Ramon Santiago

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Detroit Tigers #5 prospect in 2002
  Santiago starred defensively during his first two years as a pro, but he tore his labrum in 2000. The injury cut short that season, and shoulder surgery relegated him to DH duties last year. He got off to a slow start in high Class A as a teenager in 2001, before closing strong and posting respectable numbers. Santiago made great strides as a hitter last season by shortening his stroke and making more consistent contact. He's more quick than fast, but he's a smart baserunner who can steal bases. Before his arm injury, he was a brilliant fielder with good range, excellent hands and exceptional arm strength. He needs to get stronger. He hits too many fly balls and doesn't walk enough to suit the style of player he is. His arm has regained its strength since the surgery, but he has struggled to relearn his throwing mechanics. With Omar Infante also on hand, Santiago may be moved to second base at some point. He and Infante figure to be Detroit's doubleplay combination of the future. Santiago will start this season in Double-A.
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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #2 prospect in 2001
  Santiago's 2000 season was cut short late by a torn labrum in his right shoulder. That's the only thing that has slowed him so far. He played for Class A West Michigan at just 18. In his pro debut, he batted a combined .326 for the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Tigers and short-season Oneonta. Santiago is already a major league-caliber shortstop. He rarely boots a routine play, has plus range and had a plus arm before he got hurt. He's expected to fully recover. He has above-average speed, though he's more quick than flat-out fast, and he's a smart baserunner. He makes consistent contact at the plate and is extraordinarily poised for his age. Santiago is a little guy who takes a big man's stance at the plate--and then takes a little guy's swing. His swing isn't grooved or refined. He often just flips the bat onto the ball, and he had just 17 extra-base hits in 2000. He has a long way to go as a hitter, and there are questions about his arm because of the injury. Santiago will start 2001 at high Class A Lakeland. He may have to DH to start the season until he regains strength in his shoulder.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Midwest League #6 prospect in 2000
  Before he was shut down with an impingement in the back of his throwing shoulder in July, Santiago played the best shortstop seen in the MWL in many years. He has soft hands, quick feet and a cannon arm, plus he made just eight errors in 81 games. Pedrique compared Santiago to Omar Vizquel, while Beloit manager Don Money likened him to Rafael Furcal. "He bunts, he runs well and if he hits .250-.260 with his glove, that’s a plus," Money said. "As he gets older, he should be a much better hitter." Santiago needs to get stronger and tighten his strike zone, but he does have the foundation of a good offensive game. He’s a switch-hitter who’s adept at the bunt and hit-and-run. He realizes his primary goal is to get on base because he’s a dangerous basestealer.
• 
  Ranked Florida Complex League #2 prospect in 1999
  Tigers manager Gary Green spent parts of five seasons as a shortstop in the big leagues and believes Santiago, who turned 18 after the season, has the special gift. "He's got all the actions you look for," Green said. "He's got an extremely strong and accurate arm. I never saw him throw a ball away after March--and I had him in spring training, extended spring training and the Gulf Coast League."

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #95 prospect in 2001
• Ranked Baseball America's #92 prospect in 2000

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Before he was shut down with an impingement in the back of his throwing shoulder in July, Santiago played the best shortstop seen in the MWL in many years. He has soft hands, quick feet and a cannon arm, plus he made just eight errors in 81 games. Pedrique compared Santiago to Omar Vizquel, while Beloit manager Don Money likened him to Rafael Furcal. "He bunts, he runs well and if he hits .250-.260 with his glove, that’s a plus," Money said. "As he gets older, he should be a much better hitter." Santiago needs to get stronger and tighten his strike zone, but he does have the foundation of a good offensive game. He’s a switch-hitter who’s adept at the bunt and hit-and-run. He realizes his primary goal is to get on base because he’s a dangerous basestealer.