Marlins' Gaby Sanchez quietly puts himself among the ranks of top NL rookies

MIAMI GARDENS — Atlanta right fielder Jason Heyward might be getting all the buzz, but Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez also ranks among the top rookies in the National League.

Nearly a month into his first full season, Sanchez is first with seven doubles and second in hits (18) and RBI (11). Among rookies with atleast 50 at-bats, he has the highest batting average, .286.

"Sanchy has been doing a terrific job," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He's hitting almost .290 in the No. 8 hole, which is not easy to do. And he's driving in runs from that spot."

Sanchez won't bat eighth forever; there's a chance he could move near the top of the order if left fielder Chris Coghlan continues to struggle. But for now, Sanchez, hitting at the bottom of the order, is among the Marlins' most productive hitters.

"I've been really impressed with the consistency of his at-bats this year," said veteran infielder Wes Helms. "He's not defeated at all, even when he gets down 1-2 (in the count) to a good pitcher."

The Marlins will see another promising rookie when the Marlins open a three-game series Friday night against Washington at Sun Life Stadium. Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond is batting .246 but is third among NL rookies in RBI (10) and hits (16).

Sanchez has 13 strikeouts and 11 walks (second on Marlins) in 63 at-bats. He is 5-for-10 when putting the ball in play on the first pitch and 3-for-7(.429) in a full count.

"I'm not really an aggressive guy," he said. "There'll be times I swing at first pitches, but for most part I take pitches and work the count."
Another key for Sanchez, who is 6-foot-1, has been his weight: He said he's down to about 210 pounds. He weight 234 when he was first called up in 2008.

"He's in way better shape than he was the year before. He's slimmer and stronger," said hitting coach Jim Presley.

Last year, Sanchez had a chance in spring training to win the first base job but opened the year at Class AAA New Orleans.

"He didn't get down on himself," Helms said. "He learned from it and got stronger from it and it's showing in his preparation, it's showing in his plate discipline and it's showing in his defense."

At 26, Sanchez is no youngster compared with other rookies. Among the top NL rookies, only Houston shortstop Tommy Manzella is older (by a few months).

"I'm probably one of the older ones," Sanchez said, "but it's nice to be here."

It's still early in the year, but Sanchez has avoided going into a rut. Heyward, who in the minors was considered the top prospect in baseball, got off to a hot start but had just three hits in his last 29 at-bats going into Thursday. He was hitting .224.

"Heyward's going to get more publicity," Helms said, "but for me, it's usually the guys you don't hear a lot about who keep doing their thing, then all of a sudden in August or September they're near the top.

"Gaby's definitely going to put himself on the map."



(palmbeachpost.com)