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Tigers closer Jose Valverde is no lightweight LYNN HENNING The Detroit News
Lakeland, Fla. --Something doesn't click after studying Jose Valverde's first two weeks in Tigers camp.
He's listed as 6-foot-4, 280 pounds. The 6-4 digits add up, but the 280?
Valverde shook his head and smiled.
"Two-sixty-eight this year," the Tigers' new closer said, sitting at a table in the team's Tigertown clubhouse. "Last year, 285."
Stunningly, he was 15 pounds from hitting the not-so-magical 300-pound mark, which works a lot better on an NFL field than on a baseball diamond.
"I'm not the same guy I was a couple years ago," Valverde explained, meaning that his 17-pound drop was common sense for a pitcher entering big league twilight (he turns 32 later this month).
"But I feel like 20, 21," he said, and anyone observing Valverde since he arrived in Lakeland would agree he has a frat-house flair for fun.
He was busy Sunday morning, in cahoots with Ramon Santiago and Miguel Cabrera, pulling a prank on the clubhouse's resident humorist, Dontrelle Willis.
Willis had stepped away from his locker for a few moments and paid the price. Valverde sneaked into the snack room and came tip-toeing back with an armload of bananas that he stuffed along with pop cans onto the top shelf of Willis' locker.
It resulted -- after Willis came upon the mess -- in five minutes of giggles, feigned threats of retaliation from Willis, and yet another bit of evidence that this is one of the more cohesive Tigers clubhouses in memory, which is something manager Jim Leyland has been saying all spring.
"You have to figure out how to enjoy the day," said Valverde, insisting that baseball is such a stressful business that some horseplay is necessary.
Atmosphere is what he has come to appreciate about the Tigers since he joined them after signing a two-year deal (plus an option season) Jan. 25 to succeed former closer Fernando Rodney.
"Everybody's together," Valverde said. "Everybody's laughing, and yet they're in the game."

03/07/10 5:56 PM EST
Santiago's versatility key for Tigers
Veteran's offseason work should lead to better endurance
By Jason Beck / MLB.com
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Ramon Santiago might never be an everyday player for the Tigers. The opportunities haven't abounded. But if he's going to be a situational guy, it's a pretty good situation for him.

He's just coming off of a timeshare at shortstop for the Tigers, potentially the offensive part of the mix at short with Adam Everett. He's insurance at second base with rookie Scott Sizemore. And he's shaping up to be the only switch-hitter off the bench.

All things considered, he's a vital part to the Tigers' fate this season, which is a big reason why he's the one non-regular with a job seemingly set this early in camp. It's also a reason why the Tigers were willing to commit to a two-year contract with him. Yet between winter ball and the Caribbean Series, he probably came to camp as the Tigers position player best prepared to win a job.

"I come ready for any position, short or second," Santiago said. "I worked in the offseason for that. But regardless, I'm happy in whatever role they put me in, and I'm going to try to do my best to help this team win. It's the most important thing for me. Everybody, we get on the same page and try to win ballgames. That's most important."

For someone who could've made a strong play for a starting job at either spot if needed, it's a good attitude to take.

For a brief while, Santiago seemed potentially poised to slot in at either spot. In early November, when Scott Sizemore had just undergone ankle surgery and Everett had just filed for free agency, Santiago was the one sure thing the Tigers had in the middle infield. Moreover, he was starting to heat up in winter ball.

The situation obviously changed, but the Tigers' trust in Santiago did not. Though the Tigers are starting to rack up a good collection of infielders in the system capable of utility work, including Don Kelly and Brent Dlugach, they've made an investment in Santiago.

Santiago, meanwhile, has made a commitment to the Tigers.

"I've always liked this organization," Santiago said. "They gave me an opportunity. It's the organization I came up in, and I've made my career here. I wish I can stay here for life."
Until Sizemore became Detroit's likely starter at second this year, Santiago was actually the last rookie middle infielder to play every day in Detroit. He broke into the Majors as a midseason callup at shortstop in 2002, replacing Shane Halter, then played in 141 games between shortstop and second base on the 119-loss Tigers of '03.

He played just 160 games in the big leagues over the next five years until last season, when a fast start led him into a platoon with Everett for much of the summer. Now he's trying to build off his season, whatever happens from here.

He knows his reputation for strong starts and late-season fades. It has shown in his stats the last couple years, and it has furthered the belief that he wears down when he plays every day. His offseason was meant to help maintain what he starts.

"Sometimes you start good, but you want to finish strong," Santiago said. "I want to be more consistent, be consistent the whole year. Sometimes every player during the year has a tough time because it's a long season, but you have to keep your mind ready and your body ready. I'm going to try to do my best."
Winter ball played into that. He started fast in the Domincan League and maintained that even after the talent level picked up down the stetch and into the playoffs, finishing with a .322 average and .937 OPS for the eventual Dominican champion Gigantes del Cibao.
All the while, he maintained an offseason workout regimen designed to help his quickness. He had specific exercises designed with input from Tigers conditioning coach Javair Gillett, and he changed his diet to focus more on lean meats and protein.
"My goal before Spring Training was to get a little faster," he said. "I want to steal some more bases this year, be more aggressive on the bases, more aggressive first to third. I'm going to try to get the extra base. I've got it in my mind. It's something I want to improve this Spring Training."
Most Dominican champions change their roster into All-Star teams when they shift to the Caribbean World Series and compete against league champions from Mexico, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. Gigantes wanted Santiago to stick around, and he obliged. It wasn't in his plans, but he couldn't pass up the opportunity.
Santiago went 6-for-19 in the series and played solid defense, helping Gigantes to the Caribbean title. He went almost directly from there to Florida for Spring Training, playing catch and working out in the short time between stops.
"That's the advantage of the thing," Santiago said. "You come into the games ready. You don't have to practice to get ready. You just have to maintain what you've been doing for a couple months."
Manager Jim Leyland said he plans to rest Santiago a little more than usual this spring to avoid wearing him down before the season eventually starts. And Santiago said he tries to rest up once he gets home from camp most days. But he feels prepared for whatever role he's in.
Nobody knows what role that will take. All he can do is be ready.
Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.



Ramon Santiago, signing autographs before a home game last June, has never been to Haiti, but feels its pain. (John Grieshop/Getty Images)


The Detroit News

Tigers infielder Ramon Santiago feels for earthquake victims TOM GAGE
Lakeland, Fla. -- The television was on in the Tigers' clubhouse on a rainy Saturday morning.
Ramon Santiago watched the coverage of the earthquake in Chile.
"Again?" he asked.
Santiago is from the Dominican Republic, the country that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. He's never been to Haiti, but feels its pain.
On Jan. 12, he also felt what caused its pain.
The day the earthquake hit, destroying much of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti's capital, Santiago was in his eighth-floor apartment in Santo Domingo.
"It shook for 30 seconds," he said. "Three hundred kilometers away, it shook for 30 seconds. We went outside. People were in the streets."
Santiago said "there are Haitian people in our hospitals. They lost everything. A man who works in our building is from Haiti. He lost family members."
It is rare for the cheerful Santiago not to smile. But it can't be said anymore that he's always smiling -- because he wasn't during this discussion.
And he wasn't smiling while, on the television above his locker, the updates continued about the quake in Chile.
But the impact of his initial response lingered.
"Again?"
tom.gage@detnews.com

Ramon Santiago is proud to play for DR
INTERNS | WEDNESDAY, 03 FEBRERO OF 2010 08:49

MARGARITA ISLAND, Venezuela. Infielder for the Gigantes del Cibao, Ramon Santiago, the invitation to his first Caribbean Series represents more than a simple opportunity to present his talent, it is pride.

"This is my first Caribbean Series, and for me is a great honor to be here wearing the uniform of my country," said Santiago, before the first game of the Caribbean Series, held in New Sparta Stadium in this island community. Santiago was instrumental in the success of the Cibao Giants and replaced at shortstop Joaquin Arias, who did not make the trip citing back problems. Santiago, in fact, is one of only two players on the Dominican team with a guaranteed contract in the major leagues next season. The native of Las Matas de Farfan will be starting second baseman or utility of the Detroit Tigers, while the other major leaguer is Cuban Brayan Pena. "I feel better, sure, if we had more players with secured spots on MLB rosters, but there are many scouts watching the game and I think those who seek to be on a MLB roster will have the opportunity to prove their skills," he said. "I take my chance and like I said, I am very happy to be here with the Dominican team," he added. Ramon Santiago summed up his opportunity to play for Republica Dominicana: “I am aware of my role in the Dominican team, so each day I will try to do my best with every pitch. "

December 16, 2009

Tigers sign Ramon Santiago to 2-year deal
POSTED BY JAMES JAHNKE FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
The Detroit Tigers today agreed to terms on a two-year, $2.5-million contract with infielder Ramon Santiago, thus avoiding arbitration.
Santiago batted .267 with six doubles, two triples, seven home runs and 35 RBIs in 93 games for the Tigers this past season. He set career highs in homers and RBIs and had the second-most at-bats of his career (265). Manager Jim Leyland said that Santiago's playing time figures to go up next season because he'll start more often in place of rookie second baseman Scott Sizemore than he did in place of veteran Placido Polanco last season.
Santiago also will continue to make starts in place of Adam Everett at short. As a switch-hitter, he provides a left-handed bat in place of the right-handed Everett and the right-handed Sizemore.
Santiago, 30, would have been eligible for free agency after next season. By signing him to a two-year contract, the Tigers have postponed his free-agent eligibility by one season.
In 183 games with the Tigers since the start of 2007, Santiago is hitting .274 with 17 doubles, five triples, 11 home runs and 60 RBIs.
With Santiago agreeing to terms, the Tigers now have 13 players on the 40-man roster under contract for 2010.
Free Press sports writer John Lowe contributed to this report.


12/16/09 5:40 PM EST
Tigers, Santiago agree on two-year deal
Veteran infielder netted career-high seven homers in 2009
By Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com
Ramon Santiago figures to be an important piece of the Tigers' middle-infield equation in 2010, spelling Adam Everett at shortstop and rookie Scott Sizemore at second base.

