Sergio Santos couldn't help but have a sense of deja vu when he arrived at Spring Training this week.
Toronto's biggest acquisition of the offseason had been down this road before, as a once promising shortstop prospect with aspirations of making the Major Leagues.
Santos begins his second stint with the organization under much different circumstances than his previous go-around. The converted infielder now makes his living on the mound, and will take over as the Blue Jays' undisputed closer just three years removed from his days as a position player.
"It was so weird, the cab in from my flight, seeing the city, seeing everything again," Santos said of his arrival. "Then, especially, not being in the hitting group with the guys. I just get to throw, come in and leave. It's nicer, but it's definitely a weird feeling."
Santos' professional career began in 2002, when he was selected 27th overall in the Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. One year later, he was ranked the 37th-best prospect in the game by Baseball America, but he never quite lived up to expectations at the plate.
The California native hit just .239 with Triple-A Tucson in 2005. Following that season, he was included in the trade that brought third baseman Troy Glaus to Toronto. Santos peaked in 2007 with a 20-home run season in Triple-A Syracuse, but his patience and batting average never saw much of an increase, which led to him becoming a journeyman in the Minor Leagues.
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