MVN: Most Valuable Network

To start with, Miguel knows how to miss bats. Big time. In fact, he missed 54 of them in only 34.2 innings of work in the Arizona Rookie League. The impressive lefty, who stands a legitimate 6' 1'' and probably weighs closer to 185 pounds than his listed 170, held opponents to a .217 average while only allowing 28 hits and two home runs. Not bad for a guy still in the process of recovery from '07 Tommy John surgery.   

De Los Santos has excellent raw stuff. His curveball, which I believe to be an above-average pitch, can be absolutely filthy. He isn't afraid to throw it in any count and can usually stay on top of it. His fastball is also impressive.  His velocity isn't exceptional, but the pitch has excellent southpaw movement and he is starting to show improved command of it.

His change-up still needs work. Like most pitchers his age, the change-up is often underdeveloped and will take time to get comfortable throwing. At this stage, his change-up is functioning as a "show me" pitch, the problem being that most left-handed hitters don't seem to mind the show. His lefty/righty splits will be something to keep an eye on in '09.  

I recently had the privilege of speaking with De Los Santos about his pitching arsenal, as well as his thoughts about playing in the United States:

Q: First of all, what are your thoughts about being invited to participate in the Fall Instructional League?

A: Well, I feel very happy about being invited. This is a great honor for me. Now I have to try as hard as possible to work on the things I need to progress.

Q: What are some of the things you need to work on?

A: Command is very important and it's something I need to improve on. Also, my mental game. I want to improve my focus. I need to be 100 percent in both my head and body to be successful.

Q: Can you describe the pitches you throw? What is your best pitch?

A: Of course. I throw a fastball, a change-up and a curveball. My fastball is usually in the 88-91 mph range and it tends to sink. My curveball is my best pitch. I really like my curveball. My change-up is still not where I want it to be, but it's going to be good like my curveball.

Q: What are your thoughts about moving to the U.S. to play baseball? I don't think most people can relate to such a life-altering event. 

A: Well, to come here was very difficult for me. Latin Americans have to work very hard to make it here. But it was good because you are supposed to work hard to get what you want. 

Q: When did you start playing baseball?

A: When I was 12 years old. I loved it. I signed with the Rangers when I was 17. 

Q: You told me earlier that you have been learning English. How is that coming along?

A: This is another difficult obstacle for me. I very much want to learn English. It is something I have to work hard at as well. I will get there.

Q: What's the best part about being a professional baseball player?

A: The best part is spending time with the American guys. I like playing with them and they teach me English and I teach them Spanish. I have a lot of fun with that.

Q: What are your goals for next season?

A: My goal, as I mentioned before, is to continue to work on my pitches and my focus. I want to work hard so that I get to spend next year in a good league. 

Q: What do you consider a good league?  Do you think you will be assigned to Spokane in short-season A ball?

A: Spokane is nice, but I do not want to go there. I want to be in Clinton [Hickory]. I want to play in full-season ball. I want to have a good year there. I can do it.

Q: What major league pitchers do you admire the most?  Why?

A: There are many. Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Jake Peavy ... I really like Randy Johnson. I like him because he is the best. He doesn't back down. Randy Johnson is aggressive. He lives the game. That's what I want to do. 

As you can see, De Los Santos is a competitor that understands it is going to take hard work in order to reach his goal of pitching in The Show. If his stuff continues to improve and his make-up remains off the charts, I think there is a good chance that De Los Santos will one day toe the rubber of a big league mound. Keep in mind that he is still somewhat raw and we don't have much of a statistical record to go on, so the '09 season will be a huge one for De Los Santos.

It was an honor to spend time with Miguel and I can proudly say that I consider him my friend.

Gracias, mi amigo Miguel, y espero que tengas salud y suerte en el año que viene.