The Indians were successful in at least one area during the first half of the season — finding playing time for young players who may be part of the club’s core group moving forward.
Expect to see more of the same in the second half.
In last place in the Central Division and owning the second- worst record in the American League (34-54), the Indians enter the final two-plus months of the regular season playing for the future, with the young players that already litter Cleveland’s lineup and 25-man roster auditioning for roles next year and beyond.
It’s probably not what the Indians nor their fans envisioned at the start of the season, but it’s reality for a low-budget team that has been wrecked by injuries and performance issues from the get-go.
Even with the Indians well out of contention, there will still be things worth watching, one of them, mega-prospect Carlos Santana, who barring a shocking setback, has already solidified a spot in 2011.
Though he hasn’t been around long, thanks to a late promotion from Triple-A Columbus, Santana looks the part of a starting catcher at the plate and behind it. The Dominican has had problems communicating with a handful of pitchers, but that has been the only knock against him.
Catcher Carlos Santana, above, is certain to be one of the young players the Indians count on in the second half, while pitcher Carlos Carrasco is expected to get a chance to show what he can do, too. (AP photo.)
A future roster spot is also all but secured for first baseman Matt LaPorta, who has improved his status during his second stint with the Indians this season.
LaPorta began the year on the big league roster before slumping and losing playing time to veteran Russell Branyan, who was traded in late June. Since LaPorta’s return, he has displayed the power and production the Indians always thought he possessed.
The verdict is still out on nearly all of the other newbies on the big league level — outfielders Trevor Crowe and Michael Brantley, infielders Jason Donald, Jayson Nix and Anderson Hernandez and reliever Hector Ambriz.
They all have shown flashes but haven’t done enough to be counted on in 2011, though they figure to get the opportunity to prove their worth over the final 74 games.
Most of the Indians’ top prospects are already on the major league level, but there still figures to be some new and old faces arriving during the September call-up period, maybe before.
Expect to see Triple-A Columbus right-hander Carlos Carrasco, who, according to manager Manny Acta, nearly made the big league rotation out of spring training. Carrasco, who was acquired in the Cliff Lee trade with the Phillies last year, has spent the entire season at Columbus, where he hasn’t been dominant but has pitched well enough to get a look from the Indians in the second half.
Carrasco’s rotation mate in Columbus, right-hander Josh Tomlin, has been impressive and could warrant a promotion. The same goes for Clipper Jordan Brown, who had an outside shot at making the big league roster as an extra outfielder before sustaining a knee injury shortly into training camp.
A number of players that began the season in Cleveland — opening-day starters Luis Valbuena (second base) and Lou Marson (catcher), as well as left-hander David Huff, who spent the majority of the first half in the Indians’ rotation — could be back.
Though the second-half focus will be on developing young players, there will still be a significant veteran flavor.
The Indians are awaiting the return of shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and right fielder Shin-Soo Choo, both players coming off injuries.
Cabrera (fractured left forearm) is expected to begin an extended minor league rehab assignment shortly after the All-Star break, with hopes of returning in late July or early August. Choo (right thumb strain) has avoided surgery to this point and is projected to return around the same time.
All-Star Fausto Carmona and Rookie of the Year candidate Mitch Talbot will remain in the rotation, while designated hitter Travis Hafner continues his comeback season. Outside of an early season stumble, setup man Chris Perez has been solid, the right-hander expected to take over the closer role from Kerry Wood in 2011.
Some veterans could be on the move at the July 31 trading deadline, with Cleveland likely willing to entertain offers for Wood, outfielder Austin Kearns, third baseman Jhonny Peralta and starting pitcher Jake Westbrook.
All are in the final year of their contracts with the club, with longtime Indians Westbrook (10 years) and Peralta (eight years) possibly playing their final season in Cleveland.
Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com.
