Francona has 'anxiety' about starting Santana in LF

Carlos Santana has played the outfield just once in his seven-year career, but the World Series is a good time to pick up a new skill.

To keep the slugger's bat present in the Cleveland Indians' lineup, manager Terry Francona will need to get creative, as Santana won't be able to take his usual designated hitter role at Wrigley Field. He also can't slot in at his familiar positions at first or third base, as they will likely be occupied by Mike Napoli and Jose Ramirez.

That leaves only left field available for Santana, where the Indians have alternated using Brandon Guyer and Coco Crisp, depending on the pitching matchup.

"If he botches a ball you can blame me and you can blame Mr. Selig a little bit," Francona told reporters Thursday, according to Cleveland.com's Paul Hoynes.

The unique decision to play Santana in the outfield has to do with the Indians shifting to National League rules, as the team will be unable to use a designated hitter. Santana does have experience playing different positions throughout his career, appearing at third base, catcher, and first.

''I have anxiety about it," Francona told reporters, according to The Associated Press. "I don't know how else to say it, and if he messes a ball up, I'll take responsibility because I don't think it's fair to put it on him. But you try to figure out, 'OK, what's our best way to win?' If we don't play him out there, that's the best way to have nobody second guessing me."

His only experience in the outfield came in 2012, when he played in left at the end of a blow-out loss against the Boston Red Sox. Though the role might be unfamiliar, Santana is ready to go if called upon.

"I felt good out there," Santana told Hoynes. "They haven't said anything for sure if I'd play there."