ANAHEIM -- The White Sox told Hector Santiago he would be their closer just before the start of the 2012 season, and then they asked him what he wanted to be.
"I want to start," Santiago told them. "I want to be a starting pitcher."
Santiago has spent his entire professional career resisting a push to the bullpen, from his early Minor League days to his three-year stint with the White Sox to his time with the Angels. Others saw a tireless arm, a knack for stranding baserunners and an inconsistent delivery and felt Santiago was meant to be a hybrid reliever -- part long man, occasional spot starter, emergency closer.