Adam Dunn Welcomes Carlos Santana to the Big Leagues

 

(Adam Dunn leveled Indians rookie catcher Carlos Santana on Sunday. Photos of TV/MASN by Nationals Enquirer staff.)

We'd be remiss if we didn't mention that play in the second inning during Strasburg II where Adam Dunn absolutely destroyed Indians rookie catcher Carlos Santana at home plate. Poor Santana made the mistake of standing on the plate following Mike Morse's RBI single, with a ~290 lb. Dunn chugging home from second...and...then: freight train meets Mini Cooper.

Big day for Dunn (2-4, HR, BB, RBI, 3 R), who was completely justified to run over Santana. But even if he wasn't, do you really think Manny Acta would have stood up for his player by calling for a retaliatory beaning later in the game? No way (and not out of fear of Strasburg). If we learned anything from The Manny Acta Era in D.C., it's that Manny seems to have a thing for leaving his players hanging while standing on the top step of the dugout, staring off into space.

For your enjoyment, here are a few more photos of TV showing the play:

 
 

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Comments

[Andrew]

I saw this again on ESPN from a different camera angle (Possibly TBS or Indians TV feed).
Dunn flattened him. The ump didn't say a word.

Interesting point about a retaliatory beaning later in the game as I think most teams would call for it.

In Manny's defense, Dunn is an ex-player of his so that may be a reason there was no ball thrown at or behind Dunn.

[Kathy]

This was by far my fave play of the game....I am such a fan of Dunn's, he really seems like a good guy - maybe the chief papa bear on the team, behind Pudge of course.

[Woody Smith]

Actually, Andrew, the ump DID "say a word." He immediately admonished Santana for being so foolish. He merely didn't say a word to Adam Dunn, who was playing baseball as it's supposed to be played (these days, and THEN some!).

For those few games we has Maldonado behind the plate, he showed how effectively a plate can be blocked by a competent catcher in an appropriate situation. Of course, Maldonado is nearly the size of Adam Dunn, which helps.

I LIKE Maldonado and think he would be a greater asset to the Nats than Wil Nieves as Pudge's backup. Nieves seems to be scared to take a hit. On plays to the plate he seems always to be out of position, standing on the pitcher's mound side of the plate where his only opportunity to tag the runner out is on a lucky sweep motion.

Maldonado is also better at throwing out base stealers, and at blocking wild pitches. Neither of them can hit a lick, although Maldonado has more power when he does.

[dman]

Still, losing 2 of 3 and allowing both Manny AND Austin to get thier revenge --- just UUUUGGHH!

[stu towns]

The retaliation came at Phillips because he showboated after the play. Dunn did just the opposite, making sure Santana was okay.