Each week I select someone as the Indians' top player of the previous week. Then, because this is a dictatorship, but not a totalitarian one, I let you all have your say as well. Some weeks it's a no-brainer, while other weeks there are multiple guys with a strong case. (Occasionally there are weeks when no one has a strong case.)
Previous winners:
- April 6-12: Carlos Santana (my choice, and by a single vote, the voting winner)
- April 13-19: Corey Kluber (with a plurality, but not majority of the vote)
- April 20-26: Brandon Moss (me), Michael Brantley (readers)
The Indians still haven't won a series since their first of the season, or won two games in a row for three and a half weeks, but the offense is showing real signs of life, coming off easily its best week of the season. Meanwhile, the starting rotation, which had been the one thing going well, had easily its worst week of the season. Hopefully sometime soon the offense and the rotation both play well at the same time.
Anyway, I think there's a easy winner this week. I'm guessing most of you will agree.
The Candidates
Mike Aviles
Aviles only played in three games last week, but he made them count (and if the Indians aren't going to call up Lindor, giving Aviles additional time over Jose Ramirez might be in order), posting a line of .333/.429/.750, with a home run and two doubles.
Michael Brantley
Either Brantley's back hasn't really been bothering him for a couple weeks, or when he does get healthy he's going to bat .400. Doc Smooth hit .370/.469/.630 last week. He had 10 hits, including four multi-hit games. He homered (breaking open a tied game Friday night) , hit four doubles, and stole two bases.
Jason Kipnis
It was one of the best week's of Kipnis' career, as he batted ..393/.500/.786, with 11 hits (including 3 home runs) and 5 walks. He scored 8 runs, and drove in 7. His home run against Kansas City on Wednesday was the most important hit of that game, and on Sunday he did a bit of everything.
Zach McAllister
Old Rough and Ready seems to have adjusted back to a bullpen role pretty well. He appeared in four games last week, throwing a total of 5.2 innings, all without giving up any runs. He recorded 8 strikeouts while allowing only 3 base runners. An ERA of 0.00 and a FIP of 0.30. Yeah, that'll work.
The Verdict
There are plenty of week's in which Brantley's numbers would be enough to merit this honor, but last week wasn't one of them. Kipnis looked fantastic at the plate, and is an easy choice for me.
Congratulations, Jason!