Francona enjoying Santana’s career season

KANSAS CITY — Before every game, Indians first baseman Carlos Santana brings one of his bats to manager Terry Francona in the dugout. Francona grabs it and plants a kiss right on the barrel. Sometimes, Santana will also remove his skipper’s hat and kiss Francona’s bald head for good luck as part of the ritual.

Perhaps it is no coincidence that Santana is in the midst of a career year.

“I’ll keep doing it,” Francona said with a laugh.

Francona is not sure what is behind Santana’s improvement this season, but he has enjoyed watching Santana loosen up behind the scenes and excel on the field.

After home runs, Santana can often be spotted doing a dancing celebration with second baseman Jason Kipnis. Before a recent game, Santana donned boxing gloves in the clubhouse and playfully jabbed at Michael Brantley. Santana also does a pretty good impression of Francona. All of those things, combined with improvement in the batter’s box, bring a smile to the manager’s face.

“I don’t know why, but he’s just in a better place,” Francona said. “He’s always been a real likable kid, but he just seems to be enjoying himself more playing. And, I mean, like with his teammates. It’s …

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