acta. he injured his groin during a rundown in the 6th inning of the September 23 game.^^

September 25: not in lineup

September 26: not in lineup

September 28: not in lineup

Game 147/Game 19, September 29: 2-3, single (first at bat), run scored, intentional walk, single. AVG: .288
(PH, batting 8th)
^^Michael did not start this game because of his left groin injury, but came in in the bottom of the 8th inning to pinch hit, and then played defense in center in the top of the 9th inning. because the game went 14 innings, Michael came to the plate 3 more times and remained in center through the 14th.^^

September 30: not in lineup
^^Michael also finishes the month on a 7-game hitting streak.^^



so far in 2012, Michael has a total of 605 plate appearances and 549 at bats in 147 games. in total, he has 158 hits, 111 singles, 37 doubles, 4 triples, 6 home runs, 60 RBIs (4 sac flies), 63 runs scored, 52 walks (12 intentional), 56 strikeouts, and 12 stolen bases (9 caught stealing).
 
season batting average: .288 (158-549)

OBP: .347

SLG: .403

OPS: .750


**one thing to note: because October only contains 3 games, it would be silly for me to do an October #s blog. what i will do instead is add in Michael's October #s, assuming he plays in any of the final 3 games, to his September #s in a new blog. i just wanted to make sure i had all his September #s documented separately.**

Brantley's August and Overall 2012 #s

i want to start this blog by proving that i am taking notes during every game regarding what Michael does, and show that i don't just go to some baseball website and pull his numbers from there to write my monthly blogs.

now that that's out of the way, i want to express how thankful i am that Michael has played the entire month of August without battling an injury and did not miss any games due to an injury. last August 31 he was shut down for the rest of the 2011 season and i bet i'm not the only one who is happy that this year is nothing like that. i'm so glad to see he's feeling as good as any regular ballplayer could feel at this point in the season.

while the majority of players on the team had an abysmal August, Michael was one of the few regulars who could be counted on to hit regularly. he had a hit in 19 of the 28 games he played and reached base in 23 games. he also had an 8-game hitting streak and 6-game hitting streak within the month. and while his August numbers are not his best of this season (those last 4 games really brought his batting average down), he still maintains the highest batting average on the team. his defense in center continues to be a strong point for the team as well.

i like that Manny did not move him around much in the lineup this month. he mostly hit 5th, and played a few games as the cleanup hitter. let's face it, it's no secret that Michael is not a typical cleanup guy, but the fact that so many other guys could not be counted on to hit anymore almost forced Manny to put Michael in the 4th and 5th spots in hopes that we'll at least have a productive top 4 or 5 in the order. i of course still miss the days when he led off, and some of his numbers have suffered by being lower in the order, but i will get more into that in my end of the year blog.

i'm not sure how much he's going to play in September, considering the team is out of contention and a lot of Clippers are going to be brought up, but i hope he can continue to hit and finish his season strong. remember, before he started playing hurt last year, i calculated an approximate .281 batting average for him. i'd love to see him finish above that in 2012.


now let's break down the numbers. i am going to document his August #s, the August 4th spot/overall 4th spot #s, the August 5th spot/overall 5th spot #s, his August DH/overall DH #s, his August center/overall center #s, and the overall #s of everything other than leadoff. i will include his overall #s so far here as well.


August batting average: .260 (26-100)

OBP: .306

SLG: .380

OPS: .686


Michael played in 28 (of 29) games in August. he started and played center in 26 games, and he started and DH'd in 2 games.

Michael bat 4th in 3 games.

Michael bat 5th in 25 games.


Michael played center in 26 games.

