Three Takeaways from the Indians All-Stars

The Indians were represented well in the nation's capital, with six players earning the right to play in this year's MLB All-Star Game. That became five players after ace Corey Kluber stayed behind after receiving an injection in his knee on Friday.

Still, there was plenty of reason to tune in with José Ramírez, Francisco Lindor, Michael Brantley, Trevor Bauer and the late edition Yan Gomes repping the Tribe. Those who did were treated to plenty of excitement as the mid-summer classic became a bonus round of the Home Run Derby. The two leagues combined for an All-Star Game record 10 home runs in the contest and needed extras to be decided a victor.

None of the Indians batters joined in on the long ball party, but they did make plenty of contributions to help the AL claim an 8-6 win. Here are three takeaways from the Indians All-Star's performances.

1) Brantley Delivers

Before the season, some Indians fans questioned whether or not Michael Brantley was even worth retaining following consecutive injury-plagued seasons. Alas, the 31-year-old posted an incredible first half that featured a slash line of .308/.355/.493, 38 extra base hits and 56 RBI and earned himself a trip to the All-Star Game. Not only did he get there though, Brantley left Nationals' Park doing two things none of his fellow Tribe All-Stars could; getting a hit and driving in a run.

After replacing Yankees slugger Aaron Judge in left field in the 6th inning, Brantley stepped to the plate in the top of the seventh and drilled a Felipe Vazquez pitch up the middle for a single. He'd eventually reach second base but was left stranded. Later, after a Scooter Gennett homer in the bottom of the ninth sent the game to extras, Brantley came to the plate in the top of the 10th and delivered a key insurance run on a sacrifice fly to left field. On the night, Brantley went 1-for-2 with the lone RBI. The other three Indians hitters went a combined 0-for-6 with two strikeouts.

2) Lindor Mic'd Up

MLB has made a trend out of mic-ing up players on the field during the All-Star Game and it's usually pretty entertaining. This year, Franciso Lindor got to do the honors and the results were glorious. Lindor flashed his charm in this laugh out loud moment in the seventh when Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez made his way to second base after being plunked earlier in the inning...

A little kiss makes the pain go away, right? 😂

Francisco Lindor is a Class A goofball!#AllStarGame | #RallyTogether https://t.co/jnGpzb3mCQ
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 18, 2018

Classic Lindor! And what a great opportunity for the rest of the country to see Lindor's charisma that Cleveland loves so much.

3) You're Next Cleveland

Nationals Park was certainly an excellent host and backdrop for this year's All-Star Game festivities. But now the torch is passed to Cleveland. The Mid-Summer Classic comes to the 216 next July and should bring some LeBron-like buzz to the area. From a strictly Indians standpoint, it will be a great opportunity to showcase some of their young stars like Lindor and Ramírez, should they be nominated again. Special as both players are they often fly under the radar in Northeast Ohio, but to be faces of the host city could go a long way, especially with a potential Bryce Harper like Home Run Derby performance. Additionally, if done right, the franchise will provide a memorable baseball experience for fans all over the world. On a larger scale, the city itself gets to show off as well. Cleveland is far too often the butt of the joke in regards to it's status as a major metropolitan. People laugh at the idea of "vacationing in Cleveland." Well, there will be plenty of summer trips planned here this time next year and those tourists will soon realize how many outstanding things this under-appreciated city has to offer.