NewsShortstop mix working well for Tigers
Everett, Santiago form effective combo for Detroit
By Jason Beck / MLB.com
09/24/09 7:22 PM ET
CLEVELAND -- The Tigers have seemingly found their mix at shortstop for their stretch run. They're liking the blend they're getting.When manager Jim Leyland said he would win or lose with his veterans down the stretch, he meant Adam Everett, but he also meant Ramon Santiago, too. While it's no longer an even split -- Everett has started 15 of Detroit's 22 September games -- the division is keeping both of them fresh and seemingly giving the two a second wind for the home stretch.
"All year long, you watch and you try to keep them fresh," Leyland said. "I don't think you can abuse either one of them. You try to keep them fresh. That's really worked out good with our shortstop situation, knock on wood."
Four months ago, Everett and Santiago were earning more attention for their offense than their defense, having fueled Detroit's run production for a good stretch from the bottom of the order. At this point, it's no longer about the bat; Santiago picked up his first RBI of September on Thursday, batting 11-for-35 with one extra-base hit. Everett is hitting .196 (9-for-46) for the month with five RBIs.
More impressive for them down the stretch has been their defense, a key part of the Tigers' disciplined run in the field for September. Everett hasn't committed an error in 18 games since Aug. 29; Santiago hasn't made an error at any position since the Tigers' last trip to Cleveland on July 31, a 31-game errorless streak.
Not surprisingly, that split will continue down the stretch. While Everett will start Saturday against White Sox right-hander Freddy Garcia, Leyland wasn't sure which one to start in Friday's series opener against Jake Peavy.
Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
