Well that’ll do it folks. We’re still not mathematically eliminated but you and I, and apparently the team, know the 2015 Cleveland Indians campaign is all but over. Shutting our best player down with just six games to go might be a reward more than anything for Brantley, who played through multiple injuries all year. And he deserves it. His ranks among all big-league outfielders:

• Hits – 164 (T-10th)
• Doubles – 45 (1st among all players)
• RBI – 84 (T-9th)
• Strikeouts – 51 (3rd)
• Avg – .310 (10th)
• K% – 8.6% (1st)
• OBP – .379 (4th)
• wRC+ – 136 (7th)

He also chipped in 15 bombs and 15 swipes.

Not bad for a player-to-be-named-later. Thanks, Mark Shapiro! (And Dale Sveum)

Below are some clips and highlights from Smooth’s 2015 season. In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. But one thing is certain – when I stumble up to the bleachers in 187 days to watch the Tribe take on the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day, #23 will be taking the field in front of me and hitting third in the lineup.

Also h/t to YouTube user JLTRAIN233 for doing the lord’s work all year with his video highlights featuring Tom Hamilton’s calls.

HR on 5/5

Game-tying HR on 7/22

Walk-off single 8/11

Second HR of the night 8/25

Two go-ahead HRs 9/10

2015 Highlights

And for good measure…

Hammy making fun of Pittsburgh

KEEP THE CHIEF