Fantasy Analysis of Freddy Sanchez to the Giants

In one day, the Pirates traded their entire middle infield.  Reports are that they have now traded Freddy Sanchez to San Francisco, receiving Tim Alderson in exchange.

Sanchez was hitting .296 with 6 HR, 34 RBI, 45 R and 5 SB.  None of those numbers are overly exciting, and he’s never really been a power or speed threat for a 2B.  His value lays in his average, having hit as high as .344 back in ‘06.

This season, his average is buoyed by a .343 BABIP, but before you decide that a regression is certainly in order, that is by no means a given.  He is striking out at a 16.9 percent clip, higher then he has in any of his seasons with 492 AB or more, and by a lot:

• 2005 - 7.9%
• 2006 - 8.9%
• 2007 - 12.6%
• 2008 - 11.1%

So, while his average is likely to remain at the status quo, is that really worth using in fantasy formats?  While he’s moving to a better team, it’s not really a significantly better lineup.  His fantasy value is minimal, so nothing has changed there.  Outside of NL-only leagues, I think you can find a better option.

As for Alderson, this is somewhat of a coup for the Pirates.  Prior to the season, Baseball America had him ranked as the team’s fourth-best prospect, as well as having the best curveball in the system.  He’s been overshadowed a bit, thanks to the presence of Madison Bumgarner, but make no mistake about it, Alderson has tremendous talent.

Between Single and Double-A, he has gone 7-2 with a 3.65 ERA over 98.2 innings.  His control is tremendous, having walked just 17 this season. 

While the 20-year-old may be a year away from the major leagues, he’s going to slide into the Pirates rotation sooner rather than later.  Without the likes of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and Bumgarner blocking his path to the majors, his arrival likely just got pushed up slightly. 

That means he’s a name that should be on all fantasy owners' radars for the future.  If you’re in a keeper league, stashing him away wouldn’t be the worst idea if he’s still available.

What does everyone think of this deal?  How’d the Pirates do this time around?

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