Here Come's Santana

CLEVELAND -- With Stephen Strasburg in town, the Cleveland Indians decided it was time to bring up their top rookie prospect.
The club recalled switch-hitting catcher Carlos Santana from Triple-A Columbus on Friday before the Indians begin a three-game series against the Washington Nationals, who will give Strasburg his first major league road start in the finale on Sunday.

Santana, regarded as one of the best prospects in the majors, was batting .316 with 13 homers and 51 RBIs in 57 games for the Clippers.

Perhaps the best hitter in Cleveland's entire organization, the Indians kept him in the minor leagues this season to work on his receiving skills and overall defense.

Among the 14 American League teams, Cleveland's offense ranks 10th in batting average (.246), 12th in slugging (.367), 12th in runs scored (236, 4.1 per-game average) and 13th in home runs (38).

"We had challenged Carlos," Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said. "It's clear that his bat had dictated a call-up a while ago. But in the last two or three weeks he has made significant strides in his defensive aspects -- his game calling, leading the staff and his throwing."

To make room for Santana, the club optioned catcher Lou Marson to Columbus. Marson, acquired last season in the Cliff Lee trade to Philadelphia, was batting just .191 in 45 games. Marson was leading AL catchers in throwing out baserunners.

Santana was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008 in the deal for third baseman Casey Blake. Last year, Santana was the Indians' top minor league player after he earned the Eastern League's MVP.

The Indians have high hopes for the 24-year-old, and are doing all they can to keep them in perspective.

"He's still a prospect," Shapiro said, "and there will be some growing pains. But he's a guy who will be fun to watch and has the upside to be a star."

Indians Call Up Top Prospect

I think he's gonna be a beast. I wish the Dodgers never traded him to the Indians.

Hope he does good and lives up to the hype.

Woooooo, I've been waiting for ever for him to get called up.

Awesome debut!!!