The Tigers showed how much they value having Santiago in the fold by agreeing with him on a two-year contract, announced on Wednesday. With the deal, the Tigers and Santiago avoid salary arbitration.
The Associated Press reported that the two-year deal is worth $2.5 million.
Santiago appeared in 93 games last season, including 73 combined starts at second and short. He batted .267 (70-for-262) with six doubles, two triples, seven homers and 35 RBIs. The home run and RBI totals were career highs.
In 183 games with the Tigers since the start of the 2007 season, the switch-hitting Santiago has hit .274 with 17 doubles, five triples, 11 homers and 60 RBIs.
It's possible Santiago could see even more time at second in 2010, as Sizemore gets his feet wet in the Major Leagues. The infield prospect is taking over the starting duties at second from Placido Polanco, who departed in free agency and signed with the Phillies.
Santiago would have been eligible for free agency next winter. His contract is the first multiyear deal done by the Tigers since the Miguel Cabrera contract in 2008.
The Tigers now have 13 players from the 40-man roster under contract for 2010.






jueves, noviembre 26, 2009
Ramón Santiago debutará este viernes en Julián Javier

SAN FRANCISCO DE MACORIS.- El estelar campo corto  de grandes ligas Ramón Santiago anuncio su debut para este viernes en el estadio Julián Javier frente a las estrellas Orientales. Santiago resaltó que ha estado entrenando arduamente y lleva varios días integrado a los entrenamientos del conjunto. “Me siento en optimas condiciones física y mental para aporta mi granito de arena  a favor del equipo tengo un gran compromiso con la fanáticada de los Gigantes del Cibao”  enfatizó.

"Tú puedes recordar que el año pasado no pude terminar jugando con los Gigantes por la lesión que sufrí en el primer juego de la serie final  pero para esta ocasión voy a integrarme temprano para de esa manera cumplir con la fanaticada del conjunto”  afirmó. Santiago perteneciente a los Tigres del Detroit en el béisbol de las grandes ligas  bateo en la pasada campaña en el béisbol de los Estados Unidos  para  .282 en 58 partidos, tuvo 124 turnos, 30 carreras anotadas, 35 imparables, 6 dobles, 2 triples 4 cuadrangulares, 18 remolcadas, 22 bases por bolas recibidas, y 17 ponches.

El año pasado en la pelota invernal dominicana Santiago bateó para 297, 12 carreras anotadas, 6 remolcadas, 19 imparables, y 5 dobles.


English:

The stellar shortstop of the major leagues, Ramón Santiago, announced his début for this Friday at Julián Javier Stadium set against the Oriental stars. Santiago has spent several days getting re-familiar with the coaches and integrating back onto the Giants team. “I’ve optimized my mental and physical condition so that I may commit my grain of sand to the granite rock of enthusiasm embodied in the Giants of Cibao.”

"You can recall that last year I could not finish playing with the Giants due to the injury that I suffered in the first play of the final series. However, this season I am going to integrate earlier with the Giants to become part of the team’s winning spirit. Santiago played for the Detroit Tigers in the major leagues this past season.

Last year in Dominican winter ball Santiago batted .297.




Ramon Santiago's stock reaches new level LYNN HENNING
Detroit October 3, 2009
One of Jim Leyland's surprises in spring training before the 2006 season was how rapidly young, or lower-profile, players caught the new manager's eye.
Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya were kid pitchers who pushed for roster spots almost from the day Leyland saw them burning holes in catcher's mitts in the Tigertown bullpen.
He saw an infielder he liked as his backup at shortstop and second base: Ramon Santiago, who had played for the Tigers in 2002 and '03 before being traded to Seattle. He was back with the Tigers after the Mariners released him during the 2005-06 offseason.
Santiago now has played four straight seasons with the Tigers and never has had higher stock or status. Leyland had him in the lineup for the 92nd time Friday as the Tigers got ready to play the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park in a game that could've drawn the Tigers closer to a spot in the postseason.
Santiago's playing time has soared this season. He played in 58 games in 2008, 32 in '07 and 43 in '06. Should the playoffs involve Leyland's team, Santiago will have a shot at crowding the 100-game mark -- significant duty when players as solid as Everett and as talented as Placido Polanco are Leyland's up-the-middle infield regulars.
Better with age
Santiago is six weeks past his 30th birthday. He was batting .271 with seven home runs and 35 RBIs as the Tigers got ready for Jake Peavy, a White Sox right-hander, which is why the switch-hitting Santiago was playing ahead of the team's established starter at shortstop, Everett, a right-handed hitter.
"He's very good at second base or shortstop," Leyland said, explaining what he liked about Santiago in March 2006 -- and in October 2009. "And he's a wonderful kid."
What Leyland saw in Santiago that first spring in Florida was a rock-solid defensive player with versatility. Santiago could play with equal command at short or second. He had soft hands and a quick release on relays. He had a plus arm.
And he got to everything hit his way. A reliable backup infielder's great gift is that he comes with an insurance policy. Need to replace your starter in the late innings? You need a fill-in who can suck up ground balls the way your Hoover inhales cracker crumbs.
That was Santiago. It was Santiago two weeks ago, in Minneapolis, when he slipped into the hole at shortstop, backhanded Nick Punto's hot grounder headed to left field, and whipped a snap-throw to Polanco at second to help nail down a huge Sunday victory over the Twins
His hitting has been the surprise this year. Santiago didn't cut it when the Tigers tried to make him a starting shortstop in 2003, when he was only 23. He played 141 games during the Tigers' anguished '03 season, when they finished 43-119. Santiago seemed in good company.
He batted .225. He hit two home runs. He had 29 RBIs.
But after Santiago returned to Detroit, and after Leyland decided to carry him only because his glove was so failsafe, Santiago got busy making changes. Mostly, with his body.
Hard work pays off
He hit the Dominican Republic beach for Marine Corps-style workouts with David Ortiz and other Dominican habitués. He hit the weights, as well, hoping to whack the baseball with more punch.
He also was getting older. And smarter. He was only 26 when Leyland added him to the roster. He had time to yet develop, even if he was only playing semi-regularly, mostly because Leyland has always maintained that Santiago's build makes him vulnerable to wearing down if he plays too frequently. It's then that his bat wilts, at least in Leyland's view.
"You never agree," Santiago said Friday, smiling at the skipper's assessment. "Ask any player that question. Everyone wants to play.
"I'm not gonna lie. But I'm happy with my role. I want to be a Tiger forever."
Forever might be a stretch, but think back to early '06, when a kid the Tigers had traded to the Mariners (for Carlos Guillen) and then re-signed showed up in Florida trying to win a job.
It is almost four years later. And an exceedingly valuable player has done nothing but get better, and more essential.
Underestimate this man at your own risk.
lynn.henning@detnews.com">lynn.henning@detnews.com
Additional Facts
Don't sell 'em short
The Tigers have gotten solid seasons from their two little-heralded shortstops. Here's how they've done in games they've played shortstop.

Santiago's long journey to big league ball
Tigers infielder grew up on fields of Domincan Republic

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

08/03/09 11:12 PM ET

Monday starts our week-long package of stories looking at Tigers Latin-American players and how they grew up around baseball. The package leads up to the Tigers' annual Fiesta Tigres celebration Saturday at Comerica Park.

DETROIT -- Ramon Santiago can still remember how to roll a sock tightly into a makeshift baseball. That was pretty easy. Then they'd find something to use for bat.
It wasn't much, but where he came from in his native Dominican Republic, it was the start of a ballgame. As it turned out, it was also the start of a career.
Before Santiago had his own fan club, before he earned a share of the Tigers' shortstop job, before he even started playing organized baseball back home, he had the makeshift ball and bat. They'd play around the apartment, in the street, maybe on the field next door.
In the Dominican, of course, baseball is an obsession. And Santiago was all about baseball, eventually outgrowing the sock and stick.
"Sometimes we'd play near our apartment," Santiago said. "If anybody hit it over the building, it was a home run."
If anybody hit it against the building?
"A double, maybe a triple," Santiago said. "You just keep running until they catch the ball."
If anybody broke a window?
"Everybody run," Santiago laughed.
It was on the streets of Las Matas de Farfan, and later on the rocky infield of the city's organized league, where Santiago honed his sure-handed fielding. The town of just over 20,000 people, located in the western mountains near the border with Haiti, isn't the fabled baseball hotbed of other Dominican cities, but has produced a fair number of Major Leaguers, from Juan Encarnacion to Odalis Perez, Roberto Novoa to Victor Santos. Santiago is the one player of the bunch still in the Major Leagues this season.
Santiago spent a good portion of his childhood in the field, but not always baseball. While his mother worked in a pharmacy, his father was involved with farming. One of his favorite pictures as a kid isn't of his baseball exploits, but as a five-year-old on top of a burro, a small donkey.
"Somebody had to hold the burro," Santiago said. "They can be mean sometimes, start throwing you around."
His dad didn't want him doing a lot of work around the farm, only to help out a little bit. He still has a mark from where he cut open his leg once while hauling grain around.
His family wanted him to focus on his studies, and on baseball. Once he started playing organized ball at age nine in the local leagues, he became a mainstay in town as a shortstop.
There was one field in town for the league to use, and it wasn't a particularly good one. He got the bumps and bruises to show for it. But by playing there, he learned the discipline to keep his eye on the ball and be ready for a last-second adjustment.
"That's why when I play in the fields here, it's like paradise," Santiago said. "That field was so hard, you're maybe afraid to lose your teeth. That's how bad it was. When you see the fields here, how they treat it, that's like playing in paradise on the Major League fields."
During the day, after school, he would be watching for bad hops on that field. Once evening came, he would often be home, watching Major League games on television. However, he didn't have a lot of choices.
"Young players, they always have somebody they like, they want to be like him," Santiago said. "When I was watching baseball, the only channels I watched were the Braves [on TBS] and the Cubs [on WGN]. We didn't have many more channels then. We're a little town in the Dominican."
He remembers watching Rafael Belliard as a utility infielder with the Braves, and admiring him for his glove. But one of the biggest influences on his career from those games wasn't even Dominican.
"Chipper [Jones] was why I started switch-hitting," Santiago said. "Chipper, I liked, and he was a switch-hitter. But I only hit right before. So from then, I said I want to hit like him. I tried it one game, hit it good, so I kept hitting like that."
He was around 15 years old when Jones got him to switch-hit. A year later, the Tigers signed him in December of 1995 and sent him to their developmental academy, where he made enough of an impression to crack the Tigers' farm system in 1999.
He barely knew a word of English at the time, but he worked with Tigers instructors and teammates to learn the language, to the point where he's now one of the more fluent Latin-American players on the team. He and teammate Placido Polanco work with young players when they get to Detroit to make the adjustment.
There's another way he wants to give back.
"Maybe when I go back home, I want to try to help fix the field, for my league," Santiago said.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


Tigers' Fernando Rodney, Ramon Santiago treat David Ortiz to hearty meals
June 05, 2009 11:51AM
David Ortiz was already a big man -- weighing in around 235 pounds -- prior to his visit to Detroit. But after Boston's three-game road trip against the Tigers, the veteran slugger might have gained a few pounds, due largely in part to Tigers' Fernando Rodney and Ramon Santiago's gracious hospitality.
Boston Globe, June 5: Ortiz had three containers of food at his locker, all from the Tigers' Fernando Rodney. Ortiz explained that Dominican players take care of each other on the road. He said he got food from Ramon Santiago the day before.




