Santiago Could Use Lessons From Scioscia

With all due respect to the many talents of Padre catcher Benito Santiago, I think before he can become a complete catcher and to even be nominated to the Hall of Fame, he has got to learn to block the plate.

I have seen him in most of his games since he has joined the Padres and I have yet to see him block the plate. He stands a couple feet inside the diamond and takes a diving sweep at the runner who is, by that time, by him. Rarely does he make the putout. He has given the opposing team at least a half dozen runs with this maneuver this season.

He needs to take a few lessons from Mike Scioscia, the Dodger catcher.

KEN WATSON

Carlsbad