Gaby Sanchez
proCanes

Sanchez will get first crack at first base for Marlins

Dec/10/08 07:56 PM
LAS VEGAS — Jorge Cantu might end up starting at first base on opening day for the Marlins, but rookie Gaby Sanchez will get the first shot at winning the job this spring.

"Sanchez is going to play first base, or we'll give him an opportunity to play first base,'' Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said Wednesday when asked how he thinks Florida's defense will improve next year

"If that doesn't work out, we can always move Jorge from third to first, and he was pretty good at first base.''

Sanchez, 25, went 3-for-8 (.375) in five games for the Marlins in September. Drafted in the fourth round in 2005, the Miami native was named the Southern League Most Valuable Player in 2008 after hitting .314 for 17 home runs, 42 doubles and 92 RBI for Class AA Carolina.

The Marlins will also look at Emilio Bonifacio at third base. If Sanchez has a strong spring, Bonifacio could start the year in the minors with Cantu starting at third base. Dallas McPherson also will get a shot at third.

(palmbeachpost.com)

1st Base Opens Up For Sanchez

Oct/30/08 09:12 PM
With Jacobs gone, the path is clear for prospect Gaby Sanchez to take over. Sanchez made his major league debut in September after winning Southern League Most Valuable Player honors. Jorge Cantu also showed last season he's a capable first baseman and the Marlins have veteran Wes Helms backing up at both corner spots.

(sun-sentinel.com)

Team believes G. Sanchez is ready

Oct/28/08 12:54 AM
The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson reports the Florida Marlins are likely to trade 1B Mike Jacobs because they believe 1B Gaby Sanchez is ready to replace him. If Sanchez flopped, they could move 3B Jorge Cantu to first base.

(kffl.com)

Who will return next season?

Oct/06/08 06:44 PM
Mike Jacobs had more than 30 home runs this year. He is a left-handed batter, and they are hard to find. Why wouldn't the Marlins keep Jacobs? -- Robin S., Orlando

Jacobs showed the type of power he is capable of, if he stays healthy and plays regularly. The primary first baseman the past three seasons, he had career-high numbers in home runs (32) and RBIs (93). By his own admission, his batting average was a bit low. He finished at .247 and his on-base percentage was .299. Cost is now a factor with Jacobs. He has 80 career home runs and 247 RBIs, which in arbitration means his salary will jump to anywhere from $3.5-4 million.

So I wouldn't be surprised if the team looks to make a change. Gaby Sanchez had a terrific season at Double-A Carolina, and he showed some flashes as a September callup. Another option is moving Cantu to first base, and using Dallas McPherson and Helms at third. Or the team could look outside the organization to bring in another first baseman.

(flamarlins.com)

G. Sanchez expected to compete for starting job

Oct/02/08 11:21 PM
Joe Frisaro, of MLB.com, reports Florida Marlins 1B Gaby Sanchez is expected to compete for the starting job at first base next season.

(kffl.com)

Sanchez makes good impression

Sep/26/08 12:47 AM
WASHINGTON -- When you're named a player of the year at any level, it shows you are held in high regard.

Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez was recognized as the Southern League MVP based on his .314 average with 17 homers and 92 RBIs for Double-A Carolina this season.

Called up on Sept. 16 after the Mudcats lost in the Southern League Championship Series, Sanchez made his first start as a Marlin on Wednesday night. The Miami native went 3-for-5 with two doubles and an RBI.

Making the night even more special was the fact his parents were at the game.

"He had some good at-bats a couple of times as a pinch-hitter," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He's got a good approach. His parents were here. He had a pretty good night."

Sanchez had been hitless in three pinch-hit attempts before Wednesday. After he struck out in the second inning, the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder ripped an RBI double off the wall in left field for his first Major League hit.

"It's definitely a big relief," Sanchez said of collecting his first hit. "As soon as you get it, you feel like the whole weight has been lifted off your shoulders. It probably shouldn't feel that way."

If Mike Jacobs doesn't return in 2009, Sanchez will be in contention to win the starting first-base job. Jacobs is up for salary arbitration, and the Marlins must decide if they will bring him back.

In the meantime, Sanchez is taking his first big league experience in stride.

"It's something where you are not expecting too much," he said. "It was my first start, and I knew I would get more than one at-bat. Once I got that first hit out of the way, I was able to relax and calm down once the nerves started going."

(flamarlins.com)

Gaby Sanchez Makes His Major League Debut

Sep/25/08 01:42 AM
The Marlins halted a four-game losing streak and welcomed the major league debut of first baseman Gaby Sanchez, who had three hits and drove in a run. Sanchez, who played collegiate baseball at the University of Miami, was called up from Class AA Carolina one day after Florida was eliminated from playoff contention.

(timesoftheinternet.com)