Philadelphia Phillies: A second look at Carlos Santana

How does Carlos Santana look under a microscope?

Many recall Kevin Youkilis being explained to Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) by Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) in the 2011 film Moneyball. (For the more factual story, see chapter nine of Michael Lewis’ book of the same title.) Youkilis was the “Greek God of Walks” before he even left the minors, and thus, one of the originally hidden prizes of 21st-century baseball analytics.

Youkilis was good enough to create a ten-year career in the big leagues, playing variously at first base, third base, and Designated Hitter, with a smattering of games in the outfield, and even a couple at second base.

This fielding versatility is now even more prized than when Youkilis played, but it was the carefully considered times he stood in the batter’s box that made him his money. He retired in 2013 with a .281 batting average, an on-base percentage of .382, and an OPS figure at .861.

He walked in fully 12.2% of his plate appearances, and once came in third in the American League MVP vote. Not bad for a guy once described by the real Billy Beane as a “fat Double-A third baseman.” Beane wanted him badly but never got him.

Youkilis made just north of $56 million for his whole career.