Michael was the DH in 2 games.


in August, Michael had a total of 111 plate appearances and 100 at bats. here is how he fared:

26 hits

18 singles

6 doubles

0 triples

2 home runs

9 RBIs (3 sac flies)

9 runs scored

8 walks

14 strikeouts

1 stolen base (3 caught stealing)

6 first at bat hits

August batting average: .260 (26-100) (28 games)


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


when Michael bat 4th in August, he had a total of 13 plate appearances and 11 at bats in 3 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 double

2 walks

1 caught stealing

1 strikeout

August batting average in the 4th spot: .091 (1-11) (3 games)
overall batting average so far in the 4th spot: .200 (13-65) (18 games)
August batting average in the 4th spot while playing center: .125 (1-8) (2 games)
overall batting average so far in the 4th spot while playing center: .220 (13-59) (16 games)


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

1 walk

1 caught stealing

1 strikeout

August batting average in the 4th spot as the DH: .000 (0-3) (1 game)
overall batting average so far in the 4th spot as the DH: .000 (0-6) (2 games)


when Michael bat 5th in August, he had a total of 98 plate appearances and 89 at bats in 25 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

25 hits

18 singles

5 doubles

0 triples

2 home runs

9 RBIs (3 sac flies)

9 runs scored

6 walks

13 strikeouts

1 stolen base (2 caught stealing)

6 first at bat hits

August batting average in the 5th spot: .281 (25-89) (25 games)
overall batting average so far in the 5th spot: .306 (63-206) (56 games)
August batting average in the 5th spot while playing center: .282 (24-85) (24 games)
overall batting average so far in the 5th spot while playing center: .307 (62-202) (55 games)


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

1 single

1 caught stealing

1 strikeout

August/overall batting average so far in the 5th spot as the DH: .250 (1-4) (1 game)


August batting average as the DH: .143 (1-7) (2 games)
overall batting average so far as the DH: .100 (1-10) (3 games)


August batting average while playing center: .269 (25-93) (26 games)
overall batting average so far while playing center: .288 (137-475) (125 games)


August batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .260 (26-100) (28 games)
overall batting average so far everywhere other than leadoff: .299 (116-388) (106 games)


overall batting average so far in the leadoff spot: .227 (22-97) (22 games)


other overall #s so far while playing center: 294 putouts, 5 assists, 1 error, .997 fielding percentage (125 games)


now my game-by-game numbers and notes.

Game 101/Game 1, August 1: 0-4. AVG: .288
(batting 4th)

Game 102/Game 2, August 2: 1-4, double (first at bat), run scored, RBI sac fly. AVG: .288
(batting 5th)

Game 103/Game 3, August 3: 1-3, single. AVG: .288
(batting 5th)

Game 104/Game 4, August 4: 1-3, single. AVG: .288
(batting 5th)

Game 105/Game 5, August 5: 3-4, RBI single (first at bat), double, double, walk. AVG: .293
(batting 5th)

Game 106/Game 6, August 6: 1-3, double. AVG: .293
(batting 5th)

Game 107/Game 7, August 7: 2-4, walk (first at bat), run scored, single, single, stolen base. AVG: .295
(batting 5th)

Game 108/Game 8, August 8: 1-4, single. AVG: .295
(batting 5th)

Game 109/Game 9, August 9: 1-3, double (first at bat), RBI sac fly. AVG: .295
(batting 5th)
^^Michael's 8-game hitting streak comes to an end^^

Game 110/Game 10, August 10: 0-3. AVG: .293
(batting 5th)

Game 111/Game 11, August 11: 0-2, walk, run scored, RBI sac fly. AVG: .291
(batting 5th)

August 12: not in lineup.

Game 112/Game 12, August 13: 0-4. AVG: .289
(batting 5th)

Game 113/Game 13, August 14: 3-4, 2-run home run, run scored, single, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .293
(batting 5th)

Game 114/Game 14, August 15: 0-4. AVG: .290
(batting 5th)

Game 115/Game 15, August 17: 2-4, single (first at bat), single, run scored. AVG: .292
(batting 5th)

Game 116/Game 16, August 18: 2-4, single, single, run scored. AVG: .294
(batting 5th)

Game 117/Game 17, August 19: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .294
(batting 5th)

Game 118/Game 18, August 20: 0-3, walk. AVG: .292
(batting 5th)

Game 119/Game 19, August 21: 1-4, single, caught stealing. AVG: .291
(batting 5th, DH)

Game 120/Game 20, August 22: 1-3, single, walk. AVG: .292
(batting 5th)

Game 121/Game 21, August 24: 1-4, single. AVG: .291
(batting 5th)

Game 122/Game 22, August 25: 1-3, 3-run home run (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .292
(batting 5th)

