Archive for June, 2009
Tony Sanchez is still the earliest pick in last week’s draft to have signed a deal. He and the Pirates agreed to a deal that includes a $2.5 million bonus. The catcher out of Boston College was the #4 pick in the draft.
With the #4 pick in Tuesday’s amateur draft, the Pirates selected Tony Sanchez out of Boston College. Sanchez has seen his stock rise in recent months, as he wasn’t even on the mock draft boards for the first 2 rounds back in March. He’s a young catcher with a lot of upside who seems to be getting better every week, especially behind the plate. He’s been a solid .300+ hitter in college, which should translate to about .275-.280 in professional ball, assuming he can make the proper adjustments. There are some noticeable flaws in his swing that I’d like to see worked out, but nothing that’s beyond the expertise of pro hitting coaches.
June has arrived, and with it the annual Pirates Put Up The White Flag Day. The Pirates traded their All Star center fielder to the Braves in exchange for some minor league prospects. In addition to having some power at the plate, McLouth is also a gold glove winner in center field. McLouth was the only remaining piece from an outfield that was the best in the majors in the first half of last year. Besides McLouth, it included Xavier Nady and Jason Bay, who now play for the Yankees and Red Sox, respectively.
This trade will allow the Pirates to call up some highly-touted minor league prospects who I’m sure will have fine careers with other teams after the Pirates dump them in a few years.
