Junior Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...SPT05/603250398 Reds sign outfielder Alex Sanchez By Marc Lancaster, Post staff reporter ADVERTISEMENT RELATED STORIES ? Father's struggles inspire Abad SARASOTA, Fla. - The Reds have added to an already intriguing collection of minor league outfielders by signing Alex Sanchez to a minor league contract. Sanchez, 29, has played in more than 400 big-league games, hitting .296 along the way. He has stolen as many as 92 bases in a minor league season and 52 one year in the majors. So why was he unemployed as spring training neared an end? The stigma of being the first major leaguer suspended for steroid use may have had something to do with it. Sanchez tested positive for steroids last spring and was suspended for 10 days. He was playing for the Devil Rays at the time and was slated to be Tampa Bay's Opening Day center fielder. He had been cut by the Tigers earlier last spring and said at the time that he had been tested while still with Detroit. After the positive test was revealed, Sanchez said he had never taken steroids, but had purchased various items over the counter - such as multivitamins and protein shakes - that may have caused the positive test. He didn't appeal his suspension. Sanchez returned to play 43 games for the Devil Rays last year, hitting .346, but Tampa Bay designated him for assignment in June. The Giants claimed him off waivers, and he played in 19 games for them before going on the disabled list in July with a sprained elbow. In August, the Giants designated him for assignment. Looking to improve their organizational depth, the Reds decided to take a chance on Sanchez, but only after player development director Johnny Almaraz laid down the law to the player. "I'm going to gamble on him," Almaraz said Saturday. "I've been very direct to him in spelling out what I want and what the organization wants. If he doesn't comply with the way the Cincinnati Reds do business, he'll be out of here. It's zero tolerance." Almaraz said he met with Sanchez for two hours before allowing him to take the field, but the outfielder agreed to all of the Reds' stipulations. Late Saturday morning, Sanchez was in a batting practice group on the back fields, wearing a No. 56 uniform without a name on the back, as Almaraz looked on. The plan is to start Sanchez off with high-Class A Sarasota for a few weeks to let him get back up to speed after missing most of spring training. After that, Sanchez likely will be sent to Louisville, where he'll join a couple of other players who have some big-league time, Timo Perez and Brian Buchanan. If somebody can teach this man how to walk, he could be a pretty good player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Passion Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 Dirty! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madman81 Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 Cheater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Altamonte Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 That is what is screwed up with MLB Sanchez can barely get a job while Barry Bonds is gonna break Aarron's HR mark...Not fair at all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Passion Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 That is what is screwed up with MLB Sanchez can barely get a job while Barry Bonds is gonna break Aarron's HR mark...Not fair at all! Just a slight difference in talent levels... :plain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Festa Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 If somebody can teach this man how to walk, he could be a pretty good player. Better team him how to catch a baseball. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugg Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 This move should increase Louisville's playoff chances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sirspud Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 His problem wasn't the steroid suspension, it's that he was horrible defensively and made no efforts to improve. Why else would a guy with so much talent and good numbers bounce around so much? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuickGold Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Yep, his defense is what kills him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skully Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 I can definitely attest to that.. When he was briefly with the Giants last season, I witnessed the worst defensive OF I have ever seen. He looked like a sloppy softball player out there. I couldn't believe a Major League baseball player could look so bad... on numerous occassions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CYmarlins Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 he's ok nothing big, but yeah his D needs to be polished up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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