Dunio : Tony Sanchez Deserves a Big League Callup

Tony Sanchez has always been adequate defensively to play in the big leagues. However, his hitting needed some refinement before taking the next step. He appears to have turned the corner this year and he could be an immediate upgrade for the big league club.

In only 138 AB’s this season, Sanchez is batting an impressive .297, 7 HR, 15 doubles, and 27 RBI. He also adds a .393 OBP and a .951 OPS to solidify his numbers.

Sanchez’s defense is not quite Russell Martin good, but he’d be a significant upgrade over Michael McKenry. In 2012 and 2013, Sanchez has thrown out 27.5% of base stealers. In comparison, Russell Martin has thrown out an astonishing 43% this year, up from 24% last season with the Yankees….And Michael McKenry has only thrown out only 7% this season, down from 18% last season.

Sanchez is 25 years old and seems ready to make his big league debut. The Pirates need to focus on improving the big league club with home grown players as quickly as possible. I believe it’s just a matter of time before we see Tony Sanchez in black and gold.