Ramon Santiago: A Hall of Fame Backup in Detroit
May 27, 2009
The end of the 2008 season came along with the end of a contract for starting shortstop Edgar
Renteria. With the Tigers having no intentions of resigning Renteria, the starting job was all but given
to the long-time professional backup, Ramon Santiago...

by Austin Drake (Columnist)

The end of the 2008 season came along with the end of a contract for starting shortstop Edgar
Renteria. With the Tigers having no intentions of resigning Renteria, the starting job was all but given
to the long-time professional backup, Ramon Santiago.

Santiago grew up in the early 1980s, in the little town of Las Matas de Farfan, Dominican Republic.
As a backup in 2008, Santiago knocked in 18 runners in 124 plate appearances, while posting an
average of .282. His defense has always been there, too, with a career .973 fielding percentage, making
just three errors in 118 total chances.

Santiago had waited for this moment—his seven-year career, five with Detroit, was finally going to pay
off. He would be a starter on a major-league team again.

Then, December 28th rolled around, and Detroit signed free agent Adam Everett to a one-year, $1
million contract. Santiago saw himself slip back into the second slot on the depth chart once again.
Then, the 2009 regular season came knocking.

With Adam Everett a defensive shortstop and the Tigers lacking offensive fire power, manager Jim
Leyland made a move to put Ramon as the starter for a few games, and it sure did pay off.

In a start on April 13th versus the White Sox, Santiago went 3-5 with a home run and three RBI. Later
in the month, Santiago got the nod against his former team, Seattle, and he went 2-3 with a double and
five RBI.

Now into May, Santiago has begun to play, on average, two or three games a week and has his coaches,
teammates, and fans praising that decision. In the month of May, through May 25th, he is hitting a
whopping .441, with six extra-base hits and nine RBI.

Not only has Ramon's bat sizzled so far this season, his leather isn't too bad either. Thus far this season
at second base, Santiago has yet to make and error, and at shortstop has made a mere two.

Coming from a die-hard Tigers fan like myself, this guy may be one of the most important pieces to the
puzzle in Detroit. His mix of speed, defense, and hitting ability off the bench adds another dimension to
the Tigers squad.

Ramon Santiago is a Hall of Fame backup, and a key to Detroit's success.





May 20, 2009

Tigers' Ramon Santiago a driving force
Has more RBIs than all of last season
BY JOHN LOWE FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

Something can be said of Tigers infielder Ramon Santiago that can't be said of many players: As the season approaches the one-fourth mark, he has more RBIs than he had all of last season.

Santiago has 19 RBIs. He finished last season with 18.

A lot of his RBIs this season have come with something beyond a single.

In consecutive innings Sunday against Oakland, Santiago had a run-scoring triple and a three-run homer. He added two singles. According to Baseball-Reference.com and Retrosheet.org -- he did something Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker each did only once in their long careers in the Tigers' middle infield: Have a four-hit game that included a triple and a homer.

Santiago played second as he went 4-for-4 on Sunday, while shortstop Adam Everett went 3-for-3. According to research by Brian Britten, the Tigers' director of baseball media relations, Trammell and Whitaker never did that -- i.e., both never had at least three hits in a game in which neither made an out.
Santiago has acknowledged he got stronger with workouts this past off-season. He also might be swinging more often than a year ago. He already has struck out almost as much he did all of last season. But with his production up dramatically, that's not an issue.

Santiago last season: 124 at-bats, 12 extra-base hits (four homers), 18 RBIs.

Santiago this season: 58 at-bats, eight extra-base hits (three homers), 19 RBIs.

On Tuesday night, Santiago started and got his latest extra-base hit, a double down the rightfield line. The club anticipated he would play more this season than last season, in part so Everett would get breaks.
Contact JOHN LOWE: 313-223-4053 or jlowe@freepress.com.



Scott Warheit on WBBL:

Adam Everett, Ramon Santiago emerge as Detroit's 'biggest surprise'

Posted by James Schmehl | MLive.com May 20, 2009 17:24PM
Categories: Adam Everett, Audio, Ramon Santiago

Ramon Santiago - a career .245 hitter - signed a one-year, $825,000 contract with Detroit as a fill-in utility infielder, who would start in place of everyday starters, here and there.
Adam Everett - a career .248 hitter - signed a one-year, $1 million contract this offseason -- becoming the Tigers' solution to a sloppy infield.
In return, Detroit now sits atop the AL Central and the Santiago-Everett tandem has combined for 35 RBIs in only 143 at-bats at a bargain-basement price.
The Tigers' shortstop duo has combined for 13 more RBIs than Milwaukee's J.J. Hardy, who leads all shortstops with 22 in 131 at-bats -- one of many early season surprises for Detroit, according to Cutoff Man co-author Scott Warheit.
"That to me might be the biggest surprise because that was not a position that they expected to get a lot of run production from, and they've gotten it," Warheit told WBBL-AM Grand Rapid's Bret Bakita. "When you combine that with how well their starting pitchers have performed, especially lately, you couldn't be asking for much more."
Listen to the entire interview as Warheit discusses Carlos Guillen and Marcus Thames, who are both listed on the disabled list, and the near return of Jeremy Bonderman to the Tigers' starting rotation.


Leyland Weighing Options at Shortstop
07/22/2008 8:40 PM ET
By Mark Dent / MLB.com

KANSAS CITY -- Manager Jim Leyland believes Edgar Renteria is getting healthier every day, and has continued to keep him in the lineup.
Renteria suffered a mild hamstring strain on July 9 and sat out for a few games before the All-Star break. In the first two games after the break, he went 3-for-7, but has gone 0-for-8 over the last two games.
Leyland said he wouldn't hesitate to use shortstop Ramon Santiago if he didn't think Renteria was healthy enough.
"I wouldn't not play him unless I thought he wasn't going to get the job done," Leyland said about Renteria. "But there are going to be balls in emergency situations where he's not going to take a chance at the ball at all."


Brandon Inge homers, Ramon Santiago goes 4-for-4 for Toledo
BY JON PAUL MOROSI • FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER • July 8, 2008
A few updates from the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens' 8-1 victory over Scranton on Monday: Catcher/infielder Brandon Inge (pulled oblique) began his minor league rehabilitation assignment with a 1-for-3 performance as the designated hitter. He hit a three-run home run off right-hander Jeff Karstens in the third inning.
Infielder Ramon Santiago (separated left shoulder) went 4-for-4 in what was almost certainly the final game of his rehabilitation assignment. Detroit plans to activate him before tonight's series opener against Cleveland. Infielder Michael Hollimon rejoined the Toledo lineup after he was sent down to make room for Santiago. Hollimon started at second base -- the position Tigers manager Jim Leyland has said suits him best -- and went 0-for-3 with a walk and run. Hollimon batted .261 with one home run and two RBIs in 11 games with Detroit.


Santiago set to begin rehab soon
06/26/2008 12:28 PM ET
By Jason Beck / MLB.com

DETROIT -- Tigers utility infielder Ramon Santiago could begin a Minor League rehab assignment next week as he works his way back from a separated left shoulder.

Santiago, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since June 5, shed the specialized cast he was wearing last week and has started to hit soft-toss pitches in the cage. He could begin hitting in full batting practice this weekend and then start playing in games when the Tigers hit the road next week.

To get Santiago back would be a boon to the Tigers bench, which has lost some versatility this month between his injury and Brandon Inge's pulled left oblique muscle. Prospect Michael Hollimon, called up when Santiago went on the DL, made his third start at shortstop on Thursday to give a day off to starter Edgar Renteria, but the Tigers would prefer Hollimon to get regular at-bats at Triple-A Toledo and work on his game.

Santiago, known more for his solid defense than his bat, was enjoying one of his better offensive seasons coming off the Tigers bench when he was injured. He's batting .361 (13-for-36) with seven walks, four doubles, a triple, a home run and 11 RBIs.

Santiago Separates Shoulder
06/04/2008 8:59 PM ET
By Jason Beck / MLB.com

OAKLAND -- It was a diving attempt in a game that was already pretty much out of reach. Still, in an odd twist, Ramon Santiago ended up paying for his hustle.

The Tigers infielder tried to stretch out for a ground ball up the middle in the seventh inning of Wednesday's 10-2 loss to the A's. He ended up separating his left shoulder, an injury that is expected to land the utility man on the 15-day disabled list.

Santiago was making his first start of the Tigers' nine-game West Coast road trip, giving Edgar Renteria a day off at shortstop. The A's had already plated three runs and built a 7-2 lead when Rob Bowen hit a ground ball up the middle. Santiago ranged to his left and ran it down, but as soon as he hit the ground to stop it, his glove shoulder popped out. He immediately rolled on the ground in pain.

"I dove for the ball and tried to knock it down, and I got stuck," Santiago said.

Essentially, he explained, he hit the ground chest-first and stayed there, but his shoulder popped out upon impact. Head athletic trainer Kevin Rand was able to pop it back into place, but he was in pain for several minutes.

Santiago was feeling better as he talked with reporters after the game, but he's expected to feel more pain over the next couple days. He'll undergo an X-ray exam on the shoulder Thursday in Detroit to determine the extent of the separation.

Whatever the degree of injury, however, the Tigers are expecting a long enough absence to require a DL stint. Part of the problem isn't just the time off to rehab, but the role that Santiago plays. Santiago has played in just 18 games this season, but his versatility and solid defense have made him a useful reserve, not to mention strong insurance policy at several positions in case of injury.

Ryan Raburn also backs up at second and third, but not short. Brandon Inge could back up at shortstop in a pinch, but he's battling a pulled left oblique muscle. Thus, it's possible the Tigers will call up an infielder from Triple-A Toledo to fill in. It's uncertain whether they would call up prospect Michael Hollimon to work as a reserve, interrupting the steady diet of at-bats he's receiving to develop as a hitter.

Tigers' Gloves for Kids program a big hit
05/24/2008 7:15 PM ET
By Scott McNeish / MLB.com

DETROIT -- On Saturday afternoon, the Tigers initiated their annual Gloves for Kids donation program, presented by CBS radio and the Detroit Tigers Foundation.

The program, which began in 1999, helps support youth baseball and softball in the city of Detroit. Fans donate usable equipment, such as bats, balls and, of course, gloves, in exchange for autographs from two Tigers players. If they have no equipment to donate, fans can make a cash donation of $10 per autograph.

Equipment goes to selected summer baseball leagues in Detroit. This year the Tigers picked the Eagle Sports Club on the east side of the city, a league, in its 10th year, which features more than 600 kids age 4 to 14.

