Few players are capable to immediately dominate once promoted to the majors. Last season, Carlos Santana was the exception. In 192 plate appearances, Santana terrorized opposing pitchers, posting a .401 OBP with a 19.3% walk rate. He was one of the biggest breakout candidates entering 2011. Though Santana isn`t playing poorly, his current season might be seen as somewhat of a disappointment.
That, however, would be a foolish assumption. Despite some struggles on the surface, Carlos Santana is even good on his way to becoming the next star that everyone expected.
Santana`s phenomenal rookie season caused many analysts to gain their expectations for the 25-year-old catcher entering 2011. While Santana proved he was subject of treatment the majors last season, he received less than 200 plate appearances in his rookie season - hardly enough time for pitchers to properly adjust to him. Since expectations were set so high, Santana`s current slash line of .242/.350/.444 may be viewed as a sophomore slump.
Santana`s slash line may be considered low for a participant of his caliber, but he`s still managed to do better than most catchers this season. In 2011, catchers have hit only .245/.315/.388, making Santana`s line look much better once compared to his competition. Still, Santana was expected to link the elite ranks of catchers this season. While he may eventually get there, he has some influence to do before he`s reached the Brian McCann/Joe Mauer level of excellence.
While his stiff walk rate helps pay for a low average, Santana may fight to give the high of the .401 OBP he posted in his rookie season. While his .271 BABIP seems low, it`s in line with his performance from last season. He may not hit for strong averages, but he`s more than capable of overcoming those issues.
A search at Santana`s splits reveals one country where Santana will want to amend in place to be considered an elite catcher. While Santana has slugged 17 of his 20 home runs versus right-handed pitchers this season, he`s managed just a .220 batting average against them. While luck could run a part in his struggles - he currently owns a .240 BABIP versus righties - his 23.3% strikeout rate against righties has been a huge factor as well. Santana has shown the power to crush right-handed pitching when he makes contact, but he could be scary-good if he finds a way to cut down on the strikeouts.
While his struggles against righties are legitimate, it`s hard to really criticize Santana`s performance this season. With one month remaining, Santana has already managed nearly a three win season. Expectations for Santana may have been exceedingly high heading into the season, but it`s crucial to think exactly how inexperienced he was last year. As we`ve seen in recent seasons, not all future stars are subject of dominating immediately upon arrival the majors. Everybody can`t be Buster Posey. As he`s shown this season, Santana still has the tools to get one of the best catchers in the major leagues. He may not be there quite yet, but his current season is far from a sophomore slump.
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