- Full name Manny Santillan
- Born 08/20/1979 in
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Santillan signed as a catcher and spent his first three years as a pro behind the plate. He showed good defensive skills but little offensively, never getting above the Mendoza line. The Astros converted him to pitching in 2000, easing him in as a reliever before turning him loose as a starter in 2002. The results were exciting, as Santillan dominated the South Atlantic League until being shut down with a sore elbow in June. He didn't require surgery after being diagnosed with a stress reaction where the bones collide in the joint. Santillan began the season averaging 89-91 mph with his fastball and gradually threw harder, reaching 96 before being shut down. He made progress with his mechanics but still needs more work. A smoother delivery would be good for his velocity and health. Santillan already commands his fastball well, which is why he overmatched low Class A hitters. His slider is terribly inconsistent but is a plus pitch when it's on. His changeup is further away. Santillan took the winter off rather than pitch in his native Dominican Republic, and should be able to start 2003 in high Class A.