Cleveland Indians: Under the radar key player for the ALDS

All eyes will be on the Cleveland Indians power hitters in their matchup against the Astros, but there is one player that may be the most important to the Tribe this postseason.

As we prepare for the impending stress of the ALDS, everyone is talking about sluggers like Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, and Edwin Encarnacion. While those are certainly important pieces to the Cleveland Indians lineup and there are many more key components to the team; Michael Brantley could perhaps be the biggest key player to the Indians order.

Brantley doesn’t have the big slugging numbers like the aforementioned players, consistency is key to Brantley’s game. He has the highest batting average among starters in the Indians lineup at .309 and he can still use a big swing when he has to with a .458 slugging percentage.

The good numbers don’t stop there for Dr. Smooth, he’s having career years when it comes to batting average on balls in play (BABIP), as well as weighted runs created plus (WRC+). His 3.5 WAR is second only to 2014, which was easily the best year of his career.

While these numbers are impressive, what’s important to realize is that this is a bit of a resurgence for the left fielder. He had “down seasons” in his last two years by his standards. Once he received his contract extension, fans were up in arms about spending the money on the left fielder. Micahel went out and proved all of those doubters wrong and then some.

Brantley often gets overlooked due to his spot in the Indians lineup. He’s sitting between two of the most popular players on the roster (Lindor and Ramirez). But one can argue that he’s just as important as that duo. Lindor has been so capable of hitting a leadoff home run this year, that he led the league in that category. That basically puts Brantley in a leadoff position whenever that happens.

With his ability to get on base, Dr. Smooth is no stranger to causing havoc on the basepaths as a leadoff man would. He has 12 stolen bases and 89 runs scored thanks to his position in the order. Being able to get on base allows Jose Ramirez to do what he does best, driving in runs with extra-base hits. Despite Jose’s struggles with his hitting of late, he is still very capable of walking.

With Brantley and Ramirez on base, Edwin Encarnacion can drive them in with his big bat, which would explain his team-leading 107 RBI. Are you seeing the pattern? While the numbers are important, Brantley plays a role that can’t always be replicated in his stats, but the stats and performances of others.

It’s strange to think that we may not see Michael Brantley in an Indians uniform after this season. Maybe we’ll get lucky and the doctor will get another extension. But for now, we shouldn’t overlook just how important his role is for the Indians offense.