Johan Santana

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #8 prospect in 2000
  The Twins, with the first pick in the 1999 Rule 5 draft, acquired Santana in a pre-arranged trade with the Marlins in December. He must make the Twins’ Opening Day roster or be offered back to the Astros, his former organization. It might be a longshot for him to stick because he has no experience above the low Class A Midwest League. Santana has a loose, live arm and a fastball that ranges anywhere from 88-94 mph. He throws a good curveball with a wide, sweeping break and an advanced changeup for his age. Santana’s command of the strike zone and his success in winter ball in Venezuela improve his chances of sticking in Minnesota. The history of the Rule 5 draft is littered with pitchers who couldn’t make the jump from low Class A to the big leagues, or whose careers were harmed by the attempt. Santana must handle the big league environment and the possible inactivity. Unless Santana fails in spring training, the Twins have committed themselves to carrying him as the third reliever in the bullpen behind Eddie Guardado and Travis Miller.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  The Twins, with the first pick in the 1999 Rule 5 draft, acquired Santana in a pre-arranged trade with the Marlins in December. He must make the Twins’ Opening Day roster or be offered back to the Astros, his former organization. It might be a longshot for him to stick because he has no experience above the low Class A Midwest League. Santana has a loose, live arm and a fastball that ranges anywhere from 88-94 mph. He throws a good curveball with a wide, sweeping break and an advanced changeup for his age. Santana’s command of the strike zone and his success in winter ball in Venezuela improve his chances of sticking in Minnesota. The history of the Rule 5 draft is littered with pitchers who couldn’t make the jump from low Class A to the big leagues, or whose careers were harmed by the attempt. Santana must handle the big league environment and the possible inactivity. Unless Santana fails in spring training, the Twins have committed themselves to carrying him as the third reliever in the bullpen behind Eddie Guardado and Travis Miller.