"He has that rare combination of plate discipline, with power," said Shapiro of Santana, who has 10 more walks (69) than strikeouts. "He's a very intriguing guy. A well-above average arm, but his receiving skills are a little rough. He has a chance to be a run producer at a premium position. Santana and Matt LaPorta (whom the Indians got from Milwaukee in the C.C. Sabathia trade) are both high-ceiling players who are potentially core players for us in the future."

--RHP Jon Meloan, acquired from the Dodgers in the Casey Blake trade, was being used as a starter this year in the Dodgers system, but the Indians intend to use him as a reliever, which is what his role will be at Class AAA Buffalo.

As a reliever last year at Class AA Jacksonville, Meloan was 5-2, with 19 saves, a 2.18 ERA, while holding opposing batters to a .155 batting average and averaging 13.9 strikeouts per nine innings.

"We have great reports on him as a reliever, potentially as a back-of-the-pen guy. That's how we'll use him," said Shapiro.

--LHP Aaron Laffey, who was so impressive earlier this season in the rotation, was optioned to Class AAA Buffalo Saturday, to make room for RHP Fausto Carmona, who was activated off the disabled list.

Journeyman RHP Matt Ginter appeared to be the leading candidate to come off the roster to make room for Carmona, but instead it was Laffey, who in his last seven starts was 1-4 with a 6.44 ERA.

"This wasn't Laffey vs. Ginter, this was what's best for Aaron Laffey," said GM Mark Shapiro. "We believe strongly in him and that he's going to be up here pitching for us for a long time. But he needs to pull back now, go down there and get his confidence and delivery back."

--RHP Fausto Carmona, in his first start since May 23, gave up nine runs 2 1/3 innings Saturday, in an 11-4 loss to Minnesota. Carmona had been on the disabled list since May 24 with a strained left hip.

"You know (Carmona) will be better his next time out, but today he was really rushing and had trouble gearing down," said Manager Eric Wedge.

--OF Grady Sizemore stole his 25th base Sunday. Sizemore, who also has 25 home runs, is only the third player in Indians history with 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases in the same season. The other two are Bobby Bonds in 1979 and Joe Carter three times, between 1986-88.

BY THE NUMBERS: 9 -- Number of players on the Indians' opening day roster who are either on the disabled list or no longer in the organization.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's the ultimate teammate. His influence on our young players will stand the test of time." -- Manager Eric Wedge, on INF Casey Blake, who was traded to the Dodgers.