Per ESPNS's Jason Grey- Gaby Sanchez Ranks 6th in prospects expected to make a big splash when given the chance. Matt Laporta is number 1.

 

Gaby Sanchez, 1B/3B, Marlins: If not for a right-knee injury suffered during a play at the plate in early May, Sanchez might have been in the big leagues already. Instead it was Chris Coghlan who was called up as Sanchez missed a month of action. Sanchez was the favorite to earn the first-base job in spring training, but bat struggles and a bone bruise in his left knee suffered in a collision late in camp caused him to open the season at Triple-A.

 

However, Emilio Bonifacio is continuing to do very little at the plate with a .289 on-base percentage and .290 slugging percentage. Meanwhile, Sanchez has started 11 of his past 12 games at third base in the minors. He could earn a big league call and a chance at regular playing time soon.

 

Sanchez was a fourth-round pick in the 2005 draft out of the University of Miami and was originally a catcher before moving to a corner-infield spot. He immediately established himself by winning a batting title in his short-season league, but his 2006 season was marred by both a broken hand and broken foot that limited him to playing 74 games. He fell off the radar screen a bit with a mildly disappointing campaign in 2007, during which he hit .279 with nine homers. Still, it was in a good pitcher's environment in the high Class A Florida State League, and he hit 40 doubles.

 

Sanchez rebounded last year with a .314 average, 60 extra-base hits and as many walks as strikeouts in the Double-A Southern League, winning the league MVP and earning a cup of coffee in the big leagues in September. In 38 games this season at Triple-A, he has hit .322 with seven homers and a .387 on-base percentage.

 

Sanchez's calling card is consistently squaring the ball up when he makes contact, and although he doesn't have the greatest bat speed, he compensates with good pitch recognition, strong plate discipline and knowledge of the strike zone. He takes the ball to all fields and projects to hit for average with doubles power in the majors. He has a lot of what scouts call "5 o'clock power," which means he can put on a show in batting practice with his raw pop. Yet that power doesn't always translate to balls' leaving the yard during games, partly because his best power is to dead center and partly because sometimes he pulls off the ball.

 

He will get into the occasional rut when he gets away from his approach and chases a bit too much, but those ruts are becoming less frequent, and one opposing pitcher told me, "You can't pitch him the same way twice."

 

Defensively, Sanchez's thick 6-foot-2 frame limits his side-to-side mobility a bit, but he does have soft hands and the arm to play third and can make the routine plays at the position.

 

Although some scouts think the 25-year-old may just be a solid platoon player in the big leagues, he could be a right-handed version of Lyle Overbay (the good version of 2004 to 2006 before a hand injury changed his offensive output). He should bring batting average and a homer potential in the teens to the plate, and given the relative scarcity at the corner-infield position this season compared to recent years, he could be worth a look if he earns extended playing time.

 

Please sit Bonifacio, use him in a bench role, as a Pinch Runner possibly for any pinch hitter.

Well he's played for almost a month since coming back from the injury and is hitting .310 with 7 HR and 23 RBI's, and OPS of .850 and he even has 3 SB with 2 coming on June 20th.

 

I honestly think we should give him a full month but after that and if he's still looking and feeling good then he needs to be called up.

While, I definitely don't want to rush him, I would like to see him up very soon. His expectations plus Bonifacio is a black-hole makes me want Gaby even more.

Although an unpopular choice, I wouldn't mind this Lineup

 

1.Coghlan-3b

2.Sanchez 1B

3.Ramirez SS

4.Ross-RF

5-Uggla 2B

6-Hermida LF

7-Baker C

8-Maybin CF

 

My Feeling is that we need to find a way to get Maybins Tools into the lineup as well as Sanchez', without taking Coghlan out.

 

With Cantu off to San Fransisco for a SP (Cain was mentioned right?) or CL Brian Wilson/Prospect(s).

While, I definitely don't want to rush him, I would like to see him up very soon. His expectations plus Bonifacio is a black-hole makes me want Gaby even more.

 

He's 25 and hitting well in AAA, there is no chance of rushing him at this point.

Although an unpopular choice, I wouldn't mind this Lineup

 

1.Coghlan-3b

2.Sanchez 1B

3.Ramirez SS

4.Ross-RF

5-Uggla 2B

6-Hermida LF

7-Baker C

8-Maybin CF

 

My Feeling is that we need to find a way to get Maybins Tools into the lineup as well as Sanchez', without taking Coghlan out.

 

With Cantu off to San Fransisco for a SP (Cain was mentioned right?) or CL Brian Wilson/Prospect(s).

 

I think we'd need to give up hell of a lot more than cantu to get Cain. I'll take cantu this year over gaby and maybin.

While, I definitely don't want to rush him, I would like to see him up very soon. His expectations plus Bonifacio is a black-hole makes me want Gaby even more.

 

He's 25 and hitting well in AAA, there is no chance of rushing him at this point.

 

This.

 

And Piazza it's more likely that Uggla will be moved to SF as they've shown interest in him since last season but the way they are playing i hope neither of them get traded.