"Their baseball leagues have really been struggling," manager of community affairs Alexandrea Trubis said.

The program's first stop this season was Saturday at the ABC Warehouse in Southfield on the corner of 10 Mile Road and Southfield Street. The next event is June 28 at the ABC Warehouse on Gratiot Avenue in Chesterfield. The Tigers will also visit the ABC Warehouse on Plymouth Road in Livonia on July 26 and a yet-to-be-announced location on Aug. 16.

A collection event will take place at Comerica Park on Aug. 30 before the Tigers take on the Royals.
"We're trying to collect equipment that people can use," Trubis said. "The whole point is to get them equipment so [kids] can play and get them ready to play in the big leagues some day."

Ramon Santiago and Ryan Raburn represented the first player tandem to sign autographs for the program this year.
With the exception of Curtis Granderson, team officials could not confirm other players that will appear in future events. The team generally releases names of players that will sign two weeks before the event.
Santiago and Raburn sat with Sharpies in hand at a table on a large black stage while fans, who lined up more than hour prior to the event, formed a line that wrapped around the side of the store and touched the back. The duo signed photographs provided for fans, as well as bats, balls, hats and T-shirts.
"It's great to see the Tigers doing something like this for kids," said Patty Swanson, a devoted fan. "It's a two-way street: people get stuff signed and kids get good stuff to play with. Everybody wins."



May 3, 2008
Practice pays off for Tiger Ramon Santiago By JOHN LOWE FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
Ramon Santiago said he got many congratulatory messages from his family in the Dominican Republic on his performance as the Tigers shortstop Thursday night. First, Santiago denied the Yankees the go-ahead run with a spectacular stop up the middle and a difficult flip to second. In the next inning, he put the Tigers ahead to stay with a two-run triple.
Before Thursday, Santiago had played only five innings this season at short. But he takes grounders there daily during batting practice. The dedication paid off Thursday.


Quotes from Detroit Manager Jim Leyland, March 21st, 2008:

"Santiago is a really tremendous utility infielder; he can really play shortstop, and he's swinging the bat better...You know, he's a real bona fide middle utility infielder in the Major Leagues, in my opinion. I love him on the team. He's a good man, never says anything, goes about his business, doesn't bother anybody, doesn't cause any waves." And he's there for whenever the Tigers need him.  (Detroit Manager Jim Leyland, March 21st, 2008)
Santiago es un jugador del cuadro interior realmente tremendo de la utilidad; él puede jugar realmente frenador, y él columpia el batea mejor. ..You sabe, él es un jugador del cuadro interior mediano, auténtico y verdadero de la utilidad en las Ligas principales, en mi opinión. Yo lo adoro en el equipo. El es un hombre bueno, nunca dice nada, va acerca de su negocio, no molesta nadie, no causa ninguna onda". Y él está allí para siempre que los Tigres lo necesitan. (Manager de Detroit Jim Leyland, 21 de March, 2008) 

Baseball Write Lynn Henning of the Detroit News:  (Ramon is) one of my favorite baseball players of all time. You will cover sports for decades and never meet a finer person. He is warm, intelligent, witty, and a precise professional in the field and in the clubhouse. The Tigers are lucky to have him.
Ramon es uno de mis jugadores de béisbol favoritos de todo tiempo. Usted cubrirá los deporte por décadas y nunca encontrará a una persona más fina. El está tibio, inteligente, ingenioso, y un profesional preciso en el campo y en el club. Los Tigres tienen suerte para tenerlo.


Tuesday, March 4, 2008
30 seconds with Ramon Santiago
Lynn Henning / The Detroit News
Q. Your role has been established: You're a utility infielder, a back-up infielder. Does that bother you in any way that your place in baseball seems to have been determined?
A. No, it does not bother me. I just try to do my best. I really like that Skip (manager Jim Leyland) gives me the opportunity. I know my role. I just want to be ready.
Q. Your favorite position is shortstop. How easy for you is it to move to second base, or to third base?
A. When you play shortstop, you can adjust, because shortstop is one of the harder positions to play. The key is to get your work (practice time at other positions) done.
Q. Leyland always has had a special kind of confidence in you. How much does that mean to you?
A. I'm really proud of that. Anytime he gives me the opportunity to get into the game, it means a lot. It's the reason why I try to come to the game every day ready to work hard and to play hard.


Tigers re-sign Santiago for one year
11/11/2007 5:50 PM ET
By Jason Beck / MLB.com

DETROIT -- The Tigers didn't see Ramon Santiago as an everyday shortstop for 2008. They still, however, see him as a potentially key part of their club.
Less than two weeks after trading for Edgar Renteria, the Tigers retained Santiago by agreeing to terms on a one-year Major League contract. The deal calls for a $575,000 salary if he sticks in the big leagues, which would likely be as a utility infielder.
Santiago essentially ended last season splitting time with Carlos Guillen as Detroit's starting shortstop, manning the position on days when Guillen started at first base. His strong defense filled a void the Tigers wanted to fill for the stretch run when they purchased his contract from Triple-A Toledo on Aug. 17.
The 28-year-old switch-hitter batted .284 (19-for-67) with five doubles, a triple, seven RBIs and 10 runs scored in 32 games, including 17 starts at short. He committed two errors in 93 total chances for a .978 fielding percentage. He batted .263 in 91 games for the Mud Hens with 19 doubles, three homers and 30 RBIs.
His performance in Detroit was enough to earn close to regular playing time at short down the stretch, but when the Tigers decided to move Guillen to first full-time next year, the question of how Santiago would hold up over a full season prompted the team to look outside the organization at short. His new deal gives him a chance to shore up a reserve role next spring.
"The Tigers again showed their commitment to Ramon Santiago," Santiago's agent, Bill Rego, said Sunday. "I think it puts Ramon in a really, really favorable position for '09."
Santiago has seen time with the Tigers the last two seasons after rejoining the organization as a Minor League free agent in 2006. He was one of eight arbitration-eligible Tigers this winter, but it's debatable whether Detroit would've gone to arbitration with him or non-tendered him in December, putting him in a cluttered free agent market of infielders.
The new deal guarantees Santiago a $250,000 salary if he ends up back in the Minors. If he reaches 250 plate appearances in the Majors, he'll earn a $25,000 bonus on top of whatever he earns in salary.
Santiago's role could depend in no small part on Detroit's potential offseason moves. The Tigers also have Omar Infante and Ryan Raburn in their utility infield ranks, but Infante -- also eligible for arbitration -- could be shopped to help fill other needs. Even if Infante remains, manager Jim Leyland said last year he sees Santiago as his best defensive option at short.
Raburn plays at second and third base, but not shortstop, and he could share time in left field. It's uncertain whether the Tigers want Guillen to make spot starts at shortstop or dedicate himself full-time to first base.


Tigers re-sign infielder Ramon Santiago to one-year deal
November 10, 2007
By JON PAUL MOROSI
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
The Tigers reached an agreement with one of their eight arbitration-eligible players, as infielder Ramon Santiago signed a one-year deal with a $575,000 big-league salary.
Santiago is a good candidate to make Detroit's Opening Day roster, but the contract has a $250,000 guarantee if he is sent to the minors. The deal also includes a $25,000 incentive package based on at-bats.
“Ramon is very happy,” Santiago's agent, Bill Rego, said after the deal was finalized on Saturday. “I thought it was a very, very fair deal.”

Santiago, 28, has been a valuable utility infielder since returning to the Tigers as a minor-league free agent prior to the 2006 season. Though his primary contribution is as a reliable defender, Santiago also batted .284 in 32 games with Detroit this season.

Manager Jim Leyland has shown his trust in Santiago by starting him at shortstop in the first two games of last year's World Series and in several crucial September games this year.

The Tigers view Santiago as a better defensive shortstop than fellow utility infielder Omar Infante, who could be traded before spring training.




Video Clips of Ramon:

Ramon's 2-RBI Single Against the Indians Sept 18th, 2007

Ramon Goes 3 for 4 Against Cleveland on Sept 18th, 2007
Ramon's barehander vs Kansas City 30 Aug 07
Ramon fields deflection against Cleveland 23 Aug 07


Santiago makes case for short; fan club endorses full-time move  Wants to stick at short
September 20, 2007
BY JON PAUL MOROSI
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
CLEVELAND -- His reputation has long included vast range and endless energy, but, sadly, not much pop in his bat. Teammates call him Happy because of his sunny disposition and carefree play.
Until last year, he was perhaps best known by Tigers fans as one of two players sent to Seattle in 2004 when Carlos Guillen, now a two-time All-Star, was dealt to Detroit.
But he returned to the Tigers before last season, and, in a manner too impressive to ignore, Ramon Santiago is doing all he can to earn a piece of the team's future -- even if he couldn't help the Tigers avoid a 4-2 loss and a three-game sweep at the hands of the Indians on Wednesday afternoon.

"I feel pretty good about the way I've been playing," Santiago said in a quiet clubhouse. "But I just wish we would've won those ballgames."

He went 6-for-10 in the three-game series and drove in four runs. On Monday, he bunted for a single -- on his own -- to score a man from third. On Wednesday, he was part of three double plays.

And he left town with a .298 average in 26 games this season.

"I've always known he was a good player," said Brandon Inge, who, like Santiago, was a young position player for Detroit in 2003. "He got thrown into the mix and wasn't quite ready, like I (wasn't).

"You don't have a very good year and you get that label: He's this type of hitter. He's this type of player. He's not quite an everyday starter. Yeah, right. That kid has more heart than 90% of the people I know."

Inge said there is "no question" that Santiago is capable of being an everyday shortstop in the big leagues. Naturally, members of the Ramon Santiago Fan Club -- founded three years ago, when Santiago played for Seattle -- agree.

"What's to keep them from starting him at shortstop?" asked Mark Abbott, the group's founder, when reached in Ocean Shores, Wash., on Wednesday. "His bat's coming around. If he gets enough at-bats, he'll continue to hit."
If the Tigers move Guillen to first base next season -- a very real possibility -- then they will need a shortstop, and Santiago appears to be the strongest internal candidate.

"He knows," Guillen said, "how to play this game."

Still, he's 28 and has yet to start at shortstop over a full season for a contending big-league team. Santiago entered the year with a .227 batting average in 276 big-league games -- a long-enough look, it would seem, to form an opinion about his ability.

Santiago, who was one of the team's final cuts in spring training, batted .263 in 91 minor league games and has played superbly since joining the big-league roster Aug. 17. Detroit manager Jim Leyland praised Santiago during this week's series but added, "Playing periodically and staying fresh is a whole lot different than playing 155 or 160 games at shortstop."

