Stuck In First: Considering the Indians’ Options at First Base

Without doing anything to you and me, let’s assume a few things. First, let’s assume that the roster for the 2012 Indians is, if not set in stone, then at least not likely to undergo significant additions.  Let’s also assume that Michael Brantley will open the season in left field and spend most of his time in the outfield this season.  Further, let’s assume that the Indians stay fairly healthy in 2012.  And finally, let’s pretend that Carlos Santana is going to be behind home plate for a majority of the season. If (one more assumption, sorry), the Indians would like to have a “regular” first baseman in 2012, that leaves us with four reasonable options.  Let’s consider each, both pros and cons. Matt LaPorta: I wrote last year around this time that 2011 would determine LaPorta’s future with the Indians.  I believed then that, based on his 2011, the Indians would have enough information to decide whether LaPorta had any sort of future with the club or if he was destined for the infamy...