Outfielder Adalberto Santos made the jump to Double-A Altoona to start the 2012 season, after a solid year at High-A Bradenton last year. The outfielder had a .316/.398/.477 line in his two year career since being drafted in the 22nd round in 2010.
“Just with all the preparation, BP, getting work in the cages, doing my work everyday is translating on the field,” Santos said. “Everything has been going good so far.”
Over 12 games with the Curve this season, Santos hasn’t shown any problems adjusting to the higher level. He enters game action on Saturday with a .413/.491/.500 line in 46 at-bats. He has four doubles and three stolen bases.
“The pitchers are going to make their pitch,” Santos said of adjusting to Double-A from High-A. “You start seeing a lot of things going backwards, as far as pitch counts. You have to get ready to see everything, just not a fastball that you would normally see. I’ve been changing my mindset a little bit, seeing everything. Just getting ready to hit. I’ve been working with [hitting coach] Ryan Long and they get you ready. Everything has been going good.”
Since outfielder Andrew Lambo was placed on the disabled list (right wrist) on April 17, Santos has been getting everyday playing time in right field.
“The opportunity came in an unfortunate [situation],” Santos said. “Lambo is a good guy and good friend of mine, good teammate. Just playing. I love to have fun. I love to win. It’s been going good so far.”
Since Lambo went down, Santos has made the most of his opportunity. In the nine games since taking over right field, Santos has gone 15-for-34 (.441), with all four of his doubles, all three of his stolen bases, and three walks. In his last ten games he has a .444/.512/.556 line. He currently leads the team in average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage, while tying Brock Holt for second in hits with 19, one behind Matt Curry. Santos entered the year as the 47th ranked prospect in the Pirates Prospects 2012 Prospect Guide.
