Pirates pick up veteran Santiago
PITTSBURGH (AP) – Benito Santiago was traded Thursday by the Kansas City Royals to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have sought a veteran catcher since dealing Jason Kendall to Oakland last month. On a busy day for the Royals, they also acquired outfielder-catcher Eli Marrero and cash from Atlanta for right-hander Jorge Vasquez.
The Royals get right-handed prospect Leo Nunez for Santiago, but also must pay about $1 million of Santiago’s $2.15 million salary in the second season of his two-year contract.
Santiago, a five-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, hit .274 with six homers and 23 RBIs in 49 games in 2004, but didn’t play after fracturing his left hand June 18 in Philadelphia.
The Pirates will be Santiago’s ninth team since he broke in with San Diego in 1986. He also has played for the Marlins, Reds, Phillies, Blue Jays, Cubs, Giants and Royals, hitting .263 in 1,972 games with 217 homers and 920 RBIs.