Cincinnati Reds Sign Ramon Santiago

Aug 6, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ramon Santiago (39) throws out Cleveland Indians center fielder Michael Bourn (not pictured) in the eighth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Reds announced Wednesday that they had signed infield utility man Ramon Santiago to a one year $1.1M deal. This deal appears to be a deal to shore up the shortstop position giving every day starter Zach Cozart some backup.

Santiago comes to Cincinnati from Detroit where he spent 10 of his 12 years in the majors. Santiago now 34 played in 80 games last season boasting a .224 batting average with a .298 on base percentage.  His numbers certainly aren’t the worst Reds fans have seen but they certainly aren’t the best either. The move comes as a surprise to many it appears. Tune into sports talk radio Wednesday afternoon and everyone was scratching their head.

Now this is no fault to Santiago, he may prove to be a vital part of this 2014 Reds team. At the same time though the Cincinnati Reds fans have clamored for more from their front office this offseason only to see the club sign players that many would consider washed up while sitting by the way side watching other teams make improvements.

The main issue with the Santiago deal is the fact that it is a minor league deal and is worth $1.1M. Sure it includes and invite to spring training and most of it will pay if he makes the opening day roster which he likely will. The deal is a head scratcher like many others. Fans believe that the money used for these numerous utility men could be used for one or two moderately good players. Time will tell.