Game 123/Game 23, August 26: 1-4, reached on passed ball, caught stealing, single. AVG: .291
(batting 5th)

Game 124/Game 24, August 27: 1-4, single, reached on error. AVG: .291
(batting 5th)
^^Michael's 6-game hitting streak comes to an end^^

Game 125/Game 25, August 28: 0-4. AVG: .289
(batting 5th)

Game 126/Game 26, August 29: 0-3, walk, reached on error. AVG: .287
(batting 5th)

Game 127/Game 27, August 30: 1-4, walk (first at bat), double, fielder’s choice. AVG: .286
(batting 4th)

Game 128/Game 28, August 31: 0-3, walk, caught stealing. AVG: .285
(batting 4th, DH)


so far in 2012, Michael has a total of 529 plate appearances and 485 at bats in 128 games. in total, he has 138 hits, 93 singles, 35 doubles, 4 triples, 6 home runs, 55 RBIs (4 sac flies), 52 runs scored, 40 walks (3 intentional), 54 strikeouts, and 12 stolen bases (9 caught stealing).

season batting average: .285 (138-485)

OBP: .336

SLG: .410

OPS: .747

Brantley's July and Overall 2012 #s

July was Michael’s best month so far this season. he started the month with a .280 batting average, peaked in the middle of the month with a .302 average, and finished the month at .291. that is also currently the highest batting average of any player on the team. his OBP, SLG, and OPS #s are indicative that he continues to improve and had a very impressive month.

Michael had a hit in 19 of the 25 games he played (with official at bats) this month. however, his 13-game hitting streak ended. he soon after went on to start another streak, but that ended after 6 games. Michael reached base safely in 23 straight home games up until July 20, which was the longest active streak by an AL player this season at his home park. out of 14 total July home games, he reached base safely in 13 games.

Michael hit home runs in back-to-back games for the first time in his career this month. not typically a home run hitter, he surprisingly hit 3 home runs in 10 days, which stretched over the 4 day All Star Break. between July 2-15, a 10-game time span, he was batting .474 (18-38) and had a first at bat hit in 8 of those games. he also collected 10 singles, 5 doubles, 3 home runs, 9 RBIs, 7 runs scored, 4 walks, and 1 stolen base.

Michael continued to be moved around in the batting order this month, but didn’t let that phase him. he started the 2nd half hot. he was one of the few reliable hitters on the team, and this is why Manny decided he’d be beneficial as our clean up hitter. then, in his first 2 games as the clean up man, pitchers were afraid to pitch to him and he drew 5 walks lol

his defense in center continues to be imperative to the team as well. he's made a few very exciting and highlight worthy catches this month, robbing opponents of extra base hits and home runs. his perfectly timed leaps at the wall have been nothing short of amazing.

it is a relief to know and see that he is definitely not nursing/hiding an injury this time around and i am very excited to see how he will continue to progress throughout the remainder of this season.


now let's break down the numbers. i am going to document his July #s, the July 5th spot/overall 5th spot #s, the July 4th spot/overall 4th spot #s, the July 6th spot/overall 6th spot #s, the July 2nd spot #s/overall 2nd spot #s, his DH #s, his July center/overall center #s, and the overall #s of everything other than leadoff. i will include his overall #s so far here as well.

 
July batting average: .326 (29-89)
 
OBP: .406
 
SLG: .528
 
OPS: .934


Michael played in 26 (of 26) games in July. he started and played center in 24 games, he started and DH’d in 1 game, and he came in as a pinch runner in the 8th inning for 1 game. he had 1 plate appearance in the 1 game that he did not start.


Michael bat 5th in 6 games.

Michael bat 4th in 14 games.

Michael bat 6th in 5 games.

Michael bat 2nd in 1 game. (Cabby off day.)


Michael played center in 25 games.