 

Im Hoping for

 

Coghlan LF

Gaby 3B/1B

Hanley SS

Cantu 1B/3B

Uggla 2B

Hermida/Carrol RF(BC Bats 8)

Cody CF

Baker/Paulino C (Paulino bats 6)

I really doubt they bat Maybin eighth again under any circumstances.

 

And you really want to send Cantu packing just when he's finally healthy and producing? With this team this year there's nothing Maybin can bring that would offset the loss of a healthy Cantu in the lineup.

 

Next season Beinfest may have a whole new take on how to construct his team but at this point I seriously doubt they take Cantu's bat away unless it gets replaced when an even bigger one. They've scratched their way back into contention, one measly game out of first in their division and unless they implode, their goal is the playoffs this year, not in 2010. For all intents and purposes 2010 is a million years from now. Maybin may just have to wait until next year barring an injury, or another September callup.

With this team this year there's nothing Maybin can bring that would offset the loss of a healthy Cantu in the lineup.

 

I agree with that 100%. Plus, if Maybin stays down until September, we'll have him for an extra year. (F'n Detroit.)

I've been patient, I've been understanding, but now I want change and I want Gaby Sanchez at 3B.

First half of '08 we had a player learning the 3B position and everybody complained. First half of '09 we have a player learning the 3B position and everybody is complaining. Now they want another guy at 3B learning the position, has a limited range side to side, and that has never shown anything at this level except he couldn't hit ML pitching in ST.

 

Be careful what you wish for.

First half of '08 we had a player learning the 3B position and everybody complained. First half of '09 we have a player learning the 3B position and everybody is complaining. Now they want another guy at 3B learning the position, has a limited range side to side, and that has never shown anything at this level except he couldn't hit ML pitching in ST.

 

Be careful what you wish for.

 

 

And Bonifacio can't do it in the regular season... evidenced by his .293 OBP... Bob, I REALLY think you're willfully ignoring how terrible that is... it's inexcusable... you'll retort with some nonsense about how fast he is, or something... but .293 is inexcusable

First half of '08 we had a player learning the 3B position and everybody complained. First half of '09 we have a player learning the 3B position and everybody is complaining. Now they want another guy at 3B learning the position, has a limited range side to side, and that has never shown anything at this level except he couldn't hit ML pitching in ST.

 

Be careful what you wish for.

 

 

Gaby has played 123 games at 3B in minor league,wrong about limited range listen to some games and make the right optimum and 33 at bats in ST does not mean sh*t. we love Coghlan and he did not start to hit until 100+ AB and he still hitting .265

Marlins1, he has poor range and terrible hands at 3B. Poor arm too IIRC. Its the reason he was moved to 1B in the first place.

 

That said, anything is better than Bonifacio.

First half of '08 we had a player learning the 3B position and everybody complained. First half of '09 we have a player learning the 3B position and everybody is complaining. Now they want another guy at 3B learning the position, has a limited range side to side, and that has never shown anything at this level except he couldn't hit ML pitching in ST.

 

Be careful what you wish for.

 

 

Cantu's offensive production last year made his first half defense a lot easier to tolerate. What's Bonifacio's excuse? The complaints about Cantu's defense last year don't even come close to approaching the fiasco that is Bonifacio.

 

Way to use ST numbers to back up your point. I mean really, way to go. Because they were such a good indication of what Bonifacio was going to do this year. Minor league track records were way off...

 

Personally, I would slot Cantu back at third and Gaby at first. I don't see this happening though with the team's unwillingness to move Cantu back there and all indications pointing toward Gaby playing third.

Marlins1, he has poor range and terrible hands at 3B. Poor arm too IIRC. Its the reason he was moved to 1B in the first place.

 

That said, anything is better than Bonifacio.

 

 

again with your hate ,is this all you can muster and self opinions because you don't like him stop trying to corral peoples opinions with faults comments.last year AA MVP played both 1B & 3B about 1/2 & 1/2 so your opinion is wrong again but that is not news.I don't think FO would have him playing 3B if they agree with you.I think is time you stop this stupid argument he is going to make you look really bad but it's not the first time.

Marlins1, he has poor range and terrible hands at 3B. Poor arm too IIRC. Its the reason he was moved to 1B in the first place.

 

That said, anything is better than Bonifacio.

 

 

again with your hate ,is this all you can muster and self opinions because you don't like him stop trying to corral peoples opinions with faults comments.last year AA MVP played both 1B & 3B about 1/2 & 1/2 so your opinion is wrong again but that is not news.I don't think FO would have him playing 3B if they agree with you.I think is time you stop this stupid argument he is going to make you look really bad but it's not the first time.

Its not hate. Its the simple fact that everyone who has watched him, both fan and every scout, has noted how awful he is defensively at 3B. MVP awards have nothing to do with position either so that is a crappy argument.

Marlins1, he has poor range and terrible hands at 3B. Poor arm too IIRC. Its the reason he was moved to 1B in the first place.

 

That said, anything is better than Bonifacio.

