Ramon Santiago

Santiago was once again deployed as a utility infielder for the Tigers last season, a role he’s held for each of the past eight seasons. With younger options (Hernan Perez, Danny Worth) ready to contribute off the bench, the 34-year-old veteran isn’t expected to return to the Tigers in 2014. His steady defensive play at both middle-infield positions should lead to some interest on the free agent market, but his light-hitting ways (.224/.298/.228) will keep him off of most fantasy radars. If Santiago does nab another major league job, expect it to be a limited role off the bench.

For the fifth consecutive season, Santiago played the role of Detroit's utility infielder in 2012. He spent nearly two months as the primary option at second base after the early-season struggles of Ryan Raburn, but Santiago was buried on the bench once the Tigers acquired Omar Infante to man the position on an everyday basis. While Santiago still sports a solid glove, his weak hitting (.206/.283/.272) will keep him out of the mix for everyday consideration. Look for Santiago to once again provide the Tigers with extra insurance at the middle-infield positions while seeing most of his action as a late-inning defensive replacement.

Santiago was once again deployed as a utility infielder for the Tigers in 2011. He hit .260 with five home runs, 22 RBI and 38 runs in 258 at-bats. While he saw time at shortstop and third base, Santiago was primarily used at second base, including a late-season run when he was the Tigers’ primary option at the position. The 32-year-old was looking for a full-time gig when he hit free agency this past offseason, but he ended up re-signing with Detroit for an opportunity to be part of a platoon at second base. Given Detroit’s lack of alternatives, Santiago could end up seeing more time at the position than any other player this season, but his light-hitting ways will limit his appeal in fantasy leagues.

Santiago started the 2010 season as the Tigers' primary backup at both middle infield positions, but he was pushed into a larger role after Adam Everett was released by Detroit. The 31-year-old utility infielder finished the 2010 season hitting .263 with three homers and two steals in 320 at-bats. Last season marked the third consecutive year Santiago has seen a bump in playing time, but with Jhonny Peralta now locked in at shortstop and a handful of options at second base expected to make the Tigers' Opening Day roster, Santiago will have a hard time seeing the field more than a couple of times per week in 2011.

For the fourth consecutive season, Santiago was deployed as the Tigers’ utility infielder. He saw an increased role in 2009 while primarily serving as a backup at shortstop and second base, finishing with a .267 average and seven home runs. With the Tigers’ question marks at shortstop and second base entering the 2010 season, Santiago has a shot at earning a more regular role, but his limited offensive upside holds him back from making a fantasy impact in all but the deepest leagues.

Santiago is Detroit's top option at short at the time of this writing but the team is likely to pursue trades or a free agent to fill their opening. Santiago has the defensive skills to play shortstop in the majors but lacks the offensive skills to be a starter. Manager Jim Leyland and GM Dave Dombrowski have also commented that they don't think Santiago would hold up for a full season as a starter. He's been solid in a part-time role the past couple of seasons and seems destined to maintain that role again this year.

The Tigers traded Omar Infante, opening a utility job for Santiago this season. Manager Jim Leyland loves Santiago's defense at shortstop but with Edgar Renteria around the team won't need to give Santiago as many innings this season as they did last year. Even if Santiago were to accumulate a significant amount of at-bats he'd do little to help fantasy squads beyond the occasional stolen base.

Santiago impressed manager Jim Leyland with his defense at shortstop last year and that could earn him a utility job this spring. He doesn't do much with the bat however so he fantasy upside is very minimal.

Santiago batted poorly all season and eventually lost his job to Warren Morris. He was sent to the Mariners in the Carlos Guillen deal, and will be the backup behind Rich Aurilia there.

When Omar Infante got hurt in the minors early last year, Santiago took full advantage, parlaying the Triple-A chance into a major-league job by mid-May. Santiago was held back by shoulder and wrist problems, but at least he was able to get his feet wet for 65 games. He might be able to steal 15-20 bases in a full season, provided he can beat out Infante in spring training, but don't expect a lot in the other categories right away.