Michael was the DH in 1 game.


in July, Michael had a total of 101 plate appearances and 89 at bats. here is how he fared:

29 hits

18 singles

7 doubles

1 triple

3 home runs

11 RBIs

10 runs scored

12 walks (1 intentional)

9 strikeouts

2 stolen bases (1 caught stealing)

10 first at bat hits
 
July batting average: .326 (29-89) (26 games)


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


when Michael bat 5th in July, he had a total of 23 plate appearances and 20 at bats in 6 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

7 hits

5 singles

1 double

1 home run

5 RBIs

4 runs scored

3 walks (1 intentional)

1 strikeout

1 stolen base

3 first at bat hits
 
July batting average in the 5th spot: .350 (7-20)
overall batting average so far in the 5th spot: .325 (38-117) (31 games)


when Michael bat 4th in July, he had a total of 55 plate appearances and 50 at bats in 14 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

11 hits

7 singles

3 doubles

1 triple

3 RBIs

3 runs scored

5 walks

6 strikeouts

1 stolen base

3 first at bat hits
 
July batting average in the 4th spot: .220 (11-50)
overall batting average so far in the 4th spot: .222 (12-54) (15 games)
July batting average in the 4th spot while playing center: .234 (11-47) (13 games)
overall batting average so far in the 4th spot while playing center: .235 (12-51) (14 games)


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

2 strikeouts
 
July batting average as the DH: .000 (0-3) (1 game)
overall batting average so far in the 4th spot as the DH: .000 (0-3) (1 game)


when Michael bat 6th in July, he had a total of 20 plate appearances and 17 at bats in 5 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

11 hits

6 singles

3 doubles

2 home runs

3 RBIs

3 runs scored

3 walks

1 strikeout

1 caught stealing

4 first at bat hits
 
July batting average in the 6th spot: .647 (11-17)
overall batting average so far in the 6th spot: .368 (21-57) (17 games)


when Michael bat 2nd in July, he had a total of 3 plate appearances and 2 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 walk

1 strikeout
 
July batting average in the 2nd spot: .000 (0-2)
overall batting average so far in the 2nd spot: .286 (4-14) (4 games)
 
 
July batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .326 (29-89) (26 games)
overall batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .313 (90-288) (78 games)

 
overall batting average so far in the leadoff spot: .227 (22-97) (22 games)

 
July batting average while playing center: .337 (29-86) (25 games)
overall batting average while playing center: .293 (112-382) (99 games)

 
other overall #s while playing center: 229 putouts, 4 assists, 1 error, .996 fielding percentage (99 games)


now my game-by-game numbers and notes.
 
Michael ended June and therefore started July on a 3-game hitting streak.

Game 75/Game 1, July 1: 0-0, intentional walk. AVG: .280
(batting 5th)
^^Michael did not start this game because he was supposed to have an off day. but he came in the 8th inning to pinch run, and then had 1 plate appearance in the 9th inning.^^

Game 76/Game 2, July 2: 1-4, single. AVG: .280
(batting 4th)

Game 77/Game 3, July 3: 1-4, single (first at bat), run scored, RBI groundout, fielder’s choice RBI, stolen base. AVG: .280
(batting 5th)

Game 78/Game 4, July 4: 1-5, 3-run home run (first at bat), run scored, fielder’s choice, run scored, fielder’s choice. AVG: .278
(batting 5th)

Game 79/Game 5, July 5: 2-3, home run (first at bat), run scored, single, caught stealing, walk. AVG: .282
(batting 6th)

Game 80/Game 6, July 6: 1-3, single. AVG: .283
(batting 6th)

Game 81/Game 7, July 7: 1-4, double (first at bat), run scored, RBI groundout. AVG: .282
(batting 4th)

Game 82/Game 8, July 8: 3-4, single (first at bat), double, walk, single. AVG: .288
(batting 5th)

Game 83/Game 9, July 13: 3-4, single (first at bat), double, single. AVG: .294
(batting 6th)

Game 84/Game 10, July 14: 3-4, single (first at bat), walk, run scored, single, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .299
(batting 6th)

Game 85/Game 11, July 15: 2-3, double (first at bat), walk, double. AVG: .302
(batting 6th)
^^Michael’s 13-game hitting streak comes to an end^^

Game 86/Game 12, July 16: 0-1, walk (first at bat), walk, walk. AVG: .301
(batting 4th)

Game 87/Game 13, July 17: 0-2, walk, walk. AVG: .300
(batting 4th)

Game 88/Game 14, July 18: 2-5, triple (first at bat), RBI single, run scored. AVG: .301
(batting 4th)