 

 

again with your hate ,is this all you can muster and self opinions because you don't like him stop trying to corral peoples opinions with faults comments.last year AA MVP played both 1B & 3B about 1/2 & 1/2 so your opinion is wrong again but that is not news.I don't think FO would have him playing 3B if they agree with you.I think is time you stop this stupid argument he is going to make you look really bad but it's not the first time.

Its not hate. Its the simple fact that everyone who has watched him, both fan and every scout, has noted how awful he is defensively at 3B. MVP awards have nothing to do with position either so that is a crappy argument.

 

Spike its always the same crap ,fan & scouts that you want to make up.you don't award an MVP to a awful defensively player and more so if like you say scouts say that.simple fact.I'm done with this.your argument are always without merit.

First half of '08 we had a player learning the 3B position and everybody complained. First half of '09 we have a player learning the 3B position and everybody is complaining. Now they want another guy at 3B learning the position, has a limited range side to side, and that has never shown anything at this level except he couldn't hit ML pitching in ST.

 

Be careful what you wish for.

 

 

Unless you think Sanchez is going to be worse than one of the worst players in baseball, your post is absurd.

Be careful what you wish for.

 

 

This is one of my favorite things ever on this website. Why it's so dumb has already been covered, so I'm not even gonna bother doing that.

 

It's just so bad. The fact that you are still defending Bonifacio like you are is really just incredible.

Be careful what you wish for.

 

 

This is one of my favorite things ever on this website. Why it's so dumb has already been covered, so I'm not even gonna bother doing that.

 

It's just so bad. The fact that you are still defending Bonifacio like you are is really just incredible.

 

It's hard to take anything he says seriously. I can wake up the next morning after Bonifacio has a horrible game and almost be garunteed to see one of his damage control gems sitting there, flawed argument and all. It's like he never gets tired of being obscenely predictable.

Marlins1, he has poor range and terrible hands at 3B. Poor arm too IIRC. Its the reason he was moved to 1B in the first place.

 

That said, anything is better than Bonifacio.

 

 

again with your hate ,is this all you can muster and self opinions because you don't like him stop trying to corral peoples opinions with faults comments.last year AA MVP played both 1B & 3B about 1/2 & 1/2 so your opinion is wrong again but that is not news.I don't think FO would have him playing 3B if they agree with you.I think is time you stop this stupid argument he is going to make you look really bad but it's not the first time.

Its not hate. Its the simple fact that everyone who has watched him, both fan and every scout, has noted how awful he is defensively at 3B. MVP awards have nothing to do with position either so that is a crappy argument.

 

Spike its always the same crap ,fan & scouts that you want to make up.you don't award an MVP to a awful defensively player and more so if like you say scouts say that.simple fact.I'm done with this.your argument are always without merit.

Crappy to awful defensive players win MVPs all the time.

Marlins1, he has poor range and terrible hands at 3B. Poor arm too IIRC. Its the reason he was moved to 1B in the first place.

 

That said, anything is better than Bonifacio.

 

 

again with your hate ,is this all you can muster and self opinions because you don't like him stop trying to corral peoples opinions with faults comments.last year AA MVP played both 1B & 3B about 1/2 & 1/2 so your opinion is wrong again but that is not news.I don't think FO would have him playing 3B if they agree with you.I think is time you stop this stupid argument he is going to make you look really bad but it's not the first time.

Its not hate. Its the simple fact that everyone who has watched him, both fan and every scout, has noted how awful he is defensively at 3B. MVP awards have nothing to do with position either so that is a crappy argument.

 

Spike its always the same crap ,fan & scouts that you want to make up.you don't award an MVP to a awful defensively player and more so if like you say scouts say that.simple fact.I'm done with this.your argument are always without merit.

Crappy to awful defensive players win MVPs all the time.

 

name them

Barry Bonds the last 3 he won, Miguel Tejada, Vladimir Guerrero(strong arm aside is not very good), Jeff Kent, Chipper Jones(likely among the worst defensive 3B ever), Sammy Sosa, Juan Gonzalez, Jason Giambi. It is an offensive award.

 

And if you can find me one scouting report not typed up by Marlins1 that says Gaby isnt atrocious defensively at 3rd I will stop saying it, luckily for me those dont exist. You are the only person that has said he is good over there among people who have seen him play the position. The Marlins playing him there is not a good excuse either, this is the team with Bonifacio at 3B and Coghlan in LF currently. The team that loved Miguel Olivo behind the plate despite the fact that he was abysmal at everything besides CS%, among others.

Barry Bonds the last 3 he won, Miguel Tejada, Vladimir Guerrero(strong arm aside is not very good), Jeff Kent, Chipper Jones(likely among the worst defensive 3B ever), Sammy Sosa, Juan Gonzalez, Jason Giambi. It is an offensive award.

 

And if you can find me one scouting report not typed up by Marlins1 that says Gaby isnt atrocious defensively at 3rd I will stop saying it, luckily for me those dont exist. You are the only person that has said he is good over there among people who have seen him play the position. The Marlins playing him there is not a good excuse either, this is the team with Bonifacio at 3B and Coghlan in LF currently. The team that loved Miguel Olivo behind the plate despite the fact that he was abysmal at everything besides CS%, among others.

 

 

now i know you are really ignorant.read the post.