Eastern League MVP Carlos Santana has had surgery on his right hand.
Santana, the Indians catcher of the future had his winter season shortened when he broke the hamate bone in his right hand. The setback should not cost Santana time this spring, as he is expected to be able to play in 8 to 10 weeks.
Santana is seen by many as the next Victor Martinez. Santana has the ability to hit for average and for power. He continued to refine his defense behind the plate for Akron in AA last season. It is expected that Santana will begin the season in AAA and assume the catching duties for the Tribe when the Brass is comfortable with his defensive ability behind the plate. Lou Marson, acquired from Philadelphia in the Cliff Lee deal may get most of the starting assignments for the Indians. Trading Kelly Shoppach has reduced the line waiting to replace Martinez behind the plate by one. Shoppach will be playing for Tampa Bay in '10.
Santana was obtained from the Los Angeles Dodgers along with pitcher Jon Meloan for third baseman Casey Blake.
Additional bad news came the Tribe's way as pitcher Adam Miller had yet another surgery on the middle finger of his right hand. This latest surgery, performed by the same surgeon that operated on Santana could very well end Miller's career. It was a total reconstruction of that middle finger.
Miller has been hurt for much of his career and he has never been able to pitch to his potential. The finger issue is just one of a number of injuries that have plagued the right-handed former flame throwing starter. This time, he may not be able to come back.
So the Indians head to the chilly winter months in Cleveland not knowing if Jake Westbrook will make it back after surgery (currently pitching in the winter league without issues) or if Fausto Carmona can once again show the brilliance he flashed three seasons ago. Now Santana has to come back from surgery and Miller's career could be in jeopardy once again.
Cleveland fans have little to cheer about. And now they have new concerns with Santana and they hope for the best for Miller. Nobody ever said it was easy being an Indians fan. Plenty of good seats for next season will be available for home games. Just call the ticket office and tell them when you want the game to start. They won't start the game until you get there.