Both Marson and Santana were very good in stopping the run; Marson has a quicker release, Santana has the better arm, but both were equally effective in throwing out runners attempting to steal. As a team, the Indians finished third in the AL in Caught Stealing Percentage, in the middle of the pack with 11 Passed Balls. Defense was not a problem here.

Part II: Looking Towards 2011

Not Coming Back

Mike Redmond (Released, 7-16-10)

Redmond was to help Marson along in his first season as a starter, but Mike couldn't run, couldn't throw, and couldn't really hit. Chris Gimenez replaced him as the backup catcher in mid-July. Redmond announced his retirement earlier this month.

Returning

Carlos Santana (Pre-Arbitration) - 1 Option Year Remaining

Lou Marson (Pre-Arbitration) - 1 Option Year Remaining

Chris Gimenez (Pre-Arbitration) - 1 Option Year Remaining

The Indians don't have to worry much about this position this offseason, other than monitoring Santana's rehab. 

If Santana is healthy, he'll be the starting catcher. Before the injury, the Indians were going to have him learn to play first base so that he could stay in the lineup on his normal days off, which would have perhaps allowed the Indians to give Lou Marson enough playing time to keep the rust off him. But now that Santana will spend his off-season rehabbing his knee, I would think that those plans have been delayed, and Santana will be just a catcher at least to start the 2011 season.

Both Marson and Gimenez have an option year remaining, so the Indians can go with either as Santana's backup. I'm going to guess they'll send Marson to Columbus, at least until they can give Santana some playing time at first base.

To Be Determined

Luke Carlin (Pre-Arbitration) - No Option Years

Carlin will likely be DFAd this fall or non-tendered in December to make room for a prospect or free agent on the 40-man roster.