The Pirates are interested in free agent Ramon Santiago as a possible everyday shortstop, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. The 32-year-old hits free agency after a decade in the Major Leagues with the Tigers and Mariners.
Santiago hit .260/.311/.384 in Detroit this past season, appearing at shortstop, second and third. He became the Tigers’ regular second baseman toward the end of the season and continued starting in the postseason. Though the Tigers like Santiago, they don't view him as an everyday solution. He is not a ranked free agent.
The Pirates started their offseason off by signing Rod Barajas and they still need a shortstop and a first baseman. Here’s Tim Dierkes’ offseason outlook for the team.
I’ve always liked Ramon and I hope he gets a chance to start somewhere. His production can be replaced by Danny Worth though.
Danny Worth is a terrible hitter…
Where in the world is Ramon Santiago?
No seriously. He still plays in the MLB?
he hit pretty well in the playoffs actually
Plus a very popular player and teammate in Detroit.
Where are the Orioles on this matter? I love how the Baltimore Media and various other homers think he’s going to have miraculous comeback. Even if Brian Roberts were healthy, he’s 34 years old. They should be looking for a successor anyway.
With that said, the Orioles would do well if they had a Santiago and Andino Platoon.
Also, Pirate fans how did Brandon Wood in 2011?
Ronny Cedeno was the starting shortstop in 2011. I still don’t understand why the pirates let him go, and was a great fielder, but it was probably because he had some mental lapses at times, like bunting with the bases loaded.
As of now, I wouldn’t mind to see how Santiago does, but D’arnaud or Jordy Mercer should be allowed to compete for the starter’s job next spring.
That would be a lot funnier if he didn’t play well. But for a utility man, he did very well.
Where in the world is Ramon Santiago?
No seriously. He still plays in the MLB?
Ramon could easily fill the void at 2d base. Though that would make too much sense.
Ramon could easily fill the void at 2d base. Though that would make too much sense.
Please no
Please no
They should sign Santiago to play first and Derrek Lee to play shortstop. Just to make it interesting.
Ramon would get a great opportunity in Pittsburgh. Good thinking, Neal.
D’Arnaud is the future at SS and that starts in 2012.
Don’t do anything to screw it up Pirates.
Santiago is bench player material.
why do people like chase so much? i don’t get it.
Because he profiles as a number two bat according to BA.
Chase has above-average discipline at the plate with power to the gaps and well above-average speed on the basepaths. He has averaged close to 60XBHs in the minors and 40 SBs. He has only hit .270 in the minors, but maintains a .350+ OBP. He can also bunt. Besides maybe only profiling to hit .270ish, defense is a slight concern. He was phenomenal (from what I saw!) at 3B and have heard that he’s quite good at 2B as well. SS, however, was a little disappointing. However, he isn’t even 25 yet and a lot of young SS are less than phenomenal at D when they break into the majors.
I like Ramon Santiago, but question whether or not he offers enough in offense to justify holding d’Arnaud back. I can see Santiago starting for 2-3 months and, assuming Chase is doing well in AAA, calling him up to be the primary starter and having a very high quality utility man in Santiago. I’d be OK with that for $1M or so.
ABOVE AVERAGE PLATE DISCIPLINE!?!?! give me a break….d’arnaud only batted .217 with the buccos this season with only 36 k’s in only 143 at bats…which is bad if you were to extrapolate that for an entire season. especially for a shortstop. what i saw from him personally, was no solid approach at the plate whatsoever and too many strikeouts. granted, there were games where he looked solid and signs of being a productive shortstop for many years
Regressing in the area of plate discipline is normal for rookies when they first reach the majors. Projections, what I cited in my comment, are based upon minor league achievements and weighed against the probability of them continuing that once established in the majors. Chase needs a little more time as you pointed out. The information comes from scouting reports, not the handful of games you watched.
hes a ladies man, and has great hair
D’Arnaud is the future at SS and that starts in 2012.
Don’t do anything to screw it up Pirates.
Santiago is bench player material.
I hope Ramon stays in the English D.
I really see him taking on a utility role.
cool story, bro
Asked for it.
I am curious to get people’s thoughts on here about what they would think about a possible trade for the pirates to acquire Gaby Sanchez from the Marlins. I say this because apparently the Marlins are “serious” about making a high offer for Albert, which would make Gaby available via trade. Personally I think if Huntington see’s the potential in this deal, he should go for it immediately because Gaby Sanchez would be a great addition and add immediate power and great defensive abilities (won the NL gold glove this yr) to the buccos
Marlins would want a CF, meaning Marte possibly Grossman.
Well the Pirates already have theyre center fielder so…
I’d be inclined to do it but Pirate fans love there prospects more then there mothers.
Wow…. two “their” fails. Good work, gents.
I think the Marlins would move Sanchez to the outfield to accommodate Pujols.
I rather have Cedeno.
Time heals all wounds.
LOL!
Why? Santiago will provide better (albeit, slightly) production at the plate, equivalent defense, and should cost less than $3M (Cedeno’s option).
I don’t think he will come cheaper then 3 million. Thus I rather pay the 2.8 for Cedeno.
I think I was assuming that he would. Salaries equal, though, I would personally prefer Santiago. We’ll have to see. Carroll just signed for 2 years/$7M and I was assuming Carroll would make more than Santiago. Now that I think about it, though, that may not be an accurate analysis.
It screams Ramon Vazquez to me.
Another good point!
I wouldn’t mind santiago being the shortstop but my preference is Barmes being the starter
santiago is a nice back up, but no starter
Just like them nothing changes! It can be like the first half of last year for them for many years to come and they’ll still do what they have always done….. nothing! unbelievable!
if santiago is signed, it won’t be for any big money. therefore, if Chase d’Arnaud falters, he can step in. If Chase plays well, he could be the backup. As far as i know, santiago is a good fielder, so it should be a worthwhile signing regardless.
Not a great hitter, but as Pirates fans we are forced to lower our standards. He’ll probably be better than Ronny, which at this point is all I’m looking for.