2052-8 Will Sanchez Be New 2B?

[indiansfan]

Will Sanchez Be New 2B?

The Pioneers were not entirely happy with the offensive production of their middle infielders this year. Reportedly the team tried several times during the season to sign a free agent second baseman, but never had enough cap room to make an offer anyone would accept. It now looks like they might have the answer in their own farm system.

Thomas Jefferson started 136 games at 2B for the team and another 12 at SS. He has proven in the past to have a subpar glove at SS, but his 6.0 ZR at 2B was a pleasant improvement for the team. However, his .648 OPS didn’t impress anyone and he may be headed to the bench next season.

Nick Frude stared 133 games at SS, before getting hurt late in the season. This was his second season as the team’s starter and he improved from a -5.6 ZR to a 1.1 ZR. Not great but at least it was on the positive side this year. However, while he hit .284, his OPS was only .671. The team really needs better production out of one of these positions.

Enter Nate Sanchez. The 24 year old jumped from A Ball to Calgary in 2 seasons. The lefty 2B isn’t rated as much of a hitter, but he plays better than his scouting report. At AAA this season he had an .894 OPS driven by a .400 OBA and 20 homers. He did play for the big league club in the Spring and posted good numbers, with a .384 OBA and .798 OPS.

With Frude’s injury, Jefferson moved over to SS and Sanchez got the call up. He started 16 games at the BBA level, hit .345, a .433 OBA and a 1.105 OPS. The team really lacks on base hitters and he would bring another dimension to the offense. The negative is he has limited range and could be a liability in the field. Would the team be willing to go back to a weak glove at 2B in return for the offense?

The details are even more appealing when you look at what the lefty did to right handed pitching. In 11 games started against righties, his line is .391 AVG, .481 OBA, .674 SLG and a 1.155 OPS. Now this with a short sample size, but he proved his offensive capabilities in the Spring, at AAA and in a Fall call up. The team certainly has to consider him for a platoon role next year.

Maybe the biggest concern however is his attitude. He has been labeled as unmotivated, not too smart, lazy, greedy, all the things you don’t want in a player. The team could look at pairing him up with a mentor and see if it helps his attitude.