Game 89/Game 15, July 19: 0-3. AVG: .299
(batting 4th, DH)

Game 90/Game 16, July 20: 0-4. AVG: .295
(batting 4th)

Game 91/Game 17, July 21: 1-4, single. AVG: .295
(batting 4th)

Game 92/Game 18, July 22: 1-3, walk, single, run scored. AVG: .295
(batting 5th)

Game 93/Game 19, July 23: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .294
(batting 4th)

Game 94/Game 20, July 24: 1-4, single. AVG: .294
(batting 4th)
^^Michael jarred his hand, wrist, and shoulder sliding into Prince Fielder’s leg in this game^^

Game 95/Game 21, July 25: 1-4, double, stolen base. AVG: .293
(batting 4th)

Game 96/Game 22, July 26: 1-4, single. AVG: .293
(batting 4th)
^^Michael’s 6-game hitting streak comes to an end^^

Game 97/Game 23, July 27: 0-3. AVG: .291
(batting 4th)

Game 98/Game 24, July 28: 0-2, walk (first at bat). AVG: .289
(batting 2nd)

Game 99/Game 25, July 29: 1-4, single. AVG: .289
(batting 5th)

Game 100/Game 26, July 31: 2-4, single (first at bat), run scored, double. AVG: .291
(batting 4th)


so far in 2012, Michael has a total of 418 plate appearances and 385 at bats in 100 games. in total, he has 112 hits, 75 singles, 29 doubles, 4 triples, 4 home runs, 46 RBIs, 43 runs scored, 32 walks (3 intentional), 40 strikeouts, and 11 stolen bases (6 caught stealing).
 
season batting average: .291 (112-385)

OBP: .344

SLG: .418

OPS: .763

Brantley's June and Overall 2012 #s

i already wrote a blog about Brantley's impressive team/league leading 22-game hitting streak, so i'm not really going to get into that again here. but i will say that i think that streak really helped him maintain around a .280 batting average, and for him that's pretty decent. i think that's what most people expected/projected from him. but now that he is hanging around .280, i'd like to see him do better than that. and i believe he can.

his season average, OBP, SLG, and OPS numbers continue to go up, but his runs scored and stolen bases continue to take a hit. and i don't believe these things are really in his control. the lower portion of our order on any given day is pretty weak, and it's not his fault that the people behind him are not batting him in. i figured this would be an issue once he got demoted from leadoff and sadly i was correct. same thing with the stealing bases; if he's not leading off and batting with the bases empty, it doesn't exactly provide him with the opportunities to run and steal as many bases as the guys who are more towards the top of the order. so if anyone's going to criticize him for that, you should think about the reasons for it first.

Brantley had at least 1 hit in 24 of the 27 games he played in June. and if you want to go back a little further, he's had a hit in 33 of the past 36 games he's played. he's doing very well considering Manny continues to move him all around in the batting order. through the first 3 months, he has hit in every place in the lineup except the 8th and 9th spots. and i don't think he'll ever see those spots. so good for Michael in that he's not letting any of that mess with his mind or interfere with his performance. the fact that Manny thinks he can hit anywhere in the order must be a testament to his overall consistency and being a reliable asset to the team. (i guess this could prove that it really doesn't matter where he hits in the order, because the hits should come all the same. do i think Michael would have eventually come out of his slump had he not been moved out of the leadoff spot? absolutely. do i think Choo would have eventually come out of his slump if he hadn't been moved to leadoff? yes i do. put Michael back there consistently and i bet we will see what we saw from him there last year. and i will argue that until the season's over lol) and of course, i've kept track of all his numbers everywhere he's hit.


now let's break down the numbers. i am going to document his June #s, the June 5th spot/overall 5th spot #s, the June 6th spot/overall 6th spot #s, the 3rd spot #s, the June leadoff/overall leadoff #s, the 4th spot #s, and the overall #s of everything other than leadoff. i will include his overall #s so far here as well.


June batting average: .286

OBP: .345

SLG: .400

OPS: .745


Michael played in 27 (of 27) games in June. he started and played center in all 27 games.

Michael bat 5th in 22 games.

Michael bat 6th in 2 games.

Michael bat 3rd in 1 game. (Kipnis had the day off.)

