According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Indians have traded starting catcher Kelly Shoppach to the Rays for a PTBNL.  The big story is that the Indians’ top prospect, switch hitting catcher Carlos Santana is poised to be their starting catcher at some point this season.

Indians’ General Manager Mark Shapiro commented on the status of Santana, “Most likely for [Santana] some time at Triple-A continuing to develop his game-calling, his leadership skills and honing his defensive game will be beneficial,” he continued, “I would expect at some point (next) season, between April and September, we’ll see him in Cleveland.”

Santana would likely platoon with recently acquired backstop Lou Marson (Cliff Lee deal), but as a switch hitter, with Matt LaPorta potentially grounded to start the season, Santana should have the opportunity for AB’s at DH as well. My guess is that if Santana performs well in Spring Training he could join the team to open the season.  But we’ll see.

Last season at AA Akron Santana’s final line over 130 games was:

.290 AVG, 23 HR, 97 RBI, 2 SB, .413 OBP, .530 SLG (943 OPS)

Santana is a must own in all Keeper League formats and should be considered in traditional Roto/PPA leagues if he emerges as the likely starter out of spring training.

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