Tony Sanchez Working Hard To Earn A Spot On Pirates' Roster
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - It wasn't that long ago that there were plenty of jobs available during Pirates Spring Training; not so this spring.
"That means we're getting better," according to Manager Clint Hurdle coming off two consecutive playoff appearances.
The starting rotation is all set, with a proven starter to spare, as is the back end of the bullpen, leaving one or two spots open.
The starting eight position players are set, along with back-up catcher Chris Stewart, 1B-OF Corey Hart, IF Jung-Ho Kung, and IF-OF Sean Rodriguez.
The thinking is that the final position player will come down to a pair of left-handed hitters – either Jaff Decker or Andrew Lambo and maybe switch-hitter Steve Lombardozzi.
But what about Tony Sanchez?
"Still number three on the depth chart," says the former first-round draft pick. "I go about my work the same way every day, work damned hard, try to be the best player on the field each day. Every time I get an opportunity I try to do as much as I can with it."
So far, he has. Sanchez - who reported in great shape - is the Pirates' hottest hitter over the first half of the Grapefruit League schedule, hitting .533 (8-15) with 1 HR, 2 2Bs, and 5 RBI.
One thing against Sanchez is that the final spot will probably go to a left-handed hitter, but there's also something to be said for a third catcher who can also play first base.
Incidentally, as you'll hear in the interview, Sanchez was also impressed with "The Fan Morning Show's" Colin Dunlap's conditioning program.