Indians around the minors

Indians No. 1 prospect Carlos Santana was a smashing success in his Triple-A debut, leading the Columbus Clippers to a 17-4 victory over visiting Indianapolis while celebrating his 24th birthday.

In addition to Santana homering twice and collecting four RBI, the Tribe's No. 8 prospect (rankings according to Baseball America) Carlos Carrasco racked up eight strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings en route to the victory.

At Double-A, the Aeros raced out to a 7-2 lead with a five-run fifth inning that featured a two-run home run by right fielder Matt McBride. But the season opener in Binghamton, N.Y., was suspended before the bottom of the inning could be completed to make it an official game.

Thus, the reigning Eastern League Champs and host B-Mets will finish up Thursday's game tonight beginning at 5:05 p.m. before moving on to Friday's originally-scheduled game.

At Kinston, N.C., the Indians' high Class-A K-Tribe was defeated 7-1 on Opening Day by Winston-Salem at Grainger Stadium. Dash shortstop Eduardo Escobar enjoyed a successful debut, going 4-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored. Escobar was tabbed by BA as the Chicago White Sox's 19th-best prospect.

Keep an eye out for right-hander Alex White, the Indians No. 1 pick (15th overall) last summer and ninth overall prospect, who is schedule to make his professional debut in Saturday's game.

At low-A Lake County, the Captains made their Midwest League debut a memorable one Thursday night.

Catcher Roberto Perez doubled home outfielder Bo Greenwell in the 10th inning to give the Captains a 4-2 extra-inning win over West Michigan. Greenwell, by the way, is the son of former Major Leaguer Mike Greenwell.