(story by 69cubs)
The Honolulu Star Advertiser is reporting that reigning NL MVP, Santos Santana, has signed a 5 year extension to remain with the Honolulu Volcanoes, therefore taking the first baseman and 2-time MVP off the market at the end of this season.
The Volcanoes and Santana’s agent were working throughout the preseason trying to get the deal done before the start of Season 22. Santana had repeatedly stated that he would not negotiate during the season. Reports coming out of camp are that there were several proposals presented and turned down before Santana finally accepted this contract.
Reportedly, the contract is a 5 year deal worth 49 million dollars with the 5th season being a mutual option.
Santos Santana, only 29, signed in Season 12 as an international FA, is a 2 time MVP, Season 14 Rookie of the year, 6 time All Star, 5 time Silver Slugger award winner and 1 Gold Glove to boot (no pun intended) plus the numerous Player of the Week awards he was stockpiling. In his 8 major league season, he has driven over 100 runs each season and has scored over 100 runs in all but one of those seasons (season 20 he just missed with 99). He has hit 30 or more HRs in all 8 seasons (4 with over 40, with 2 of them being over 50). Career BA of .317 and OBP of .394 and career OPS of .975 averaging 159 games and 631 Abs per season.
Santana made his 1st postseason appearance last season (season 21) batting .382 (.500 OBP) with 3 doubles, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs and 6 runs in 9 games as Honolulu lost in the 2nd round to eventual AL Champ (and NL West division champ) Colorado after beating the Tampa Bay Bandits in the 1st round.
When asked about the reported dollars, Santana’s agent stated that, “obviously, he would have commanded much more on the open market next season, but, Santos wanted to be here with this organization!”
Through his agent, Santos said, “Since I arrived here at the end of season 18, this organization has made great strides in proving to me that they want to win. We have improved on our win total each season and, last season, had the most wins in the franchise history and advancing to the 2nd round of the playoffs. We expect to take this further this season, with the maturity of Norm (Ricarrdi), Trotter (Trot Martin) & Andy (Andres Delgado) on the offense and the pitchers Ricky (Ricardo Rosado) and Zuks (James Suzuki) with another year under their belt joining Yoda (38 year old veteran Jackie Little), Bip (Bartee) & Pedro (Pulido), we expect great things this season!”
Santos continued, “The NL West is possibly the best division in Mathewson where all 4 teams are capable of winning big. We faded at the end of season 21 as we tried to overtake Colorado, but the experience we gained should help us this season To keep pace with the Crush, High Rollers and Cobfathers, we cannot let our guards down against any of them!”
During the press conference, GM 69cubs stated, “Of course, we are ecstatic that Santos has re-signed. He has become the face of this franchise and seeing him elsewhere would be wrong! This organization has made great strides and Santos is one of the main keys that have ignited us! We realized we got a “home town” discount, but this only proves to us what a great character Santos is in the clubhouse and to this community. We expect to take this team to the next level and work as a team towards the goal of bringing a championship to this organization!”
Also today, the Honolulu Volcanoes signed 30 year old SP, Pedro Pulido to a 3 year extension worth 18.4 million dollars with season 3 as a mutual option.
Pedro, the #3 starter, on the staff went 13-9 last season with a 3.85 ERA and 1-0 in the postseason.
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