NICHAEL_BRANTLEY_2-RN_HR__4TH_INNING_GUTHRIE_4_21__DUNCAN_AP.JPG

Indians left fielder Michael Brantley has nine home runs this season.

(Mark Duncan/Associated Press)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Michael Brantley couldn't do it all himself.

Questions had persisted about whether Brantley would develop more power, whether he could be effective enough to remain in the middle of the lineup, whether he could make Indians fans forget about Matt LaPorta and CC Sabathia.

To respond to those inquiries, he needed a push from two people: his outfield companion, Michael Bourn, and his baby daughter, Mariah.

A four-year, $25 million extension didn't hurt, either.

"We all said when that deal came out that that was a bargain for us," said first baseman Nick Swisher.

Perhaps no game exemplifies Brantley's progression into a five-tool player better than Wednesday's 11-10 win against Detroit. The left fielder collected four hits, stole two bases, scored two runs, tallied three RBIs, went 2-for-3 with runners in scoring position, drove in a pair of runs with two outs and socked a game-tying RBI single in the 13th inning.

"He does everything great," said Jason Giambi. "He plays great defense. He throws to the right base. He runs the bases well. He takes great at-bats. He can hit the ball the other way. He can pull the ball. Now he's showing power."

With nine round-trippers, Brantley stands one home run shy of his career high, established last season. He entered the 2014 campaign with 26 career homers; he is on pace to top that mark this year.

So from where has the power come?

"Daddy strength," Brantley said.

Brantley insists he didn't spend his winter in the weight room, bulking up so he could provide more pop in the batter's box. Manager Terry Francona believes Brantley has a sturdier base, which has backed him with more power. The 27-year-old has repeatedly joked that the newfound muscle is a result of carrying around his eight-month-old daughter.

"I've been saying it before and I'll say it again," Brantley said, laughing. "No, I'm just putting good swings on good pitches. I worked hard this offseason to mature my swing and grow as a hitter. I feel like I'm doing a great job at it."

Brantley delivered a walk-off homer into the visitor's bullpen on Monday. A day later, he recorded his major league-leading fifth outfield assist when he fired a one-hop laser to second base to nab Ian Kinsler, who attempted to stretch a single into a double.

Brantley's all-around game has blossomed. His nickname, Dr. Smooth, has become a more well-known moniker than any character on Grey's Anatomy or ER. In the clubhouse, the Indians have sported light blue T-shirts with a depiction of Brantley, watching the ball sail off his bat, with Progressive Field in the background and his nickname in a Dr. Pepper logo in the forefront.

"[He is] a superstar in the making," Giambi said. "He really is. How he keeps growing every single year is fun to watch."

In 2011, second baseman Orlando Cabrera convinced shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to employ a style of swing that would allow for more power at the plate. Asdrubal, who had hit 18 career home runs in four big league seasons, clubbed 25 that year.

Bourn and Brantley shared a similar conversation this year.

"I had to convince him a little bit," Bourn said. "It's all about believing that you can do it. When you come up here first, you might just want to stick with what you've been doing the whole time. You might not want to take a chance of swinging the bat with a little authority. He's done that now."

The Indians have needed the power stroke, too. No other player on the roster has more than six homers. Brantley's 36 RBIs rank among the American League leaders.

"I don't know exactly [what's fueled it]. I know it's fun to watch," Francona said. "I think his base is stronger, his legs. I think as good hitters get to know themselves throughout the league, sometimes that evolves into more production. Balls that maybe used to be doubles, he's starting to drive over the fence, which is great to see. What I really like is the fact that he's the same hitter, he's just generating a few more home runs."

Bourn suggested that the Indians "haven't even seen the best of him." Swisher referred to Brantley as "that cornerstone, that keystone guy that we really, really need."

Mariah Brantley is far too young to comprehend what her father has accomplished. One day, perhaps, her father will reveal that she played a part in pushing him to great heights. That might depend on how much "Daddy strength" Brantley needs to guide the Indians to where they want to go.

"You're going to see him grow and grow and keep growing," Giambi said. "He's going to be an unbelievable player."