Freddy Sanchez
Boston Red Sox
Position: 3B-SS-2B Height: 5-11 Weight: 180 Born: 12/21/77 Bats: Right Throws: Right
| Year |
Team |
Level |
G |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
AVG |
OBP |
SLG |
| 2001 |
Sarasota |
A |
69 |
280 |
40 |
95 |
19 |
4 |
1 |
24 |
22 |
30 |
5 |
3 |
.339 |
.388 |
.446 |
| 2001 |
Trenton |
AA |
44 |
178 |
25 |
58 |
20 |
0 |
2 |
19 |
9 |
21 |
3 |
1 |
.326 |
.363 |
.472 |
| 2002 |
Trenton |
AA |
80 |
311 |
60 |
102 |
23 |
1 |
3 |
38 |
37 |
45 |
19 |
3 |
.328 |
.403 |
.437 |
| 2002 |
Pawtucket |
AAA |
45 |
183 |
25 |
55 |
10 |
1 |
4 |
28 |
12 |
21 |
5 |
3 |
.301 |
.350 |
.432 |
| 2002 |
Boston |
AL |
12 |
16 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
.188 |
.278 |
.188 |
| 2003 |
Pawtucket |
AAA |
45 |
159 |
38 |
61 |
14 |
0 |
5 |
23 |
26 |
26 |
5 |
0 |
.384 |
.476 |
.566 |
| 2003 |
Boston |
AL |
9 |
12 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
.250 |
.250 |
.333 |
| |  |
|
| Sanchez |
Background
The Red Sox drafted Freddy Sanchez out of Oklahoma City University in 2000, picking him in the 11th round, following his successful NAIA college career. He hit .303 in the Sally League after signing, then followed that up with consistent .300-plus batting averages at the higher levels in '01 and '02. He entered 2003 with a career minor-league average of .319, and was over the .400 mark for much of this spring at Pawtucket. His development helped make Shea Hillenbrand expendable in Boston. Sanchez has been on the major-league roster since May 31, fitting in mostly at third base, though he played mainly second and shortstop in the minors.
Scouting report
Sanchez is a decent natural athlete, but he's never been regarded as especially toolsy. He is a very refined player however, with great baseball instincts and a strong feel for the game. At the plate, he has a smooth line-drive swing, makes great contact, and controls the strike zone well. A gap-to-gap hitter, he doesn't have much pure home run power, but knocks plenty of balls between the outfielders for extra bases. He is a fundamentally sound runner who makes the most of his slightly above-average speed, and steals bases at a solid percentage. Defensively, Sanchez profiles best as a second baseman according to scouts. He has a strong arm and good hands, but his range is too limited for shortstop according to skeptics. The Red Sox are using him at third base mostly at this point, although he doesn't have the traditional power for that position. His eventual role may be as a super-utility player. He has a reputation as a hard worker, and is a favorite of the organization.
Performance
Minor-league pitching has presented little challenge to Sanchez; he's made quick work of every level in his career. His walk rates took a spike upward this spring, perhaps a result of Boston's new emphasis on strike-zone judgment. Combining a higher walk rate with Sanchez's traditional .300-plus average yields an excellent OBP of course. Based on his minor-league numbers, he projects as a .280-.310 hitter at the major-league level, with a fine on-base percentage and plenty of doubles. A normal growth curve would make him a potential batting champion down the line, although at this point of his career the word potential must be emphasized.
Health record
Sanchez has had no serious injury problems.
What to expect
Sanchez has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues, but the presence of Nomar Garciaparra, Todd Walker, and Bill Mueller in the Red Sox infield will keep him from starting every day in 2003. He's basically in the "getting feet wet" slot right now, waiting for a spot to open up due to injury, trade, or free agency. Long-term, Sanchez's ability to hit for average, get on base, and handle three different positions will make him a valuable property.
John Sickels is the author of the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book, which can be ordered from his Web site, JohnSickels.com. His biography of Bob Feller will be published this fall by Brassey's. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com.
