Fantasy talk: Carlos Santana status report

Earlier in the season, the Indians decided to sign catcher Carlos Santana to a five year contract extension worth $21 million. This was kind of surprising because Santana only had one year of MLB service under his belt and still looked like he needed to improve as a ballplayer. Nevertheless, they pretty much said that he was going to be their catcher of the future. This signing may have been a little risky, and Santana hasn't really hit that well this year. Santana has a lot of potential, but has yet to put it all together at the major league level.

Santana was signed by the Dodgers as an amateur free agent back in 2004. He put up above average offensive numbers as an outfielder/third baseman from 2005-2007. He was then sent to Cleveland in the Casey Blake trade in 2007. He hit extremely well in Cleveland's farm system, and eventually got the call to the big leagues in 2010. In 2010 he hit .260 with 6 home runs as the Indians' backup catcher and designated hitter. He got everyday playing time in 2011, and he took advantage of it. He hit 27 home runs with a .239 batting average and 79 RBI. This opened many eyes in Cleveland and the Indians' front office was extremely happy with the way Santana was developing as a player.

Right now, Santana has 5 home runs with 39 RBI in 295 plate appearances this year. He also has a disappointing .221 batting average. He has spent the large part of this season on the disabled list with a concussion that he got earlier in the year. Santana has really hurt his fantasy owners this year, but I still think he has potential to be something great. I expect him to finish the year with around 10-12 home runs with a .240 batting average or so. Obviously that isn't great but that definitely makes him a nice sleeper pick for next year's draft.

Santana has a lot of growing to do as a player and I don't expect him to hit his prime within the next year or so. After last year's breakout season, some thought he would get even better by raising his batting average, but that hasn't happened. Overall, Santana has been a disappointment this year but could have a great second half for all I know. He actually is a good candidate to buy low on because I would imagine his owners would want to chuck him out the door right now.