Prospect Preview: Tony Sanchez, C

Tony Sanchez is part of the California Roadrunners' amateur system, but could be called on to make an impact behind the plate sooner than later. Sanchez was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round (fourth overall) back in 2009. In 2010, he was selected to the Futures Game All-Star team, but had his season shortened when he was hit in the face with a fastball in June.

Now having gone through a full recovery of a broken jaw, and some LASIK surgery in January of this year, Sanchez is back and ready to prove that he belongs with the big league club.

Sanchez was invited to spring training in 2011, but was only able to get one hit (a double) in two at-bats before being sent down to AA Altoona. He is currently hitting .299-1-9 overall, but is hitting .344 with an OBP of .500 in his last 10 games. In 2009, Sanchez hit .309 with 7 home runs in 178 at-bats. Prior to his facial injury in 2010, Sanchez was hitting .314 in 250 at-bats.

Projected to be a great defender behind the plate, Sanchez would be a great candidate to handle a young pitching staff. He has great framing technique, and a "borderline" plus arm. It will be his offense, though, that will make or break his chances at becoming a perennial all-star. His power numbers are there, and is projected to hit 10-15 home runs per season if he can remain healthy.

Sanchez is currently targeted to make the Pirates' roster in 2012. Looking at the current catching situation for Pittsburgh, it is likely that they will trade one or both of the catchers they currently have on their roster (Chris Snyder and Ryan Doumit), and hope that Sanchez can open next season behind the dish.

Tony Sanchez is the catcher of the future for the California Roadrunners. There's no question that he will be getting regular at-bats for us within a year or two. However, the team has pressing needs at that position with Rod Barajas playing in the last year of his contract, and Bengie Molina sitting at home on his couch waiting for the Red Sox to dial his number. This will push up Sanchez's timetable, but the Roadrunners hope to acquire a catcher or three through some other means so that Sanchez is not rushed.

Official 2011 Outlook
Remain under contract in the CAL Amateur League System.