Triple A first baseman Gaby Sanchez, who is expected to miss at least four to six weeks after injuring his right knee in a collision at home plate Tuesday. Sanchez attended the game on crutches.

Sanchez was off to a hot start for New Orleans, hitting .345 with four home runs and 16 RBI.


(miamiherald.com)

Based on where he's played in recent days, prospect Gaby Sanchez also could be in the mix for the leadoff spot. Sanchez, who entered Spring Training as the front runner to win the first base job, has played third base for Triple-A New Orleans the past two days.

Chris Coghlan has been getting most of the work at third. Sanchez has seen action at third base before, but in recent years, first base has become his primary position.

Sanchez is hitting .313 with two homers and 11 RBIs in 17 games. 

(fishstripes.com)

Gaby Sanchez was the favorite to take over at first base but after a weak spring, he is heading to AAA. This likely means Jorge Cantu will move to first base and Emilio Bonifacio will take over third.



(fishatbat.com)

Gaby Sanchez is projected to be the Marlins' starting first baseman on opening day. He's battled through a slow spring, but he hopes to build upon a .314-.404-.513 season in AA that earned him a September call-up. He's more of a gap doubles hitter who has the bat speed and strike-zone judgment to hit for a high average. He began his pro career at third base, but his range and hands are more than adequate at first base.

Sanchez is still a day or two away from returning to the active lineup as he continues to take it easy with his bruised left knee. He is still penciled in as the Marlins' starter at first, and no one with the Fish appears overly concerned at the moment, at least with his health that is. As for his work on the field, he is hitting only .200 without a single RBI in 30 AB. He needs to get going or he would obviously be in danger of losing some playing time at best, or at worst he could find himself returned to the minors to rediscover his lost stroke.

(usatoday.com0

JUPITER - X-rays on Florida Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez taken Thursday morning in Jupiter were negative.

Sanchez was diagnosed with a bruise after banging knees with Lastings Milledge on a ninth-inning play at first during Wednesday night's game against the Nationals in Viera.

The right-handed hitting Sanchez is listed as day to day. He is 6 for 30 (.200) with two doubles, a walk and six strikeouts this spring.

Wes Helms is getting the start at first Thursday afternoon against the Phillies and Jorge Cantu, back from his World Baseball Classic run with Mexico, is at third and batting cleanup.

(sun-sentinel.com)

JUPITER, Fla. -- In his fourth season with the Marlins, Anibal Sanchez has a new number and renewed optimism.

The 24-year-old right-hander is taking the ball today in Florida's first Grapefruit League game. The 1:05 p.m. ET contest will be played at Roger Dean Stadium against the Cardinals, with Florida being the visitors.

Blake Hawksworth is pitching for St. Louis.

The appearance for Sanchez, who projects to throw two innings or 30 pitches, will be his first in a Grapefruit League game since 2007. The past few years, he was hampered by shoulder problems, and he underwent shoulder surgery in June 2007.

Pinpoint control is so much of Sanchez's game. But because he's missed a great deal of time with his shoulder issues, the command is taking a while to return.

Early in Spring Training, Sanchez was working on his curveball, to go along with his slider, changeup and fastball.

"That curveball has helped me when I need it," Sanchez said. "Right now, it's all over the place. I have to throw it in my spot."

As for his changeup, Sanchez said: "It's better this year. I've got better command on everything. My slider is working better. It's down, and it's not too flat. When you're healthy, you can do a lot of different things. Right now, I'm healthy."

When Sanchez takes the field today, he will be wearing No. 19. In his first three seasons with Florida, he donned No. 36.

Before Spring Training started, Sanchez asked reliever Logan Kensing, who previously had No. 19, if he would switch. Kensing took No. 20, which had belonged to Matt Treanor, who now is with the Tigers.

"I just like the number," Sanchez said of 19.

So much so that he has a tattoo on his left shoulder that includes the number.

The last time Sanchez faced hitters in a game situation was a few months ago when he made two appearances in the Venezuelan Winter League.

"It's like I'm starting over again," Sanchez said.

With games getting under way, it will be a chance to see how the Marlins are coming together.

John Baker enters as the starting catcher for the first time. Cameron Maybin is the regular center fielder. Gaby Sanchez is aiming to show he is deserving of the first-base job. Cody Ross will be in right field with Jeremy Hermida in left.

A right fielder throughout his career, Hermida has been adjusting to left field.

"The most important thing that I can do, and an outfielder can do, is taking balls live off the bat," Hermida said. "When we start playing every day, during BP, I've got to get out there and shag fly balls. That's the best time I can have to simulate balls off the bat, and getting a true angle and a true read on them."

