Clevelinks: Cleveland Indians Top Cincinnati Reds; Where To Bat Carlos Santana?

Trevor Bauer impressed in his first performance of the spring as the Cleveland Indians took two out of three from the Cincinnati Reds in an unusual “series” start to camp. The Reds Burke Badenhop allowed five in the fifth, including a two-run homer run to Yan Gomes. Bruce Chen also made his debut for the Tribe, throwing two scoreless innings. The Indians are right back at it today, facing the defending AL Champion Kansas City Royals.

Slugger Carlos Santana spent most of last season hitting in the cleanup spot for the Tribe. It’s the spot that seems logical again this season, but could we see him as the No. 2 hitter? Last season, the top of the order failed to get on base and provide run scoring opportunities to take advantage of “El Oso’s” power. But he himself was an on-base machine. So will Terry Francona find a new home in the batting order for him?

Our friends over at Call to the Pen ranked the Top 5 starting rotations in baseball, and the Indians found themselves on the list at No. 5. A few questions still remain with the staff–who gets the No. 5 spot? Can Kluber repeat his Cy Young campaign? But the talent level of the staff isn’t up for debate, only the ability to go out and do it again in 2015.

‘Indians top Reds 9-3 for second straight win’ – Wahoo’s on First

‘Carlos Santana and the batting order quagmire’ – Wahoo’s on First

‘Ranking the Top 5 rotations in MLB for 2015’ – Call to the Pen

‘Salazar looks to build on strong 2015 finish‘ – Wahoo’s on First

‘Pence has broken forearm, out 6-8 weeks’ – Around the Foghorn

#Indians on Social Media