Heading into the 2010 MLB All-Star break the most recent shining star for the Cleveland Indians is catcher Carlos Santana who is batting .333 with 7 doubles, 4 homers, 14 runs-batted-in, and .450 on-base percentage since being recalled from the minors earlier in June. In addition to Santana, it is right-fielder Shin-Soo Choo who has been making things happen at the plate for the Indians, leading the way in all batting categories – .286 BA, 12 HR, 41 RBI, .390 OBP, and 81 hits – while the Tribe has limped their way to a 24-47 record, winning only two of their last ten contests and finding themselves 13.5 games behind the AL Central leader Minnesota Twins.

On the mound, some have been heard to say that righty starter Jake Westbrook is truly back after missing all of 2009, but at 4-4 with a 4.90 ERA many have also been heard disputing that fact as well. The remainder of the staff has remained fairly invisible as well, with none of the leaders really standing out anywhere other than on their own team, which is not much to say, as Mitch Talbot (8-6, 3.88 ERA) leads the way in the wins column, Fausto Carmona has the best ERA (3.64), Justin Masterson tops the strikeout column, and reliever Chris Perez heads up the bullpen with 6 saves, 7 holds, 24 strikeouts, and 3.10 ERA in 29 innings.

Ranked 25th in MLB in batting average (.248), 23rd in homers (58) and runs-batted-in (295), and 25th in hits (620), and with even the pitcher’s mound at Progressive Field is taking heat for its poor quality, there is really nothing too good to say about the Cleveland Indians’ or their performance during the first half of the season. However, one might consider that they have been so bad that there is only one way to go, and that is up, so just maybe Cleveland Indians tickets are not such a bad idea after all.