Houston Astros fans watch as the Astros gave up a lead to the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning of Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )
Farewell to Michael Brantley…and who is the Astros’ replacement?
Michael Brantley announced his retirement. He is one of the team’s most respected and productive hitters. Who can replace his role?
Late last week, Michael Brantley announced his retirement. He probably could have played at the age of 37, but he decided it was time to spend more time with his family. During his 5 year tenure with the Astros, Brantley was one of the most respected and popular Astros. Teammates and fans loved what he brought to the game. Now we can look back at his career with the Astros…and also look at who might take his role in the future.
Many labels can be placed on Brantley. A “pro’s pro.” The professional hitter with a sweet lefthanded swing. Mr. Cool. Calm and collected Dr. Smooth. He was proficient in all facets of hitting: clutch home runs, plate discipline, avoiding strike outs and attracting walks, hitting doubles, and hitting for average. Brantley wasn’t flashy on defense, but he brought solid fielding and an accurate arm to the outfield.
I’ll get to the stats shortly. But first let’s salute the intangibles he brought to the team. In early 2022, Fangraphs asked a number of veteran players who they viewed as “most underrated” player in baseball. Two former Astros said Michael Brantley. Catcher Jason Castro said:
“If you look at the body of work he’s put together over the course of his career, how consistent a hitter he’s been… I know he’s been an All-Star five times, but he’s not a guy that really gets talked about all that much…”
Kendall Graveman, who at this point was a White Sox pitcher, said:
“Michael Brantley. I don’t know if you can say he’s underrated — everyone knows he’s a good player — but at the same time, he doesn’t get the notoriety because he’s probably not hitting 400-foot home runs. I think he’s the best ‘professional’ I’ve been around. And for somebody to hit as well as he does, for as long as he has — especially in today’s game — and not search for more power, just be really true to who he is… and there’s also the impact he makes on the outfielders on his team. That, to me, makes a player underrated. The intangibles — being a professional and helping teammates — are something you can’t put a number on. From being inside different clubhouses, that’s something I view as underrated.”