(mlb.com)

JUPITER — Right-hander Anibal Sanchez won't be the Marlins' opening day starter next month, but he'll start their Grapefruit League opener Wednesday against the Cardinals.

"He's healthy. He's good to go,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Sunday.

For Sanchez, the opening-spring start is a huge mental lift for a pitcher who, this time a year ago, missed spring training while struggling through a slow recovery from shoulder surgery.

"I don't care if it's the first, second or third game. I just want to be ready for the season,'' he said.

Right-handers Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson are the leading contenders to start the Marlins' season opener April 6 against Washington. Both will pitch Tuesday in an intrasquad game behind the Marlins' clubhouse on Field 2.

Sanchez made his 2008 debut on July 31 and finished 2-5 with a 5.57 ERA. After one week of drills this spring, his teammates say he looks better than he did last year.

"The main thing that I've seen is that he trusts himself more than he did last year,'' said catcher John Baker.

"He was kind of throwing a little bit at the end of the year and thinking it might hurt. That's a tough mental obstacle to overcome, coming off of surgery. He has had time to prepare himself better. He feels better and he'll believe in himself more. It'll be fun to see him Wednesday.''

The Cardinals, who will be the home team, will throw Blake Hocksworth. The Marlins haven't announced who will start Thursday in Port St. Lucie against the Mets - Chris Volstad could get the call. The Mets will start Oliver Perez.

The Marlins will play their first game of the spring today in a six-inning intrasquad game around 10:30 a.m. on Field 2. Left-hander Sean West will start against right-hander Eulogio De La Cruz.

(palmbeachpost.com)

We here at Fantasy Source want to make sure you're as prepared for the '09 season as possible. That's why we're running a series of posts in the Fastball titled "Get To Know," where we identify prospects and unheralded bench players who have a chance to make an impact soon.

Earlier this week we introduced you to the Cardinals' David Freese, who has a chance to fill in at third base with Troy Glaus missing time. Today, let's get to know Marlins prospect Gaby Sanchez.

Despite never seeing a pitch in Triple-A, the 25-year-old Sanchez is the front-runner to open the season as the starting first baseman in South Florida now that Mike Jacobs is gone. Of course, Sanchez will need a solid spring to convince the Marlins to keep Jorge Cantu at third base and the power-hitting Dallas McPherson (42 home runs in 448 Triple-A at-bats last season) on the bench.

Sanchez, a righthanded hitter, has impressed in the minors, sporting a career .305 average in more than 1,400 at-bats. Last season at Double-A, he compiled a .314-17-92 line in 478 at-bats en route to being named the Southern League's MVP. He's also tough to strike out, as evidenced by his 14.6 percent K rate in '08 and his nearly 1-to-1 career K-to-BB ratio in the minors.

While he has a big frame at 6-2, 225, Sanchez is unlikely to replace the power lost by the departure of Jacobs, now in Kansas City. The 17 homers last season were Sanchez's career high, so owners shouldn't expect much more than that in his first season in the majors. But Sanchez also possesses decent speed, swiping 17 bases last season and 41 total in his minor-league career. That's a nice bonus coming from a 1B option.

An interesting fact about Sanchez is that he was an all-conference catcher at the Univ. of Miami before moving over to first in the minors. It would be nice if the Marlins still had plans on using him as a catcher considering his 20-homer potential and ability to chip in 10-15 steals. Eligibility at C would bump Sanchez up to a mixed-league sleeper, especially with only John Baker and Mike Rabelo on the depth chart. But for now Sanchez should be limited to NL-only and deeper mixed leagues.

(sportingnews.com)

Florida Marlins: First base

Gaby Sanchez will go to spring training as the favorite to be the first baseman, replacing Mike Jacobs, who was traded to Kansas City in late October. Sanchez's past numbers indicate he will be more in the Mark Grace line-drive-to-the-gap type of offensive player, rather than a power-hitting corner guy.

(espn.com)

Manager Fredi Gonzalez is on the record saying Gaby Sanchez will get first shot at first base this spring. But Sanchez — who hopes to become the first Marlins fan to grow up and win a spot in the opening-day lineup — says he doesn’t consider himself a shoo-in.

“It doesn’t really change anything. I still feel like it’s a position that needs to be won regardless of anything,” he said. “Everybody has a shot to win the position. I just got to be calm and not stress too much and not put too much pressure on me and let my skills play out.” …

Reliever Scott Proctor began throwing off the mound last week — his first “bullpen sessions” since undergoing surgery on his right elbow in October to repair a partially-torn flexor tendon. “I started spinning off some sliders (on Monday),” he said…

The Marlins’ annual FanFest is set for Saturday, Feb. 7 at Dolphin Stadium. There will be one minor change from previous fests. This one will start a bit later — at noon.

(palmbeachpost.com)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)