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Cleveland Indians: All-Millennium lineup 20 years into the 2000s

By Aaron Gershon

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 15: Catcher Matt Wieters #32 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on as Grady Sizemore #24 and Travis Hafner #48 of the Cleveland Indians celebrate Sizemore's two-run home run during the fifth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 15, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 15: Catcher Matt Wieters #32 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on as Grady Sizemore #24 and Travis Hafner #48 of the Cleveland Indians celebrate Sizemore's two-run home run during the fifth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 15, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 6: Lonnie Chisenhall #8 of the Cleveland Indians celebrates with Michael Brantley #23 of the Cleveland Indians after Brantley scores on a hit by David Murphy #7 during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field on May 6, 2014 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 6: Lonnie Chisenhall #8 of the Cleveland Indians celebrates with Michael Brantley #23 of the Cleveland Indians after Brantley scores on a hit by David Murphy #7 during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field on May 6, 2014 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

LF: Michael Brantley (2009-18)

Despite a handful of injury-riddled seasons, Micheal Brantley‘s 10-years as an Indian will be fondly remembered and easily make him the top left fielder of the decade for the Tribe.

Brantley was named an All-Star three times during his time in Cleveland while also winning a Silver Slugger Award in 2014.

2014 was easily Brantley’s best year as an Indian as in addition to winning the Silver Slugger Award for AL Left Fielders finished third in AL MVP voting after slashing .327/.385/.506 with 20 home runs and 97 RBI’s.

Brantley would leave Cleveland for Houston as a free agent after the 2018 season, but he did more than enough during his time as an Indian to make the teams’ current All-Millennium lineup.

CF: Grady Sizemore (2004-11)

Before injuries ultimately derailed his career, Grady Sizemore was on his way to a decorated career. However, his production for the Indians still earns him the start in center field for the Indians’ current All-Millennium lineup.

Sizemore was named an All-Star three-times while in Cleveland, won two Gold Glove Awards and took home a Silver Slugger in 2008. He also helped lead the Indians to an AL Central title in 2007, where the team defeated the New York Yankees in the ALDS and came within one game of the World Series after losing a seven-game heartbreaking ALCS to the Red Sox.

While after being an iron man early in his career, playing 162 games in both 2006 and 2007, the wear and tear would put an abrupt end to his rise to stardom as he played just 33 games in 2010 and 71 in 2011 and would never wear an Indians uniform again afterward.

RF: Lonnie Chisenhall (2011-18)

The right field position has been somewhat of a revolving door for the Indians, which is why Lonnie Chisenhall, who also played some third base during his time in Cleveland, gets the nod.

In parts of eight seasons with the Tribe, Chisenhall slashed .268/.320/.427. and 64 home runs and 296 RBI’s. He hit above .280 three times, including in 2016, where he played 126 games, slashing .286/.328/.439 with eight home runs and 57 RBI’s. In the postseason, he hit .300 with a home run and four RBI’s in the Indians ALDS sweep of the Red Sox en route to the World Series.

Chisenhall’s versatility, steady bat and great personality makes him loved in Cleveland, giving him the right field spot.

DH: Travis Hafner (2003-12)

For much of his time in Cleveland, Travis Hafner emerged as one of the most feared designated hitters in all of baseball.

From 2004-07, Hafner smashed at least 24 home runs, including a monster 2006 season that saw him hit 42 home runs with 117 RBI’s and a slash line of .308/.439/.659.

While injuries ultimately derailed his career earlier than the Indians would’ve hoped, Hafner easily gets the starting nod as the All-Millennium DH right now.

Next: Starting Pitcher