Ramon Santiago An Option To Deepen Bench

The Yankees of 2014 needed to rely on depth and flexibility as injuries, age and an ill-timed suspension affected their planned infield. In 2015, with all infield positions in flux, depth will be the most important quality for building a bench.

Ramon Santiago has never been anything more than a reserve player in his career lasting parts of 13 seasons. However, he has the flexibility to play 2B, 3B, SS and the outfield positions as a short-term substitute. At this point in his career, the former Tiger and Reds player will be looking for the veteran’s minimum, which suits the Yanks so-called budget.  Santiago has averaged playing in about 100 games in the past five seasons, hitting around .245 in an average of 200 abs. His best years were in 2011 and 2012, when he hit .260 and .263 and played in 112 and 101 games. 

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Santiago was a non-roster invitee to the 2014 Cincinnati Reds training camp, and he made the team as a reserve infielder. He appeared in 75 games, hitting .246 in 214 plate appearances. The Tigers and Reds often used Santiago as a defensive replacement at second base or shortstop and, if he was included on the Yankee 2015 roster, that would be his role as well. Santiago makes a stronger offensive option than incumbent Brendan Ryan, but slightly weaker defensively, especially at shortstop.

The 35 year-old would be a low priority bench player, similar to the higher-quality Prado. He would seemingly be another emergency option to work as a bridge to younger players like Rob Refsnyder and Jose Pirela.