Angel Santos

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Boston Red Sox #30 prospect in 2003
  Santos is an offensive-minded second baseman in an organization that isn't looking for one. The Red Sox traded for Todd Walker during the offseason, and Freddy Sanchez will be ready to take over if Walker departs as a free agent following the 2003 season. Santos has enough pop to hit 30 doubles and reach double digits in homers annually. A switch-hitter, he generates most of his power from the left side, hitting 23 of his 24 homers the last two years against righthanders. He draws enough walks to satisfy the new Boston administration but needs to make more contact. He's an above-average runner, though a sprained ligament in his right knee slowed him in 2002. Sanchez has improved at turning the double play, but he has stiff hands that limit him defensively. He might have a future with the Red Sox as a utilityman, though the club also moved to strengthen that position by dealing for Cesar Crespo.
• 
  Ranked Boston Red Sox #28 prospect in 2002
  How thin are the Red Sox in terms of middle infielders? Santos and No. 6 prospect Freddy Sanchez are the only ones to crack the Top 30, and both look like they might be utilitymen rather than regulars in the majors. A switch-hitter, he makes more contact as a righty. From the left side he has a longer, more powerful swing that produced 13 of his 14 homers in 2001. He'll bunt to take advantage of his speed, which also allows him to steal bases. He strikes out too much, but at least he offsets his whiffs with some walks. He's an adequate second baseman who can get inconsistent on the double-play pivot. The biggest challenge for Santos is staying in the game mentally. He doesn't always give 100 percent, especially if he starts a game with a couple of bad at-bats. He and Sanchez likely will form the doubleplay combination in Triple-A this year.