Michael led off 1 game. (Choo had the day off.)

Michael bat 4th in 1 game. (Santana was out and Lopez was not in the lineup.)


in June, Michael had a total of 116 plate appearances and 105 at bats. here is how he fared:

30 hits

21 singles

7 doubles

1 triple

1 home run

14 RBIs (1 sac fly)

7 runs scored

10 walks (1 intentional)

13 strikeouts

0 stolen bases (1 caught stealing)

4 first at bat hits

June batting average: .286 (30-105) (27 games)


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


when Michael bat 5th in June, he had a total of 93 plate appearances and 86 at bats in 22 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

26 hits

18 singles

7 doubles

0 triples

1 home run

11 RBIs (1 sac fly)

6 runs scored

6 walks (1 intentional)

8 strikeouts

0 stolen bases (1 caught stealing)

4 first at bat hits

June batting average in the 5th spot: .302 (26-86)
overall batting average so far in the 5th spot: .320 (31-97) (25 games)


when Michael bat 6th in June, he had a total of 8 plate appearances and 6 at bats in 2 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

2 hits

1 single

1 triple

1 RBI

2 walks

2 strikeouts

June batting average in the 6th spot: .333 (2-6)
overall batting average so far in the 6th spot: .250 (10-40) (12 games)


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

1 hit

1 single

June batting average in the 3rd spot: .200 (1-5)


when Michael led off in June, he had a total of 5 plate appearances and 4 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 RBI

1 run scored

1 walk

2 strikeouts

June batting average leading off: .000 (0-4)
 overall batting average so far in the leadoff spot: .227 (22-97) (22 games)


when Michael bat 4th in June, he had a total of 5 plate appearances and 4 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

1 RBI

1 walk

1 strikeout

June batting average in the 4th spot: .250 (1-4)


June batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .297 (30-101) (26 games)
overall batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .307 (61-199) (52 games)


now my game-by-game numbers and notes.

Michael ended May and therefore started June on a 9-game hitting streak.

Game 48/Game 1, June 1: 1-4, RBI double. AVG: .277
(batting 5th)

Game 49/Game 2, June 2: 1-4, fielder’s choice RBI, RBI single. AVG: .276
(batting 5th)

Game 50/Game 3, June 3: 2-4, single, single. AVG: .281
(batting 5th)

Game 51/Game 4, June 5: 1-2, walk (first at bat), RBI triple, walk. AVG: .283
(batting 6th)

Game 52/Game 5, June 6: 1-4, 3-run home run (first at bat), run scored, intentional walk. AVG: .282
(batting 5th)

Game 53/Game 6, June 7: 1-4, reached on fielding error, single. AVG: .282
(batting 6th)

Game 54/Game 7, June 8: 2-5, RBI groundout (first at bat), single, single, run scored. AVG: .284
(batting 5th)

Game 55/Game 8, June 9: 2-4, single, single. AVG: .288
(batting 5th)
^^before this game, it was reported by Nick Camino that Michael had “soreness”^^

Game 56/Game 9, June 10: 1-5, single. AVG: .286
(batting 5th)

Game 57/Game 10, June 12: 1-4, single, caught stealing. AVG: .286
(batting 5th)

Game 58/Game 11, June 13: 1-4, single. AVG: .285
(batting 5th)

Game 59/Game 12, June 14: 1-4, double, run scored. AVG: .285
(batting 5th)

Game 60/Game 13, June 15: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .284
(batting 5th)
^^Michael’s 22-game hitting streak comes to an end^^

Game 61/Game 14, June 16: 0-3, walk (first at bat). AVG: .280
(batting 5th)

Game 62/Game 15, June 17: 1-4, RBI double. AVG: .280
(batting 5th)

Game 63/Game 16, June 18: 2-3, double (first at bat), run scored, double, run scored, RBI sac fly. AVG: .285
(batting 5th)

Game 64/Game 17, June 19: 1-4, single. AVG: .284
(batting 5th)

Game 65/Game 18, June 20: 1-5, single. AVG: .282
(batting 3rd)

Game 66/Game 19, June 22: 1-3, walk, RBI single. AVG: .283
(batting 5th)

