Detroit Tigers’ Ramon Santiago looking to play winter ball – MLB Update
Detroit Tigers’ Ramon Santiago is looking optimistic ahead of 2013 Spring Training, reports a leading sports website. Tigers’ backup infielder had a forgettable time on the plate last season as he managed to hit just .206 with two home-runs and 17 RBI’s.
His OPS of .555 was also among the worst in the batting line-up.
Santiago was offered a two year contract at the end of 2011 regular season. During that season, he posted some impressive numbers, hitting .260 with five home-runs, 30 RBI’s and .695 OPS. His fans had great expectations from him in the past season but Santiago
was unable to live to his potential as he posted his worst season with the Tigers.
Santiago has a decent .245 career average and he is known for his ability to play his natural game under pressure. Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland believes Santiago can get back into his prime form if he takes part in winter workouts.
"I don't think Santiago's been himself all year," Leyland said. "I don't think it was one half or two halves. I don't think he's been himself all year."
In some ways, it is a perfect case for a guy who does not play the game all the time. He missed the winter ball for the first time last year and paid the ultimate price during the regular season.
According to Tigers’ fans, he played well enough to have another chance to prove his metal. Santiago competed for second base with Ryan Raburn and Brandon Inge during 2012 Spring Training.
"I think that he was a perfect case of a guy that doesn't play all the time," Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland said, "that's getting a little older, that didn't play winter ball for the first time, and I think he paid a price for it."
With Raburn sent back to the Minor League and Inge traded to the Oakland Athletics, he has an excellence chance to cement his place on Tigers’ big league roster. It will be interesting to see if he can make the most of available opportunities in the next
season to earn a new contract with the Tigers.
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