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Pirates Tony Sanchez Will Make Opening Day Roster
By Tom Smith
Feb 27, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Tony Sanchez (26) smiles as he works out prior to the game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The ridiculous demands from Major League teams for a backup catcher will no longer be heard by Pittsburgh Pirates GM Neal Huntington. Sorry, the minor leaguers won’t be heading to Boston. No, we are not interested in sending Justin Wilson your way. The Pirates are going to allow Tony Sanchez to be on the Major League roster.
Consider Tony freed.
The #FreeTony Sanchez twitter campaign has worked. Or, it’s the fact that Sanchez has played well enough to impress the decision makers. The defensive has been there. The throws have looked strong, but the accuracy could always improve. The work he has done behind the plate looks as strong as ever–did you see some of those Wandy Rodriguez and Brandon Cumpton dirtballs get absorbed into his chest protector against the Red Sox?
The offensive has been a strong point for Tony Two Bags including some serious power and clutch situational hitting. Sanchez will get some knocks at the big league level and we predict the decision to send him back to Indy will be a tough one, but one the Bucs brass feel will be important to his development.
We are looking forward to that day…..we can see the story now:
Tony Sanchez was sent to Triple A Indianapolis today in order for Chris Stewart to return to the team. Stewart is fully recovered from a March surgery to his knee. Sanchez, who hit a walk off grand slam in the Pirates dramatic victory over the Baltimore Orioles yesterday, hit .290 with three doubles and two home runs for the Bucs.
Nah, just kidding. Stewart seemed like a good guy during our interview session at PirateFest. We just wish he could provide some offense. The catcher, acquired from the New York Yankees this offseason, is always strong defensively. But it’s been hard enough for Stewart to hit with two good knees, let alone one freshly scraped by Doc Andrews.