The Indians were 10-18 since Hafner went to the DL on May 18th, but are now 1-0 after his return. He went 1-3 with a walk and an RBI double, which was mere inches away from being a 3 run home run. He is currently the only Indians hitter with an average above .300, at .345, with Asdrubal Cabrera being the next closest at .298.

Not only did Hafner impact the outcome on Friday, but Carlos Santana had a rare 3-4 night. He had 2 RBI with a solo home run in the fourth. He is only hitting .225 on the year, and Manny Acta cannot seem to find the right spot in the lineup for him. He hit sixth last night, and with Hafner back in the lineup, sixth might be the right spot for Santana. (more…)

Wow, this is awkward. I thought it would be at least May until you knew I was coming. No, I know it was stupid of 0f me to think I could sneak around and watch you, especially with how few people are coming to visit you. I kinda stick out like a sore thumb in my red holiday hat and my nerdy-but-still-proud-to-rock-it “CARROLL” jersey. You knew I wasn’t going to stay away forever, right?

Am I stalking you? Jeez, what a harsh word, “stalk.”  I mean, yeah, I’ve been keeping tabs on you. You really didn’t move around too much this winter, I was able to forget about you every once in awhile. But I really didn’t stalk you, I mean, I made a comment about that bogus rumor that you were flirting with the Nationals about trading Grady Sizemore and Fausto Carmona, but I was defending your honor, baby, I knew you’d never trade around like that. But really, other than that, you haven’t heard from me. I needed some “me” time. I just needed to work on me.

Why didn’t I say “hi” to you when I was here on Opening Day? Baby, I don’t know, there were a LOT of people here to visit you. You were busy. I didn’t want you to waste your precious time on me. Most of those people won’t visit you again for awhile, if at all, this season. I knew I’d be back. They don’t love you like I love you.

Well, I have your attention now, and you have mine. You going to listen to what I have to say, or not? I really don’t care for some of the people you’re associating with this season. Like that Jack Hannahan jerk you’ve been meeting up with at The Hot Corner. I know, I know, he’s hitting well so far, playing solid defense, yada, yada. Four games doesn’t make a season, you know that right? Don’t you dare bring up 2007! Those were four games in October, not April. And that was back when you associated with players like CC Sabathia, Kenny Lofton, and before Grady got hurt. And now look at you. You’re with Jack Hannahan now? I mean, was Andy Marte busy?  You do realize that Hannahan has only had over 400 ABs just once, right? And that year he had a .305 OBP? I know you only use him because Jason Donald got hurt, but don’t fall in love with the guy. He’s not a long-term solution for you. Save yourself for Lonnie.

I like being back here with you, though. And I mean, not everything you’ve done lately has been stupid. You wisely shuffled Trevor Crowe out of the picture for the big-league roster. That injury sure was convenient, wasn’t it? I know it’s hard for you to admit you made a major mistake with Crowe, wasting a first-round pick on that worthless head of hair, but you’re doing it, and I’m proud of you for that.

I’ve liked some of your other decisions lately, too. I like that you didn’t kick Lou Marson out and into Columbus. He’s got nothing for him there. I’m glad you gave David Huff a chance to show that he doesn’t suck (although I was totally right that the blabbermouth didn’t belong with you). And I thought the Travis Buck and Nick Johnson signings were savvy under-the-radar signings that wouldn’t hurt you in the long term.

Are the kids OK? Are you treating them well? I know Michael Brantley has had a strong start and Carlos Santana looks he was never hurt by that bastard Ryan Kalish kid from Boston, but I must admit Carlos Carrasco’s start the other day worried me. And don’t get me started about Matt LaPorta. That kid really needs to grow up and start hitting. If he doesn’t begin to earn his keep for you I say you should kick him out after this season. But, as always, I’ll leave that up to you.

I gotta go now though. No, this has been great seeing you, you’re great. But I can’t let myself fall in love again over one game. I’ll be around though, watching and listening to you, and I’ll check in with you. But I just don’t think you’re ready for a serious, contending commitment to me. Who knows, maybe you’ll prove me wrong. But next year seems more realistic.

Take care, Tribe. See you soon.

-E

Being an everyday starter is something that LaPorta needs to continue his progression into the star that the Indians know he can become. The only problem this year is that he may once again have competition at first. The most recent signing of Nick Johnson could have an affect on LaPorta. Johnson is still rehabbing his right wrist which he recently had surgery on. He was signed to a minor league contract, but I can not see him in the minors for too long if he goes there at all.

Along with Johnson, a certain player who goes by Santana is starting to play some time at first base in spring training. The coaches believe that Santana can last longer and be more productive in the MLB if he plays some first base instead of being an everyday catcher. His horrific injury last year may also have something to do with the position swap.

Santana is going to be the opening day catcher, but it should not be too long before we see him playing first base, as Victor Martinez started to do.

A third player who is going under the radar is Shelly Duncan. He can play nearly any position if he is needed there, and first base can be one of those. He will see more time in the outfield, but if LaPorta in struggling, look for him to take some reps at first.

Matt LaPorta needs to stay focused on his goal of being a great player and not worry about his possible competition. If anything, it should inspire him to become better, instead of making him nervous. He also has the reputation of being a top prospect on his side.