(Free Preview of Premium Content)TwinCitesDugout: You were drafted by the Seattle Mariners right out of high school. What made you decide to go to Palm Beach Community College instead of signing?
Danny Santiesteban: Basically all they offered me was to be a draft-and-follow. They offered me no money at all, but I wouldn’t have gone either way. I was not ready to play professional baseball and even if they offered me money, I would have gone to school.
TwinCitiesDugout: What did going to Community College do for you as a player?
Santiesteban: Going to Palm Beach did a lot for me personally. Our coach there was great and he taught us the little things about the game. He showed us how to manage a game and what to do in certain situations.
TwinCitiesDugout: Do you feel it is better for a young man to go to college rather than to go pro right out of high school?
Santiesteban: I think it is better to go to college. I mean, I see kids down here who are right out of high school and they don’t know what to do in certain situations. Even something like hitting behind the runner, these are the things that you learn when you go to college.
TwinCitiesDugout: Who, on the Major League level, would you compare your game to?
Santiesteban: I think it would definitely have to be Shawn Green. We are very similar is stature and for me personally, I have had to work to gain any strength or size that I have. We are very lengthy, which helps with the power and the average numbers. Also, I feel we both have good arm strength.
TwinCitiesDugout: Who did you look up to when you were a little kid?
Santiesteban: Actually, I looked up to Lenny Dykstra. He was tough as nails and he always hustled. I was a Mets fan and I liked the way he played.
TwinCitiesDugout: What would you say is your best attribute?
Santiesteban: I would have to say my batting. I am very comfortable at the plate. I would have to say that my speed is average but I am very smart on the basepaths. Also, I feel I have a good arm.
TwinCitiesDugout: What are your goals for the season, personally and for the team?
Santiesteban: It is definitely winning. No-one likes to lose. It all about getting that ring, just getting to the playoffs by doing anything I can. I don’t care what I have to do, whether it is bunting or doing a hit and run. Winning is the number one thing.
TwinCitiesDugout would like to thank Danny for taking time out of his day to field our questions. We wish him luck the rest of the way and hope he continues to stay healthy and produce.