Sunday, July 11, 2021

Cedric Santiago threw junk, but around the plate; Saw three pro seasons, made high-A


Elmira Pioneers manager Mike Verdi looked ahead to his expected team in April 1990 and one of the players Verdi expected to have on his short-season club was Cedric Santiago, he told The Elmira Star-Gazette.

Santiago had played the previous year in the rookie Gulf Coast League and appeared to be on track for Elmira.

"Santiago is a kid who reminds me a lot of (former Pioneer Ed) Riley," Verdi told The Star-Gazette. "He's just like a puppy, though, but he's like a pitcher already. He has a split finger, breaking ball and throws a lot of junk, but he's always around the plate."

Santiago did play 1990 at Elmira, his second season in the Red Sox organization. He played in one more season, two years later. He topped out at high-A.

Santiago's career began in 1989, taken by the Red Sox in the ninth round of the draft out of his native Puerto Rico.

Santiago started with the Red Sox in the GCL. He got into 15 games and started four. He ended with a 1-2 record and a 1.44 ERA.

He then arrived at Elmira for 1990. Chosen to start the season-opener, Santiago received more praise from Verdi.

"You'll like this kid," Verdi told The Star-Gazette. "He was the highest draft pick out of Puerto Rico last year. He's a little guy, but he throws real hard."

Santiago got into 15 games at Elmira and started five. He went 1-1, with a 4.93 ERA. He's then not recorded as playing in 1991. 

He returned for 1992 at high-A Palm Springs. In three outings, he pitched one total inning and gave up three earned to end his career.

1990 Minor League Tally 
Players/Coaches Featured:3,693
Made the Majors:1,256-34.0%
Never Made Majors:2,437-66.0%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:522
10+ Seasons in the Minors:309

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