As expected, Freddy Sanchez has re-signed with the Giants for two years and 12-million-dollars. That's certainly one mystery solved, and for a discounted rate too! Sanchez has something to prove to the organization, and the fans, after a disappointing end to last season. A three-time all-star, and 2006 N.L. batting champion, Sanchez was hobbled by knee and shoulder injuries that limited him to just 111 games between the Pirates and Giants. He did hit a respectable .293 with seven home runs and 41 RBI's.
Now, that certainly doesn't sound very impressive, but consider the "up-side" of his potential. When Sanchez won the batting title in '06, check out some of these numbers: 157 games played, 200 hits, 53 doubles, 85 RBI's, and a .344 batting average (.378 on-base). In 2007, Sanchez played in 147 games and collected 602 at-bats! He had 77 runs scored, 183 hits, 42 doubles, eleven homers, and 81 RBI's. All of that to go with a .304 batting average; however, ZERO stolen bases. Freddy doesn't run much - how about 10 bags over his entire career. Well, you can't have it all.
No, he's certainly not a power guy like Jeff Kent at second, but Sanchez will make an ideal number two hitter. He should easily score 90-to-100 runs hitting in front of guys like Pablo Sandoval -- assuming of course that Sanchez collects at least 550 at-bats, and the team adds another slugger to the middle of their batting order.
After making the contract official today, Sanchez called it,"a frustrating end to last season," following the July 29th trade from Pittsburgh in exchange for pitching prospect Tim Alderson. Sanchez defined the end of last season as, "the toughest thing he's had to go through in his career." He's been a pretty durable player until last year's nagging knee and shoulder problems, both of which he's rehabilitating, and says, barring any setbacks, he should be ready for spring training. Sanchez says, "he usually doesn't begin regular baseball activities until December or January," so he hopes to be right on schedule with his rehabilitation and strengthening program.
This would certainly mean the end of the road for Kevin Frandsen. Eugenio Velez will remain a valuable utility man who can play second base or the outfield. Assuming Juan Uribe re-signs with the team, he'll also be a back-up infielder. I want to see what happens with Manny Burriss as a future short stop. Remember, we still have Edgar Renteria for one more season (the back end of a two year, 18-million-dollar contract - yikes).
I also heard that both Noah Lowry and Justin Miller were cut loose by the Giants. However, they say it's possible that one, or both, could return at a reduced price. I don't think there's room for Miller in that bullpen. I would also say, he should be given a chance in spring training after having last season cut short by injury.
I'm still confused about what happened with Lowry. There was a time he was supposed to be one of the corner stones of this pitching staff (and was paid like it). Is there really room for him in THIS starting rotation? Does he get invited back to prove himself in spring training after the team trades one of its starting pitchers? It could happen...I sure hope this team makes a bold, winter statement.
