Ginebra puts Santos on unrestricted list

People's Journal
October 8, 2007

Rodney Santos, one of the few PBA players to win championships at least twice in two different teams, may find himself not playing at all with the Ginebra Gin Kings.

That’s because the man called as The Slasher wasn’t included on the regular roster after he was placed in an unrestricted list.

A highly-placed source told People’s Tonight that Santos, who won championships with Alaska and Ginebra, said that the veteran guard was disappointed to learn that he was on the unrestricted list despite his god showing in the pre-season.

“Maganda ipinapakita niya sa off season eh, tapos biglang malalagay siya sa unrestricted list. Syempre, sasama loob niya,” said the source, who requested anonymity.

But Danny Espiritu, Santos’ agent/manager, said that his ward took it professionally and that they have no plans of finding another team.

“Ok naman siya. Wala kaming balak lumipat. We will wait for the right opportunity with Ginebra,” said Espiritu in a telephone interview.

Drafted second overall by Purefoods in 1996, the 6-1, former San Sebastian Stag was bumped off after Ginebra took in guards Macky Escalona from the draft and Paul Artadi from the free agency list.

And with Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand expected to return, Santos will have to wait for the right time.

Meanwhile, Purefoods is again reportedly eyeing Brandon Cablay after veteran guard Noy Castillo got injured.

Cablay, whose rights now belong to Red Bull, didn’t even see action during the pre-season, fueling speculations that the 6-0, Fil-Am guard is heading somewhere.

The Bulls already have rookie Jojo Duncil and Kiko Adriano, who was part of the package of the Larry Fonacier trade in the off season, to backstop Cyrus Baguio, Celino Cruz and Topex Robinson.

Red Bull mentor Yeng Guiao didn’t deny the fact that Purefoods is in hot pursuit of Cablay.

“Nagpakita ulit ng interes yung Purefoods sa kanya eh. About the details of the negotiations, hindi ko na alam,” said Guiao.

But a source disclosed that the Bulls are reportedly seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Cablay, a thing which Purefoods doesn’t want to give up. Rey Joble