Santiago missed about one month at Triple-A Toledo this year after breaking his right ring finger while fielding a bad-hop ground ball July 13. The next hitter grounded to second base, and Santiago turned the double play -- crooked finger and all. Santiago remained in the game and singled in his last at-bat.

The finger is still swollen, but it hasn't affected Santiago's play. Abbott, the fan club's founder, recalled watching one of last month's highlight-reel pickups on a computer while volunteering with a humanitarian group in Darfur.
And then in Wednesday's sixth inning, Santiago reacted quickly on Casey Blake's smash toward the hole, scooped it up on his backhand and started an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play.

Inge was asked how many other shortstops could do that.
"Not many," he said.

Contact JON PAUL MOROSI at 313-223-4097 or jmorosi@freepress.com. Check out his Tigers blog at www.freep.com/sports.

09/18/2007 8:06 PM ET
Notes: Split at short works for Guillen
All-Star backs Santiago, questions potential pickups
By Jason Beck / MLB.com

CLEVELAND -- Carlos Guillen can accept moving to first base -- or even platooning there -- to make room for a quality shortstop. He'd rather do that than move to first base as a reactionary move under the notion that he can't play shortstop.
The question or whether and when to shift Guillen began last spring during his contract negotiations and resurfaced sooner than expected when Ramon Santiago was called up from Triple-A Toledo last month as a defensive replacement. It's a debate that will likely flourish in the offseason as the Tigers try to fill an opening in the lineup at one of the two positions.

Guillen, not surprisingly, has a strong opinion on the subject. And just because he has taken his playing time at first base in stride doesn't mean he's ready to give up on shortstop altogether.

"I don't have a problem playing first base. I don't have any problem," Guillen said. "But if you bring in a shortstop, he [should] be a really good shortstop."

Guillen has played all over the infield over the course of his career. But as he pointed out, when he played second and third base his first couple years in Seattle, it was because the Mariners had Alex Rodriguez.
Right now, the Tigers don't have another All-Star at short. They do, however, have Santiago, who has filled in admirably on defense when Guillen has played at first base. To Guillen, he's a pretty good option.
"He can play every day," Guillen said. "He played in the World Series. He did a pretty good job."
Manager Jim Leyland again heaped praise on the job Santiago has performed down the stretch defensively. He also said that whatever they've had offensively from the 28-year-old has been a bonus.

"I like [Santiago]. He's played tremendous at shortstop," Leyland said. "He's very, very good. We're very happy with that."

That said, Leyland has indicated on more than one occasion that he doesn't see Santiago holding up to the wear and tear of an everyday shortstop over the course of a full season.

"I like him. He's a nice little player," Leyland said. "But playing periodically and staying fresh and everything is a whole lot different than playing 155, 160 games at shortstop."

Guillen is fine with the arrangement as it is now, splitting starts with Santiago at shortstop while playing first base on other days. If they're going to bring him someone from outside the organization, however, he'd like to see them go for a big-name contributor to justify it.

"I don't have any problem. I just want to win," Leyland said. "My point is if you bring in a shortstop who makes $5-7 million, he needs to fit."

The free-agent market is not deep at shortstop, with 40-year-old Omar Vizquel and 32-year-old David Eckstein shaping up to be the leaders of the class. The other options would be via trade, with several teams facing decisions on whether to keep veteran shortstops or go younger at the position. Pittsburgh's Jack Wilson was a much-rumored trade target, but he will coincidentally average just under $7 million over the next two seasons under his long-term contract.
Ivan Rodriguez, for one, would like to see Guillen remain primarily a shortstop.

"It's good for him to take a couple of days rest and play first base, but not to play every day at first base," Rodriguez said. "Shortstop, that is his position."


2006

Tigers | Team re-signs R. Santiago
Wed, 29 Nov 2006 11:17:10 -0800
Jon Paul Morosi, of the Detroit Free Press, reports the Detroit Tigers have re-signed 2B Ramon Santiago to a one-year deal which includes a $500,000 salary for the upcoming season. It also means the two sides will avoid salary arbitration.
  
Sun, Oct. 08, 2006
Playoff wins unite the generations
By Drew Sharp                   
Detroit Free Press
DETROIT - The greatest living Tiger, Al Kaline, wrapped his arm around the shoulders of the 25th man on the roster, reserve infielder Ramon Santiago , smoldering stogies protruding from their mouths. They just stood there, joyously soaking in the spontaneous release of sheer ecstasy unfolding before them in the Tigers' clubhouse, a generational gulf pulled together through one common thread.
Santiago has no concept of what No. 6 means to this city. How could he? His parents weren't even born when a scrawny 18-year-old from Maryland first began his major league career in 1953.
History has an instinctive way of finding its footing more in baseball than any other sport. And we're reminded as the Tigers prepare for their first American League Championship Series in 19 years that there is no sturdier strand capable of weaving together the past with the present than baseball - especially in Detroit.
Eliminating the Yankees in the Division Series reconnected this city to its roots as a baseball town. There were grandfathers jockeying for position with teenagers in the Comerica Park stands 30 minutes after the Tigers' clinching 8-3 victory, pushing themselves as close as possible to the splashes of champagne that players victoriously fired into the night air Saturday.
The Symington men understand this special bond.
Jay Symington, 48, recognized me as I walked to Comerica Park on Saturday. He stopped to say hello. He was there with his 74-year-old father, Jake, and his 16-year-old son, Ryan.
It was interesting listening to three generations with three different stories to tell. Jake was 13 when his father took him to Briggs Stadium for Game 2 of the 1945 World Series against the Chicago Cubs. And it was amazing how 61 years hadn't dulled the vivid detail of his most cherished memory of that afternoon_his hero, Hank Greenberg, knocked out a home run in a 4-1 Tigers' victory.
Twenty- three years later, Jake took then 10-year-old Jay to Tiger Stadium for Game 5 of the 1968 World Series. The Tigers were given up for dead, trailing the heavily favored St. Louis Cardinals, 3-1. The local mood was so desolate that many ticket holders surrendered their seats because they didn't want to witness the end of a magical season.
Jake got a pair of tickets at the last minute, and father and son played a little hooky that Monday.
The Tigers won Game 5 and, as everyone knows, went on to win the Series.
But the three Symingtons were together Saturday because there was never a reference point for meaningful Detroit baseball in Ryan's life. He grew up a Yankees fan because that's all he saw on television. But Saturday, he had on his Tigers jacket and Olde English D cap.
There's always a swell of civic pride when the Red Wings and Pistons win championships and the Lions get first downs, but the prospect of championship baseball offers more of a familial touch.
The old suddenly find some shared ground with the young.
"Moments like this always bring back good memories," said former Tigers great Willie Horton. "You know if you've lost your father, you see something like this and it probably puts a smile on your face because you'll remember that probably some of the best times you ever had with your father as a kid probably involved baseball in some way. Going to a game or just playing catch."
It's true. I was flushed with memories of my late father as I stared out of the press box, marveling at an impromptu party in the stands that still didn't want to end an hour after the Tigers recorded the final out.
My father and I were in the rightfield upper deck at Tiger Stadium the last time Detroit partied after wrapping up a playoff series at home - Game 5 of the 1984 World Series.
Kaline and Horton, both assistants to president Dave Dombrowski , provide the historical benchmark to this current collection. They're here so that the young guys appreciate what it means wearing that D on your chest.
"It's a great feeling," Santiago said. "It means a lot to everybody here. We make them feel good."
Santiago's but another fraction of a season that continually surpasses expectations, but there's nothing surprising about baseball in its purest form. This is a pastime that respects its elders.
 
