Fausto Carmona is the Tribe's lone representative to the All-Star game this year. But what about next year? Are there any other current Indians who could wear stars in 2011?
Cleveland, Ohio -- Boy, predictions like this are tough, given the Indians' team history for turning August into Tribe Yard Sale month. But we at Starting Blocks see some nice things happening in the field and at the plate. Now don't think we're going all pollyanna on you; it's not like we expect the Tribe to finish the second half of 2010 undefeated or even make the playoffs. Shoot, that probably won't happen until the Indians either acquire (yeah, right) or develop some pitching. But it IS nice to see 'em playing decent baseball most of the time (mental lapses like forgetting the count, etc., notwithstanding).Given all that, we've decided to get a head start on the typical optimism that surfaces during spring training. We're going to pretend that the youngsters who are doing so well today are going to be here next season (a dangerous assumption, but whaddya gonna do?) and ask which of them you think could join Fausto Carmona on the 2011 All-Star team.
Could it be hot-hitting -- if forgetful -- catcher Carlos Santana. Asdrubal Cabrera, assuming his breaks from now on are good ones, not involving bones? Michael Brantley? Matt LaPorta?
Hey, it's never too early for a Cleveland fan to start spouting, "Wait'll next year!"