Sickels in 2004:

Sergio Santos, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks
Bats: R Throws: R HT: 6-3 WT: 200 DOB: July 4, 1983

The Diamondbacks drafted Sergio Santos in the first round in ’02, which turned out to be
rather controversial. He’d been quite erratic his senior year of high school, and other teams
had downgraded him to the second or third round. But Arizona felt other clubs overblew
his struggles, and so far it looks like the D-backs were correct. Santos held his own in the
California League against older competition last year, and wasn’t completely out of place
after moving up to Double-A El Paso for August. Frankly, I think the promotion to the
Texas League was too quick; I would have left him at Lancaster. But I’m not a farm
director. Anyhow, Santos has tremendous offensive potential, with some power and good
strike zone judgment. He is still working to craft his swing, and his punch is mainly to the
gaps now. He made 34 errors at shortstop last year, and may eventually move to third base.
I’m impressed with how well he has done given his age and experience level, but Arizona
needs to be careful not to rush him too quickly. But I’m not a farm director. Grade B+.