TIGERS CORNER: Infante, Santiago play big role as super subs BY JON PAUL MOROSI FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER September 5, 2006 Second baseman Placido Polanco remains on the disabled list with a separated left shoulder, and shortstop Carlos Guillen hasn't played since suffering a strained right hamstring Saturday. For the second straight day Monday, Tigers manager Jim Leyland started Omar Infante at second and Ramon Santiago at shortstop. "We're obviously strapped right now," Leyland said before Monday's 6-2 win over Seattle. "Our double-play combination is out. It's that simple. We have to make do the best we can." Infante and Santiago contributed sound defense and RBIs, and the team seemed encouraged at the progress of Guillen and Polanco. Leyland said Guillen might play in a four-game series in Minnesota that starts Thursday night. He ran Monday at 75% and performed agility drills, said trainer Kevin Rand. "He's very valuable," Rand said. "We have to make sure we protect him." Polanco has begun taking ground balls. He swung a bat underwater Monday, helping rebuild his range of motion. Rand said the initial prognosis -- that Polanco could play this month -- has stayed the same. Backup infielder Neifi Perez said Monday his sore wrist has improved, and Leyland expects he will play Wednesday. President and general manager Dave Dombrowski said he wasn't pursuing players from outside the organization. The Tigers could still trade for an infielder, but that player would be ineligible for the postseason. LIVING LARGE: It appears likely Santiago will be able to live in his apartment for a while -- something he hasn't been able to do throughout the season. He made the team out of spring training, but was sent to Triple-A Toledo twice. Each time, he swapped apartments with outfielder Alexis Gomez, who began the year with the Mud Hens. Gomez had an apartment close to Toledo's Fifth Third Field, and always seemed to be in the majors when Santiago wasn't. Now, Santiago and Gomez are in Detroit. Santiago is back in his downtown apartment. Gomez is living at a hotel, but will probably look for an apartment now, too. Before the game, Leyland talked about the need for Santiago to play his game -- singles, bunts and the hit-and-run -- rather than mimic Guillen's game. He was successful. "I just do what I can do," Santiago said. "Carlos is a great player. I hope he gets better." SANTIAGO SET TO REJOIN TIGERS August 16, 2006 By JON PAUL MOROSI FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER TOLEDO - Infielder Ramon Santiago went 1-for-3 with a double and two runs in Toledo's 8-6 victory over Durham on Tuesday night at Fifth Third Field. After the game, he learned it would be his last game with Toledo for a while. Santiago was told that he had been promoted to the Tigers to replace second baseman Placido Polanco, who went to the disabled list with a separated shoulder. Santiago got the news from Toledo manager Larry Parrish and Tigers assistant general manager Al Avila, who attended the game. He received congratulations from his teammates before leaving the clubhouse. "Its never good when somebody gets hurt, but I'm going to go there and try to perform," Santiago said. "I feel bad for him, and the team, but I'm going to do my best." The switch-hitting Santiago hit .246 for Toledo, but he has batted much better over the last two weeks. Including Tuesday, he hit safely in nine of his last 11 games (.316, one home run, five doubles, 10 RBI). "It took time," Santiago said. Santiago remembered how, at the time he was sent to Toledo last month, manager Jim Leyland told him, "Play hard. You'll be back." Santiago planned to call his mom as he left the ballpark Tuesday night to tell her that he was returning to the big leagues. "Mom's first," he said. "Always." Backup Santiago treated like star Infielder's fans hit Safeco to see former Mariner BY JON PAUL MOROSI FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER April 22, 2006 SEATTLE -- The Web sites, the salsa dancing, the trip to the Dominican Republic -- Mark Abbott traces it all to a restaurant outside Phoenix. Abbott was on a trip to Arizona with family members, getting an early look at the 2004 Mariners, when he recognized two -- Ramon Santiago and Hiram Bocachica -- at dinner. "We just started talking," Abbott said. Neither player made the Opening Day roster, but they kept their newest fans. Abbott and his crew were vocal enough at Triple-A games in Tacoma that then-Rainiers manager Dan Rohn noticed. Santiago, a Dominican infielder, and Bocachica, a Puerto Rican outfielder, told Abbott they never had attracted full cheering sections or signs. This weekend, Santiago will be followed by fans at the Tigers-Mariners games at Safeco Field. Santiago now is a backup for the Tigers. Bocachica is in the Oakland Athletics' system. "They're very genuine, very humble," said Abbott, a resident of Vashon Island, Wash., who plans to attend Sunday's series finale. "They really appreciate it." The allegiances are official now. Abbott champions the Ramon Santiago Fan Club (www.ramon-santiago.com). Abbott's sister, Jere Witherspoon, takes care of the Bocachica legion (www.hirambocachica.com). Santiago's club has about 35 members, Abbott said. It is as informal as ever. Membership is free. Abbott and Witherspoon pay the administrative costs. "I don't want any money," Abbott said. Friendship will do just fine. Santiago's parents have stayed with Abbott on trips to Seattle. Abbott sits with Ramon's brothers at games. And when Santiago faced an uncertain future after last season, Abbott, a pilot for Federal Express, found space to store his car in an airplane hangar. The player-fan relationship remains personal, even after Santiago's return to the Tigers, his original organization. Last week, Abbott flew to watch the Tigers in Detroit. The idea, for Abbott and others, is to soak up as much of Santiago's ebullience as possible -- a pastime of managers, players and fans alike. Santiago was the steady, sunny influence amid 209 roster moves at Tacoma last season, on a roster that included prospects Felix Hernandez, Yuniesky Betancourt and Jose Lopez. The Rainiers won their division -- and Santiago was named team MVP. "He was the mainstay," said Rohn, a Traverse City resident who is now a Mariners coach. "He plays hard. He has fun. He has that bubbly personality. He's just a great kid. You can't help but like him." Santiago lives in a small town near the Haitian border, with bumpy roads, a single motel and some other ballplayers in the neighborhood -- including Juan Encarnacion, the former Tiger. To hear Abbott tell it, Las Matas de Farfan is also home to a spectacular New Year's celebration -- which he and his wife, Sherry, attended this year. "There were hundreds of people around Ramon's place, with some big stereo out the back of his SUV," Abbott recalled. "Wherever you go, they all know Ramon. They all love him. The whole family's that way. They're pretty popular." Despite differences in language, lifestyle and income, they're popular far from home, too. When Santiago went salsa dancing at a Seattle nightspot after a game last year, Abbott and some other fans joined him. "They treat us just like their other friends," Abbott said of Santiago and Bocachica. "They're good to us. And we're good to them." Copyright © 2006 Detroit Free Press Inc. Thanks to fan club, Santiago making roster is world-wide news Friday, March 31, 2006 By Danny Knobler WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- It was, quite literally, a decision heard round the world. Ramon Santiago made the Detroit Tigers roster as a utility infielder, and there was cheering from Las Matas de Farfan in the Dominican Republic to Subic Bay in the Philippines. Las Matas makes sense, because that's the small town near the Haitian border where Santiago grew up, and where his family still lives. But Subic Bay? "I saw it on the Web site, and I said, `Oh my gosh! That's great!' " Mark Abbott said Thursday, on a truly long-distance phone call. "I'm already planning to fly to Detroit for the second and third home games.'' Abbott, as you may have guessed by now, is a huge Santiago fan. He runs the "Ramon Santiago Fan Club'' Web site, at www.ramon-santiago.com, and he's been known to show up at Santiago's games with banners. "There's about 10 of us,'' said Abbott, who flies MD-11s for Federal Express and this week has been going back and forth between Subic Bay and Shanghai, China. "We all live in Seattle. We went to see the Mariners in spring training in 2004, and we started cheering for two guys who were doing well that no one had ever heard of.'' The two were Santiago and Hiram Bocachica, an ex-Tiger. Eventually, Abbott and his sister started Web sites for both. Since then, Abbott and his wife have followed Santiago's career closely. They even traveled to the Dominican to watch Santiago play in winter league. They've watched closely this spring, as Santiago tried to make the Tigers as a non-roster player. Now he has. Santiago's story would be interesting enough, anyway. As a second baseman, he and Omar Infante were the Tigers' starting double-play combination on opening day 2003. Now, after trips to the minor leagues and (in Santiago's case) to Seattle, they're back together as the Tigers' two utility infielders. "It's funny,'' Santiago said Thursday, before the Tigers' 6-4 exhibition loss to Cleveland. "We opened 2003 playing together, and now here we are.'' "I think that's two pretty good utility infielders,'' manager Jim Leyland said. "And Infante may be more than that, because he may be able to play the outfield, too.'' But as of now, only Santiago has a Web site. ©2006 Booth Newspapers © 2006 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.

