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Bruce Rondon, Ramon Santiago performing well in winter ball

Detroit Tigers players Bruce Rondon and Ramon Santiago are performing well in winter ball, so they should be prepared to compete for playing time during spring training.

By Steve von Horn
Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

The Detroit Tigers are hoping for good things from infielder Ramon Santiago and pitcher Bruce Rondon in 2013, and if winter ball is any indication those two could be ready to bring some value to the squad. Santiago played in 93 games for the Tigers in 2012, splitting time between second base, shortstop, third base and even designated hitter, while Rondon spent the season in the minor leagues at Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo.

George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press notes that both players are tearing up winter leagues -- Santiago is hitting .338 through 18 games in the Dominican league and Rondon is 4-1 with eight saves and 17 strikeouts over 15 innings in the Venezuelan league -- and Tigers assistant general manager Al Avila had nice things to say about both guys:

"Obviously Rondon has had a very good winter, closing out games there for Magallanes. Ramon Santiago is having a good winter. Those are two big ones, two guys that are on the roster."

Rondon is much younger (22) than Santiago (33), but both men could help the Tigers in 2013.