CLEVELAND -- Michael Brantley heard the criticism floating around during the offseason in the wake of the Indians' decision to pick up his option for this year. It was never about Brantley's skills as a hitter, but a list of injury issues kept the veteran outfielder off the field for the bulk of the past two seasons.
Prior to Monday's game against the Reds, Brantley stood flanked by reporters in front of his locker, having been named to the American League All-Star team one day earlier. This season, Brantley, who was voted into the Midsummer Classic by his peers, has been a fixture in the lineup, shown no ill effects from his injury history and he has quieted any lingering critics in the process.