Logan among Tigers' roster cuts Santiago secures a spot - utility infielder 03/29/2006 4:15 PM ET By Jason Beck / MLB.com LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Tigers moved within two pitchers of setting their Opening Day 25-man roster on Wednesday by shedding six players from camp, including center fielder Nook Logan. Logan, utility infielder Don Kelly and right-handed reliever Mark Woodyard were optioned to Triple-A Toledo. Minor League invitees Alexis Gomez, Mike Hessman and Hector Mercado were reassigned to Minor League camp. With those moves, manager Jim Leyland set the 13 position players on his roster. Ramon Santiago made the team as a second utility infielder, Marcus Thames won the fourth outfielder competition by beating out Gomez and Logan. The latter was more of a surprise. Though Thames has hit well this spring, batting .298 with four home runs and seven RBIs, he's not a center fielder, instead limited to the corner spots. That was expected to be a hindrance compared to Logan and Gomez, who can conceivably play any of the three spots. Because left fielder Craig Monroe can shift over to center or start some games there, it wasn't as big of an issue to Leyland as first thought. Monroe's flexibility allowed Leyland to keep the power bat that he wanted to have on his bench. It's a turnabout from last year, when Thames' solid spring went for naught once then-manager Alan Trammell kept Bobby Higginson on his roster. Thames was called up less than two weeks later, and he hit a grand slam in his first game back, but he struggled from there. Thames has generally struggled in a bench role with a lack of at-bats. "I just want this guy to get a chance," Leyland said. "I know he hasn't done it in that situation, but he's one of ours. I think he's earned the right to at least get another shot to see if he can do it. I really like him a lot. I have respect for him." Logan's omission from the roster was a slight surprise, more so based on the potential role he had going into Spring Training. His struggles in spring games, including a three-error game and a .207 average, put him behind in the competition for the center-field job. Even a respectable spring, however, probably wouldn't have helped against Curtis Granderson's .389 average, five homers, 10 RBIs, 11 walks and seven stolen bases. Once Granderson won the starting job flat-out, Logan was likely headed to Toledo. "To start out with, I don't want Granderson looking over his shoulder knowing that there's another center fielder sitting right there," Leyland said. "I want to give Granderson the benefit of the doubt. In my opinion, he won the job, and I don't want him looking over his shoulder if he goes 0-for-4 and strikes out three times, and that's certainly going to happen. I want to try to get him to settle in and see what happens." No additional pitchers were named to the team on Wednesday, but Leyland said that he's basically made up his mind about who to take. The extra couple of days are intended to help sort out some options, including possible trades. Detroit has three spots still open in the bullpen and five pitchers still in the running for them: Jason Grilli, Roman Colon, Chris Spurling, Franklyn German and Bobby Seay. Grilli and German are both out of options, meaning they would have to pass through waivers in order to be outrighted to Toledo. Neither is expected to clear waivers if he's placed on it. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. Notes: Chance remains for Santiago 03/27/2006 7:25 PM ET By Jason Beck / MLB.com LAKELAND, Fla. -- Ramon Santiago hit .377 in Spring Training two years ago and didn't break camp with the Mariners. He hit .294 last spring and began the season back in Triple-A Tacoma. The last time he was in Tigers camp, he hit .227 in the spring of 2003 and still unseated Damion Easley at second base. After all that, Santiago has learned better than to try to think up roster scenarios. "I don't ask," he said. "I just come here every day and try to enjoy it and work hard. The final days, you wonder a little bit what's going on, but you have to keep trying to the end." If Santiago makes the Tigers this year, his hitting will be far from the primary reason. For that matter, Santiago himself probably won't be the main reason. It's not that Santiago hasn't done much. His .270 average includes four extra-base hits out of 10 total, and his 11 RBIs rank third on the team behind Brandon Inge and Chris Shelton. With eight walks in 22 games, he has a .426 on-base percentage. That's fine, but manager Jim Leyland doesn't need a hitter if he takes a second utility infielder. More than anything, he needs a healthy shortstop who can shuffle around the infield. "When all is said and done," Leyland said after Monday's 5-3 win over the Astros, "we're going to try to come out of here with the most maneuverability for a four-man bench." Leyland talks about a second infielder on his bench using the term, "if," but that's because his infield health is the same way. The Tigers received encouraging news Monday when tests on Carlos Guillen's stiff back revealed nothing major, but he still won't play again until Wednesday at the earliest, skipping an uncomfortable bus ride to Vero Beach. It was enough of a concern that Guillen didn't want to talk about it prior to Monday's game. "I want to make it perfectly clear he's my shortstop, and I can't wait to see him play," Leyland said, "but I don't think he's felt right all spring. I was suspicious of it before." The primary backup, Omar Infante, has been battling a weak shoulder not just throughout camp, but for the better part of last year. No structural damage has ever been found on it, but his sporadic weak throws are the main sign it's still not healthy and a real concern if he had to play at short. "I don't know if I would feel confident playing him at short for an extended period of time," Leyland said. That might well leave Santiago and Minor League infielder Don Kelly in line for the roster opening created when the Tigers released Carlos Pena on Sunday. Santiago has received the bulk of the fill-in time at short over the past week or so. So far, he's made an impression out of it. While Brandon Inge's eighth-inning grand slam won Monday's game for the Tigers, Leyland lamented that a ninth-inning defensive play from Santiago got overlooked in the process. It was fitting, since it's easy to overlook Santiago in general. "I like him a lot," Leyland said. "I think he's a very good utility middle infielder. I think he's excellent. He's always ready catching the ball. He's got nice, soft hands. He's got a good arm, and he showed me something that doesn't get in the box score." He has something else that doesn't show in the stats. For a small utility infielder, he has a little bit of a swagger. "He's got a real good look about him," Leyland said. "He's a confident player. I like the way he goes about his business." That's because after all these close calls, Santiago knows better than to put pressure on himself. "Just play and enjoy the game," he said. "Don't think about it or anything. Just try to go there and have fun and play hard. You don't have control over the other things. The only thing you can control is playing hard every time. "I'm going to play any position they put it in. I'll do whatever to make the team. I just want to be part of the team." Monday, March 20, 2006 Burning Questions Lynn Henning / The Detroit News KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Burning questions two weeks before the Tigers start their 162-game parade at Kansas City. Q . Will Carlos Pena make the team? A . That's the question everyone in Lakeland seems to be debating. The thought here is, no, the Tigers will not go north with three first basemen when Chris Shelton and Dmitri Young are locks to make the club. In this book, the math is simple. Pena loses out. He simply has not shown that he can be a consistent hitter. Q . Leyland would take Ramon Santiago over Pena? A . Santiago gives Leyland the late-innings defensive polish he needs at second base, shortstop or even third base. Santiago's presence is all the more important because of Omar Infante's lingering shoulder problems, which make throws from shortstop problematic. Santiago over Pena is the easy call -- today. Utility players fill key roles Lynn Henning - The Detroit News Wednesday, March 15, 2006 Leyland says he will weigh attitude, versatility in deciding 'four extra guys' for his final roster. LAKELAND, Fla. -- Nothing messes up a Marchant Stadium box score quite like a 20-mph wind whistling out and beyond right-center field. Tuesday's gale, which accompanied the Tigers' 14-10 victory over the Indians, produced its share of crazy numbers: 34 base hits, 10 home runs and big days at the plate for unexpected sluggers such as infielder Ramon Santiago, who returned to his old club last autumn, and who continued his unlikely push for a regular-season job with a home run, triple, and double, good for 5 RBI in a wild Tigers victory. Santiago's bid to unseat Omar Infante as Detroit's reserve infielder would have shifted into a higher gear Tuesday if it weren't for Infante's effort: 3-for-3, including a home run and 3 RBI. It could make for some interesting roster decisions for Tigers manager Jim Leyland, who was raving about Santiago's efforts even before Tuesday's game. "I really like what I see of him," Leyland said. "Great range. And he's laying the bat on the ball. Don't get me wrong: He's a defensive player. But I like what I'm seeing." Infante is not exactly being squeezed out of a job. He's hitting .533, and last week endured serious outfield drills as the Tigers toy further with the idea of making Infante a part-time outfielder. "We've only got (room for) four extra guys," Leyland said, speaking of Detroit's 25-man regular-season roster. "The more versatility you've got, the better." Santiago, of course, was a Tigers prospect who played shortstop and periodic second base in Detroit for much of the 2002 and 2003 seasons. He was sent to Seattle in January of 2004 as part of Detroit's trade for Carlos Guillen. Seattle released him after last season and Santiago signed with the Tigers as a minor-league free agent. A switch-hitter who can play anywhere in the infield, he is only 26 years old. Santiago's attitude is another reason Leyland is pleased. "I just try to come every day and play hard," Santiago said. "The manager likes that. He doesn't know me. I have to try and show him I want to play. "I try not to be too optimistic," he said. "Just to be positive. If I'm gonna make it, I'm gonna make it." The Tigers and Indians each hit five home runs Tuesday. Along with Santiago and Infante, Detroit got home runs from Curtis Granderson, Marcus Thames, and Mike Hessman. The extent to which Tuesday's winds influenced the offense made it difficult for Leyland to do much evaluating. "Santiago hit that ball (home run) good, and Granderson's was hit pretty good," the Tigers manager said. Santiago Slugs Tigers Past Partial Indians Squad 03/14/06 18:15 EST LAKELAND, Fla. (March 14) - Ramon Santiago homered, tripled, doubled and drove in five runs, leading the Detroit Tigers over a Cleveland split squad 14-10 Tuesday in a game featuring 10 home runs. Ryan Mulhern hit two of Cleveland's homers. Tigers starter Kenny Rogers was roughed up for seven runs and nine hits in four innings Santiago started at second base for the Tigers on opening day in 2003, and is now hoping to win a backup job in their infield. He was part of the trade that sent Carlos Guillen from Seattle to Detroit in January 2004, and has spent most of the last two years in Triple-A. "He's a defensive player, don't get me wrong," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "Actually, he's been swinging the bat halfway decent down here. But I've just been impressed with the way he's handled himself." "He's really caught my eye," Leyland said. "He catches everything. His range is excellent. He's just made play after play this spring. He's been very impressive, quietly." 03/10/2006 5:30 PM ET Farmhands make impression By Jason Beck / MLB.com VERO BEACH, Fla. - - Don't expect any complaints about the World Baseball Classic from players like Don Kelly and Ramon Santiago. In a normal Spring Training camp, they'd be extra players who entered later in games or started on road trips that regulars wouldn't want to make. In this Spring Training, they are the regulars. With Carlos Guillen and Placido Polanco among the 10 Tigers playing in the World Baseball Classic and Omar Infante among the three prominent Tigers hitters out with injury, Kelly and Santiago formed Detroit's middle infield here Friday against the Dodgers. Considering the only Major League regulars on the trip were Curtis Granderson and Carlos Pena, Kelly and Santiago had company. All but three of Detroit's 12 runs were scored by players who spent most or all of their 2005 season in the Minor Leagues. Kelly went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and two runs scored. Santiago went 2-for-4 and homered to center with a breeze blowing out. Alexis Gomez went 4-for-5. Brent Clevlen added to his strong spring with his third homer in five days and two runs scored. When Jim Leyland says he's making the best of the situation, he's not the only one. "It's good for me," said Santiago, a non-roster invitee who put together strong springs the last couple of years in Seattle without making the big club. "It's a good opportunity. It makes a big difference. You prepare every day." Santiago signs with Tigers 01/04/2006 6:30 PM ET By Jason Beck / MLB.com DETROIT -- Ramon Santiago is back in the Tigers organization. Three years after he served as an everyday infielder on the 2003 Detroit club that lost 119 games, the Tigers have signed Santiago to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. He'll be a non-roster invitee in big league camp. The last time Santiago was in Lakeland was 2003, when he teamed with Omar Infante for a young middle-infield tandem that was seen as the future of the Tigers organization. He became the everyday starter at shortstop a year earlier, but shifted over to second base to make room for Infante in the starting lineup. He later shifted back to shortstop once Warren Morris was called up. Santiago played in 141 games that year, hitting .225 with two home runs and 29 RBIs in 444 at-bats. He's played in 27 big league games since. All of those came with the Mariners, who acquired him before the 2004 season in the Carlos Guillen trade and shuttled him between Seattle and Triple-A Tacoma for the better part of two years. While continuing to flash his defensive skills, Santiago's hitting has been up and down. He hit .193 at Tacoma and .179 for Seattle in 2004. Though he went 1-for-8 with the Mariners last year, he showed marked improvement at Tacoma, where he batted .252 with 22 doubles, a career-high 10 homers, 50 RBIs and 18 stolen bases in 129 games. He won team MVP honors for the Rainiers. More likely than not, with Infante holding the utility infield role in Detroit, Santiago will be counted on to provide similar offense at Triple-A Toledo in the Mud Hens' effort to defend their International League championship. Much like Jason Smith the last couple of years, the Tigers want Santiago to provide infield depth in case of injuries. "He's been a guy that's been up and down in Seattle," president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "We know him. He's a quality guy. We need more [depth]." That said, don't be surprised if Santiago sees a fair amount of playing time in Spring Training. With shortstop Carlos Guillen likely to miss at least some Tigers games in March to represent Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, infield depth will be needed. Spring Training performance is a strength for Santiago, who hit .294 last spring for the Mariners and .377 a year earlier. Santiago joins a handful of Tigers Minor League signings who will take part in bigleague camp, including left-handers Bobby Seay and Hector Mercado, right-hander Tim Crabtree and outfielder Ryan Ludwick. Returning Mud Hens Alexis Gomez, Mike Hessman and Kevin Hooper were also re-signed with invites. 2005 
Santiago working his way back By Don Jacobson Date: May 6, 2005 TACOMA, Wash. - Ramon Santiago's baseball career to this point has been a roller coaster of ups and downs. Therefore, it's not surprising that he followed a solid spring with an 0-for-17 slump, and then turned it around in the next 20 days. But despite his hitting inconsistencies, Santiago maintains an even keel, basing his play on a foundation of hard work and a mentality of team before individual. But will this be enough to earn him another chance with the Mariners? Entering the sixth game of the Rainier's season, Ramon Santiago didn't need a calculator to figure out his batting average. That's because, at that point, he was 0 for the season, .000. Or maybe, better put, DOH! for the season. It wasn't supposed to be this way. For the second straight year, Santiago had put together an impressive spring. He combined his usual stellar defense and hustle with a .294 batting average, going 10 for 34. He wasn't sent down to Triple-A until the last week of spring training, when the M's unexpectedly picked up Wilson Valdez to start the year at shortstop. The stage was set for the 25-year-old to excel, especially offensively, and perhaps earn an early promotion to the big leagues. Instead, Santiago started the season 0-for-17. "I did a lot of things [to get out of the slump]. I worked in the cage every day," Santiago said. The switch-hitter admitted that a great deal of getting out of a slump is your attitude. "You've got to believe you can do it," the infielder remarked. Leading off the April 12th game against Sacramento, Santiago singled to right for his first hit of the year. Later in the seventh, he got his second hit, a line-drive homer to left. "Oh man! It felt good!" said Santiago, thinking back to his first hit of the season. Since that rough start, Santiago has reached base in 18 of the last 20 games. He is batting .297 (19 for 64) in those 20 games, and the stroke he showed this spring seems to be coming back. "I'm trying to hit pitches that are lower in the zone, and waiting for good pitches to hit." the 25-year-old explained, trying not to give away too much information. His improved production has helped the Rainiers on the scoreboard, as Santiago has scored 14 runs in the last 20 games. So which Ramon Santiago will the Rainiers see this season? Last year, after a .377 batting average in spring training, Ramon struggled mightily, hitting .193 for the Rainiers and only .179 for the Mariners. He has yet to show a consistent level of success hitting the baseball. So why does Santiago hit so well in spring training compared to the regular season? "I concentrate just as hard, and I use the same approach at the plate. I don't know, maybe I just hit better over there" the former Tiger offered, with a shrug. Before coming to the Mariners organization in the Carlos Guillen trade, Santiago played regularly for the Detroit Tigers, leading the AL in sacrifice bunts in 2003. He was called up four times last year to play infield for the Mariners, but hit very poorly. When talking about what he feels he needs to do to return to the Mariners, Ramon was very candid about his approach. "I try to work hard and play good defense and try to get my average up, work on my hitting." Santiago said. They say you never know what's going to happen." he added, perhaps alluding to injuries to shortstops Pokey Reese and Jose Lopez, shortstops ahead of Santiago on the M's depth chart. Even if his recent success with the bat does not last, Ramon Santiago is a valuable asset to the Rainiers. He plays great defense at second and shortstop, his work ethic is apparent on the field and he hustles on every play. A consummate team player, Santiago puts the team first when he talks about his goals for the year. "My goals are to come to the park every day and do the best I can to help my teammates." he said. Sunday, April 3, 2005 LARRY STONE / Baseball Reporter / The Seattle Times New Fan Favorite Ramon Santiago, the low-profile infielder fighting for the 25th spot on the Mariners' roster, would seem an unlikely candidate for a fan club and Web site. But, then, so would Bucky Jacobsen and ex-Mariner Hiram Bocachica, who have built their own cult following on the Internet. And now, thanks to a baseball-crazed brother-sister duo, Santiago can join them. Mark Abbott of Vashon Island and his sister, Jere Witherspoon of Newberg, Ore., are the driving forces behind both the Bocachica fan club/Web site (hirambocachica.com) and now Santiago's (ramon-santiago.com). Abbott first became acquainted with Santiago through his brother, Melvin, whom he befriended in the stands last year at Tacoma's Cheney Stadium. After meeting Ramon, Abbott decided he, like the likeable Bocachica, was worthy of support. "They root for me, and I really appreciate it," Santiago said. "I love the fans." Jere set up the site initially, and now Abbott has taken it over, providing frequent updates of Santiago's performance a big help to his family and friends back in the Dominican Republic. "He's very quiet, humble," Abbott said of Santiago. "He doesn't act like a big shot. If you go out in public with him, he tries to blend in with everyone. He's very easy to cheer for. We all feel he has a great career ahead of him and want to see him succeed Wednesday, March 23, 2005 By JOHN HICKEY SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER THE NEW SANTIAGO Ramon Santiago batted .377 in the Cactus League a year ago and didn't make the Mariners' Opening Day roster. Seattle liked the average the backup middle infield candidate posted but not the way he got it -- too many balls hit in the air. With a grounder up the middle for a two-run single as the centerpiece of a game-winning, four-run rally in yesterday's 6-4 win over the White Sox, Santiago is again hitting for a high average -- .381. But the hits look a whole lot different. No bloops. No flares. Just hit-it-where-they-ain't baseball. "I knew that I couldn't hit the ball in the air like I did last year," Santiago said. "I've worked a lot on keeping the ball down." People are taking notice. Among them is Hargrove, who said yesterday that Santiago's bid for a roster spot has to be taken seriously because of the improvement in his game. "I heard about the spring he had last year," Hargrove said. "He's not the kind of hitter who can afford to be in the air. He's got to be a ground ball and gap hitter, somebody who goes line to line. That's what he's done this year. "It may be a logical angle to think that he doesn't have a real chance, but that's not the way I see it. He's kept the ball in the gaps and has done a lot of good things. He's got a shot at making this club. And if he doesn't know it, he should." Santiago knows. Or at least he believes. "I've been working at it," Santiago said. "I feel I've got a chance to be here. I'm waiting for that chance. I want to be there Opening Day." 2004 Ramon Santiago: A Big Leaguer at Heart By Joe Kaiser Publisher Date: Jul 8, 2004 When the M's traded SS Carlos Guillen to the Detroit Tigers for Ramon Santiago and minor league infielder Juan Gonzalez, Mariner fans wondered what they got in return for one of their regulars over the past four seasons. What they got was a decent prospect in Gonzalez and a hard- working, defensive wizard in Santiago. Santiago's quest to become a full-time big leaguer lives on in every move he makes in the minors. Back in March, Ramon Santiago was making the most of every opportunity thrown his way in his first Spring Training with the Mariners. As the new guy on the club, acquired two months earlier in the Carlos Guillen deal, Santiago hit the ball as well as anyone on the team, opening eyes with his bat and his sure-handed defense. When Spring Training ended, though, the 24-year-old shortstop was left on the outside looking in, sent down to Triple-A Tacoma. And while it was Hiram Bocachica who got most of the attention for his demotion to the Rainiers, Santiago found himself in the same situation only without the fanfare. Fast-forward three months to present day, and Santiago has already been called up to the Mariners twice but been optioned back to Tacoma each time. Stuck in the land of the "Four-A Player," in between Triple-A and the majors, the personable Dominican Republic native says the rollercoaster ride of 2004 hasn't fazed him. "I understand the situation," he said last week, talking to InsidethePark.com after batting practice at Cheney Stadium. "They signed (Rich) Aurilia for a year. He's got to play. It doesn't bother me. They called me up, and every time I went up it was nice. It was a good time." Santiago spent each of the last two seasons primarily in the major leagues, playing at a young age for a Detroit organization thin both in depth and experience. Still a youngster, the infielder just wants to continue to get playing time, even if it means having to do so in the minor leagues. "I'd rather stay down here and play every day than be in the major leagues and have to sit on the bench," said Santiago. "It's better for me and better for my career. When you don't play, you lose your game." To be in a place like Fenway Park one night and somewhere like Fresno, Calif. playing in the minors the next isn't exactly an easy adjustment to make, but Santiago has grown used to his unique situation. He knows he's always a phone call away from the Mariners, and in the mean time he says his focus is on improving his hitting. Since Spring Training, his hot-hitting bat has left him, and while a wizard defensively at shortstop all season long, he's currently batting just .161 in 161 at bats with the Rainiers. He knows that needs to improve in order to stick with the big league club. "I'm not hitting very good for average right now," he said. "I think I can do better on that so I'm going to keep working on my hitting and every aspect of my game." The calls up to the big leagues have been both helpful and detrimental to his cause. Rubbing shoulders with guys like Edgar Martinez and Ichiro Suzuki, becoming a sponge and soaking up all he can remember, is never a bad thing, but at the same time being up with the Mariners also means very little playing time for Santiago. "This year is a little tough for me because I appreciate that they called me up a couple times," said Santiago. "I had a pretty good spring training and they've given me an opportunity. I need to keep working hard and doing my best. "Playing in the major leagues, so you learn what it takes to make it both mentally and physically. When I am up with the team in Seattle, I learn a lot from guys like Edgar and Ichiro. I learn how they prepare and how they are consistent every day." The days spent in Detroit are now a ways in the rear view mirror, and while Santiago says he misses his friends and all those he knew in the organization, he can't think of anything better than a chance to improve and one day be a member of the Seattle Mariners again. This time, for good. Joe Kaiser welcomes your questions, comments, and any other jargon you have to throw his way. Just send him a nasty email at joe-kaiser@excite.com 
  
