Detroit Tigers re-sign Ramon Santiago for two years – MLB News
The Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, November 30 re-signed Ramon Santiago for two year deal worth four million dollars. This comes as his contract recently ended and he was reportedly earning $1.35 million.
Santiago is considered to be an important part of the Tigers, and the club holds huge significance for the player. While Santiago wishes to be an everyday starter, the Tigers themselves have looked differently at the role.
It will be interesting to see what he is assigned in the upcoming 2012 season. It will be worthwhile to recall that Ryan Braun had shared second base with Santiago in the past season. However, 2012 will be no different.
"Santiago and Ryan Raburn will be playing second base as the club stands today," the Detroit Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland said by phone Wednesday.
As Leyland confirmed it, so did Dave Dombrowski, the Detroit Tigers’ president and general manager. According to him, the Tigers shall have their start with Ryan Raburn and Santiago, but nothing can be said once the season starts.
Santiago had an average of .260 this year with 258 at-bats, having scored 29 runs with 30 RBIs to his credit, hitting five home-runs with a .311 OBP and .695 OPS. His career average stands at .249 with 1824 at-bats, scoring 229 runs. He had 166 RBIs and
25 home-runs, maintaining a decent .316 OBP.
Since he wanted to be part of the Detroit Tigers, the team reciprocated in kind.
"I wanted to make sure he knew that we wanted him back," Leyland said. "He's done a heckuva job for us. I think he's one of the best utility infielders in baseball for what he does, playing second base and shortstop."
How the fans react to this move is something that is unknown right now. However, the comments following the contract were a mix of reposing confidence in the decision and that of outrage as the fans welcomed and lambasted the decision at the same time. It
will be interesting to see what impact Santiago will have on the team as the regular season begins.
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