Jun
11
Written by:
Matt Underwood
6/11/2010 9:52 PM
Perhaps it was all planned this way or maybe the Indians front office got swept up in Strasburg mania. Whatever the case, rookie Carlos Santana will make his major league debut this weekend with the Indians. To make room for Santana the Tribe sent Lou Marson down to AAA Columbus.
Fans have been clamoring for Santana since opening day and hasn't helped matters that Marson struggled to hit above the dreaded Mendoza line. GM Mark Shapiro told us in spring training that Santana would let them know when he was ready for the call-up with how he developed his skills behind the plate. He is far from a finished product as a catcher but, now he will have Sandy Alomar to tutor him on the finer points of calling a game.
Asst. GM Chris Antonetti told me the other day that his biggest concern with Santana is throwing out base stealers. He has a great arm but, his throws have been erratic due to mechanics and footwork. There has never been any doubts about Santana's bat which was deemed "ready for the big leagues" before the season even began.
Sunday's much anticipated game which features rookie RHP Stehpen Strasburg now has a nice subplot with Santana in the Indians line-up. It will either be the most over-hyped rookie match-up of the last quarter century or a prelude to a pair of tremendous careers. Either way it will be a must-see event in Cleveland.
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