Playoff wins unite the generations
By Drew Sharp
Detroit Free Press
DETROIT - The greatest living Tiger, Al Kaline, wrapped his arm around the shoulders of the 25th man on the roster, reserve infielder Ramon Santiago , smoldering stogies protruding from their mouths. They just stood there, joyously soaking in the spontaneous release of sheer ecstasy unfolding before them in the Tigers' clubhouse, a generational gulf pulled together through one common thread.
Santiago has no concept of what No. 6 means to this city. How could he? His parents weren't even born when a scrawny 18-year-old from Maryland first began his major league career in 1953.
History has an instinctive way of finding its footing more in baseball than any other sport. And we're reminded as the Tigers prepare for their first American League Championship Series in 19 years that there is no sturdier strand capable of weaving together the past with the present than baseball - especially in Detroit.
Eliminating the Yankees in the Division Series reconnected this city to its roots as a baseball town. There were grandfathers jockeying for position with teenagers in the Comerica Park stands 30 minutes after the Tigers' clinching 8-3 victory, pushing themselves as close as possible to the splashes of champagne that players victoriously fired into the night air Saturday.
The Symington men understand this special bond.
Jay Symington, 48, recognized me as I walked to Comerica Park on Saturday. He stopped to say hello. He was there with his 74-year-old father, Jake, and his 16-year-old son, Ryan.
It was interesting listening to three generations with three different stories to tell. Jake was 13 when his father took him to Briggs Stadium for Game 2 of the 1945 World Series against the Chicago Cubs. And it was amazing how 61 years hadn't dulled the vivid detail of his most cherished memory of that afternoon_his hero, Hank Greenberg, knocked out a home run in a 4-1 Tigers' victory.
Twenty- three years later, Jake took then 10-year-old Jay to Tiger Stadium for Game 5 of the 1968 World Series. The Tigers were given up for dead, trailing the heavily favored St. Louis Cardinals, 3-1. The local mood was so desolate that many ticket holders surrendered their seats because they didn't want to witness the end of a magical season.
Jake got a pair of tickets at the last minute, and father and son played a little hooky that Monday.
The Tigers won Game 5 and, as everyone knows, went on to win the Series.
But the three Symingtons were together Saturday because there was never a reference point for meaningful Detroit baseball in Ryan's life. He grew up a Yankees fan because that's all he saw on television. But Saturday, he had on his Tigers jacket and Olde English D cap.
There's always a swell of civic pride when the Red Wings and Pistons win championships and the Lions get first downs, but the prospect of championship baseball offers more of a familial touch.
The old suddenly find some shared ground with the young.
"Moments like this always bring back good memories," said former Tigers great Willie Horton. "You know if you've lost your father, you see something like this and it probably puts a smile on your face because you'll remember that probably some of the best times you ever had with your father as a kid probably involved baseball in some way. Going to a game or just playing catch."
It's true. I was flushed with memories of my late father as I stared out of the press box, marveling at an impromptu party in the stands that still didn't want to end an hour after the Tigers recorded the final out.
My father and I were in the rightfield upper deck at Tiger Stadium the last time Detroit partied after wrapping up a playoff series at home - Game 5 of the 1984 World Series.
Kaline and Horton, both assistants to president Dave Dombrowski , provide the historical benchmark to this current collection. They're here so that the young guys appreciate what it means wearing that D on your chest.
"It's a great feeling," Santiago said. "It means a lot to everybody here. We make them feel good."
Santiago's but another fraction of a season that continually surpasses expectations, but there's nothing surprising about baseball in its purest form. This is a pastime that respects its elders.