In an effort to keep 34-year old lefty swinging DH Travis Hafner in one piece in 2012, he will likely be only starting against righty pitchers with 25-year old switch-hitting C Carlos Santana starting against lefties.  Hafner played in 94 games for the Indians last year and he was 91 of 325 (.280 avg, .811 OPS) with 41 runs scored, 13 homers and 57 RBIs.  He has now played in 1,012 games in his first 9 years with the Tribe and he is 989 of 3,515 (.281 avg, .897 OPS) with 559 runs scored, 188 homers, 654 RBIs and 9 stolen bases.  Hafner has now played in 1,035 games in his first 10 years in the majors and he is 1,004 of 3,577 (.281 avg, .894 OPS) with 565 runs scored, 189 homers, 660 RBIs and 9 stolen bases.  He can still hit when he’s in one piece.  The Indians are likely going to see improved production at DH in 2012 with a combo of  Hafner and Santana.

PROJECTED GRADE AT DH IN 2012:  B