Marson, who went into Tuesday's game hitting .189, is trying to dig out of a hole.
View full size"I've been terrible." -- Indians catcher Lou Marson on his hitting this season. ANAHEIM, Calif. — Lou Marson can tell you about throwing out base runners. He's thrown out an American League-high 34.4 percent (21-of-61) of the runners who have tried to steal on him this season.
"The key is to let the ball get in deep on you," Marson said. "Sandy [Alomar Jr., catching instructor] tells us to try and stay under the ball when we catch it. Then to just to just let everything go on your throw."
What he can't tell you about is hitting.
"I've been terrible," Marson said. "I could hit better left-handed."
Marson hits right-handed.
He went into Tuesday's game against the Angels hitting .189 (40-for-212) with 11 doubles, two homers and 14 RBI.
"It's been a joke," Marson said. "I want to finish the year stronger. I felt like early in the year I hit balls hard, had good at-bats but didn't have a lot of luck.
"But then I dug myself in a hole and it's really deep."
Manager Manny Acta and hitting coach Jon Nunnally believe Marson can hit in the big leagues.
"He's hit in his career in the minors," Acta said. "He was the Phillies' minor-league player of the year two years ago. It's just too early to tell. He has the bat speed to do it.
"He's got the toughest part down -- he can catch and throw. Nobody wants a catcher that can hit, but can't catch and throw. It's just a matter of waiting for his bat to come around."
Said Nunnally: "He's got a good swing. He just needs time to figure it out."
Marson has had a lot of advice thrown his way.
"That can be good and bad," Marson said. "I'm not saying anything bad, but I'm the type of guy . . . just let me go play. I'll figure it out.
"It's hard for people to do that when you're a young guy and struggling at this level. It's understandable."
Marson, Jason Donald, Jason Knapp and Carlos Carrasco were acquired from the Phillies last year for Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco.
September challenge: Acta has made it clear that it's time for Jensen Lewis to re-establish himself in the bullpen or "the organization may decide to move in another direction."
Lewis relieved Tony Sipp with two out and one on in the eighth inning Monday night at Angel Stadium. The score was tied, 2-2, and first baseman Mike Napoli, the Angels' home run leader with 22, was waiting at the plate.
Lewis struck him out to end the threat. When Shin-Soo Choo singled home Michael Brantley with two out in the ninth, and Chris Perez retired the Angels in order in the bottom of the inning, Lewis was credited with the victory in the 3-2 win.
"It's nice to be back in a situation like that," Lewis said. "To pitch in a situation like that, in a critical part of the game, is a vote of confidence. That's what you want. I was thrilled to have the opportunity."
Lewis downplayed the implications that September could have on his future with the Indians.
"I don't look at this as being a big month for me," he said. "I feel this is just more opportunities to pitch at the big-league level and show what I can do . . . I think my track record speaks for itself. At the end of the day, we'll see where things are."
Lewis (4-2, 4.00) has bounced between Cleveland and Class AAA Columbus five times this season. He'll be out of options next season, which means his yo-yo days with the Indians are over.
What do you think? Dave Miller, Indians minor-league pitching coordinator, is traveling with the team. He's seen Carrasco a lot this season, including his six-inning, two-run performance against the Angels on Monday.
"He really came on in the last month at Columbus," Miller said. "From the beginning of the year to where he's at now, he's throwing the ball better. . . . He's added a two-seamer and he's pitching inside better. He's got great stuff . . . he's becoming a pitcher now.
"He just turned 23. He's really learning how to use his stuff now. He's got a great changeup and he's commanding his fastball better."
Take a break: Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, starting to show some wear defensively, didn't start Tuesday. Donald started at short for the first time since Aug. 5.
Finally: Class AAA Columbus will start David Huff in its postseason opener tonight against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Pa.).