Carlos Santana might be Tribe’s next extension target

Off days, while absolutely necessary for the health of all the players involved, are so tough to endure after such a hype-worthy series. Fortunately, watching Lindor’s grand slam from Wednesday on repeat for 24 hours has given me enough strength to make it through to Friday. Here’s a collection of links I rounded up in the free seconds between video loops:

Tribe news & notes

Inside Baseball — AL: Indians next extension target | Fanrag Sports

Jon Heyman has some unsourced information that Carlos Santana is next on the Tribe’s list of players to extend. To borrow a phrase from the kids, this is big if true, as Santana is slated to become a free agent after this season. It also makes you wonder, given the fact that the Indians’ budget isn’t unlimited, what a Santana extension might mean for a potential Francisco Lindor extension.

Hot start fuels talk of Lindor’s MVP chances | Indians.com

It’s a bit absurd to be talking about this, I think. I mean really - who else would you expect to win the MVP award this year? The other 749 dudes on active MLB rosters might as well pack it up and invest the remainder of their salaries in Angry Frank stock.

Fransco Lindor’s odyssey: two homers and an error | Waiting for Next Year

Jim Pete recaps the tale of Francisco Lindor’s transition from fun-loving Frankie to Angry Frank on that fateful April night. Long story short? Be afraid, MLB. Be very afraid.

Carlos Santana, Indians' leadoff hitter, sets new path for top of lineup | Cleveland.com

Paul Hoynes, it seems, has finally come to terms with the idea that a leadoff hitter can be someone who doesn’t nail hundreds of stealing gloves to the walls of his bedroom or arrive to Spring Training in a crisp, white suit.

Brantley expects the unexpected in comeback | Indians.com

From “dry” swings, to hitting off a tee, to locking down a spot in the Opening Day lineup, it’s been a long road back for Dr. Smooth. The only thing left now? Win the whole. [REDACTED]. thing.

See dingers and whiffs at the Clip Show | Burning River Baseball

As minor league baseball gets underway, the good folks at BRB provide a handy guide on who to watch handle the sticks and fire the cannons in Columbus. Great news for people who love #monsterdongs!

News from around baseball

• This arbitrary list of best shortstops in MLB is just the latest example of the hype Franisco Lindor is drumming up this season
• BREAKING: the latest addition to the Red Sox’ rotation is still good at pitching (note: please read through this article for the ridiculous words about Josh Beckett and how being an ace “defies analytics”)
• Fangraphs writes of the possible death of the early career superstar extension, which is potentially ominous news for fans of Francisco Lindor
• Like the constant stumping for Yadier Molina’s Hall of Fame candidacy, a ball defied all logic and reason and prompted accusations of Molina using a foreign substance
• VERY IMPORTANT: Time Tebow homered off some scrub in a single-A game
• In case you ever wanted to know the best place in each MLB stadium to catch a homerun ball, this article is for you