Domingo Santana Sent to Houston As PTBNL From Pence Deal
By: Bryan Sheehan
It may have started over two weeks ago, but the Hunter Pence trade was completed today, as the PTBNL (player to be named later) was identified as Domingo Santana and was sent to Houston (the Class A Lexington Legends to be exact). Santana, who was ranked by Baseball America as the Phillies' 9th Best Prospect at the beginning of this season, hit .269 in 96 games for the Lakewood Blueclaws. The 19 year old also had 32 RBIs, 7 homeruns and 29 doubles. Santana's major asset so far in his career is his physical strength, allowing him to have a great outfield-arm. He may be a solid outfielder down the line, but for now the Phillies' Organization isn't losing much more.
The Lakewood Blueclaws are looking to capture their third straight league championship, though they are five games back of the division leading Kannapolis Intimidators in the second half (the first half division winner plays the second half winner in the playoffs).
In other minors news, top draft pick outfielder Larry Greene was signed to a contract, cutting it close to the midnight deadline today. Greene received a $1 million signing bonus, the most of any non-first rounder this year. Greene, who has a Ryan Howard-esk build of 6-2, 235, hit .562 with 19 homeruns and 52 RBIs as a senior at Berrien High School in Nashville, GA. Scouts have compared him to Jon Singleton, who (bringing this story full circle) was part of the Hunter Pence trade that was completed today with the movement of Domingo Santana to Houston.