Cubs should consider Santangelo

[Doug Miller]

The Giants did not tender a 2000 contract to F.P. Santangelo today,
making him a free agent. Santangelo does not fit Ed Lynch's stated
needs directly. He is a switchhitter, but bats better against
lefthanded pitching. However, he could offer a lefthanded alternative
to both Damon Buford and Shane Andrews, and would probably settle for a
one-year contract. Santangelo put up a .406 OBA in 1999, and has the
kind of hard-nosed reputation and speed Baylor likes. He has no power,
and is not a particularly good defensive player, but he can play second,
third, and the outfield. Having been released by the Expos last year
and non-tendered by the Giants this year, I'd guess he'd settle for a
contract about halfway between the league minimum and a million dollars.

Doug Miller