Vote: choose your American League first-half MVP

Jul 9, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Michael Brantley (23) singles in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

2. Michael Brantley, Cleveland Indians
2014 stats: .322/.382/.519, 15 HR, 63 RBI, 154 OPS+, 154 wRC+, .394 wOBA

Might surprise some that I have Brantley included within these five. I honestly don’t think it should be, and Indians fans will tell you of the dynamic breakout season Brantley has produced thus far.

Here’s some proof…

Brantley is currently ranked in the top ten in batting average (6th), OBP (9th), SLG (9th), OPS+ (6th), wRC+ (6th), and wOBA (8th). He’s also 4th in runs scored (63) and 10th in RBI. Pretty strong numbers there. Numbers I feel that are strong enough to have Brantley among these five players.

Brantley is making good on the Tribe’s offseason decision to extend him a four-year, $25M contract. And at $1.5M for this season, he’s been an exceptional bargain.