Game 67/Game 20, June 23: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .283
(batting 5th)

Game 68/Game 21, June 24: 0-4. AVG: .278
(batting 5th)

Game 69/Game 22, June 25: 1-3, single (first at bat), reached on force out. AVG: .279
(batting 5th)

Game 70/Game 23, June 26: 1-4, double. AVG: .279
(batting 5th)

Game 71/Game 24, June 27: 0-4, fielder’s choice, run scored, RBI walk. AVG: .275
(leading off)

Game 72/Game 25, June 28: 2-3, walk (first at bat), run scored, double, single, walk. AVG: .279
(batting 5th)

Game 73/Game 26, June 29: 1-4, RBI single (first at bat), walk. AVG: .278
(batting 4th)

Game 74/Game 27, June 30: 2-5, walk (first at bat), single, single. AVG: .280
(batting 5th)


so far in 2012, Michael has a total of 317 plate appearances and 296 at bats in 74 games. in total, he has 83 hits, 57 singles, 22 doubles, 3 triples, 1 home run, 35 RBIs, 33 runs scored, 20 walks (2 intentional), 31 strikeouts, and 9 stolen bases (5 caught stealing).

season batting average: .280 (83-296)

OBP: .325

SLG: .385

OPS: .710

No 23 for 23

thought i would write a quick blog now that Brantley's hitting streak has ended. never before in my life have i been disappointed that Brantley "wasted" an at bat today by drawing a walk. and i may be bitter that Michael wasn't batting higher in the order, which could have given him one final at bat in the bottom of the 9th inning today. and i may or may not have teared up about it...i won't divulge that information lol but all good things must come to an end. Michael didn't want to talk about his hitting streak with reporters, but there's no way he wasn't thinking about it every time he went to bat in the last couple days after he set a new career high for himself.

Brantley's 22-game hitting streak started on May 20 and extended through June 15. at the start, his batting average was .255; at the end, .284.


Brantley had 90 plate appearances and 86 at bats in 22 games during his streak.

he bat 2nd in 3 games.

he bat 5th in 13 games.

he bat 6th in 6 games.


here are his numbers:

batting average: .337 (29-86)

against lefties: .333 (9-27)

against righties: .339 (20-59)

OBP: .367

SLG: .442

OPS: .809


23 singles

4 doubles

1 triple

1 home run

16 RBIs

12 runs scored

12 strikeouts

4 walks (1 was intentional)

6 stolen bases (1 caught stealing)


let's break this down even further.


Michael bat 2nd in 3 games. he had 13 plate appearances and 12 at bats. his numbers are as follows:

batting average: .333 (4-12)

3 singles

1 double

6 RBIs

4 runs scored

2 strikeouts

1 walk

1 stolen base


Michael bat 5th in 13 games. he had 54 plate appearances and 53 at bats. his numbers are as follows:

batting average: .321 (17-53)

14 singles

2 doubles

1 home run

9 RBIs

4 runs scored

7 strikeouts

1 (intentional) walk

2 stolen bases (1 caught stealing)


Michael bat 6th in 6 games. he had 23 plate appearances and 21 at bats. his numbers are as follows:

batting average: .381 (8-21)

6 singles

1 double

1 triple

1 RBI

4 runs scored

3 strikeouts

2 walks

3 stolen bases


when i wrote my May blog and documented that he finished the month on a 9-game hitting streak, i was happy because it was a clear sign of improvement, and i never could have imagined he'd continue on with that for 13 more games. not only is his hitting streak a team high for the season, but it's the current longest streak in the major leagues. he set the bar high, and while another player on another team may eventually break that streak, i doubt any Indians will.

but of course, some people out there were unimpressed by his streak. i heard comments such as "shouldn't his batting average be higher for someone with that long of a streak?" and "he's only been 1 for 4 in most games, hitting mainly singles." downplay it all you want, but if it was so easy to do, more players would be doing it.

no matter what else happens this season, i am proud of him. he's a team player and doesn't care about individual accolades, but i hope he was enjoying the ride on some level. and at least it helped him get more recognition around the league. not many people knew who he was in 2010, but people have to know him now. it's what he's always wanted; to go to the plate with the fans behind him cheering him on.😀