Indians Game Thread (Thursday): Carlos Santana will start at third base

The Indians face off against the Reds again this afternoon at Goodyear Ballpark, with first pitch scheduled for 3:05 ET. The game will be broadcast on MLB.TV and is listed there with an STO feed, which makes me think the game will be televised there in the Cleveland area.

Justin Masterson will start for the Tribe, and he'll be followed by Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco. Each of those guys will pitch 1 or 2 innings. A series of bullpen candidates will cover the rest of the game.

1) Michael Bourn (CF)

2) Mike Aviles (SS)

3) Michael Brantley (LF)

4) Michael Carlos Santana (3B)

5) Jason Giambi (DH)

6) David Murphy (RF)

7) Jesus Aguilar (1B)

8) Matt Treanor (C)

9) Elliot Johnson (2B)

The big one to watch is Carlos, who'll be playing third base in a game for the first time for the Indians. Santana, Bourn, Aviles, Brantley, and Murphy all have a roster spot locked up. Giambi seems to be considered the favorite for the 25th spot, but I'd rather the team convince him to taking a coaching job, rather than using a roster spot on so limited a player. Aguilar had a great season of winter ball and has intriguing power, but will need to prove himself further in the minors. Treanor could be the team's third catcher, but I don't think that's a good use of a roster spot. Johnson is insurance for the possibility of a couple injuries around the infield.