Pittsburgh Pirates: Pres. Frank Coonelly Extremely Excited About Tony Sanchez

In June 2009 the Pittsburgh Pirates selected catcher Tony Sanchez out of Boston College as their number one drafted pick (fourth overall). His draft report was as follows:

Hitting ability: quick hands should allow for some hittability in the future

Power: There's power now, but it may not be a ton as a pro

Running: Pretty good, especially for a catcher

Arm: Solid with quick release

Fielding: Solid catch-and-throw guy behind the plate

Range: Has pretty quick feet and moves well defensively

Strengths: Good catch-and-throw skills. Quick hands at the plate, some power

Weaknesses: Conditioning, has worked to get into shape.Doesn't have a compact build

This winter, Baseball America list him as the Pirates number three prospect and number 79 overall.

In March (2010) I had the opportunity to ask Pittsburgh Pirates President Frank Coonelly about Sanchez.

Diamond Notes: Frank, how far away is the Pirates #1 2009 draft pick, Tony Sanchez, from playing in the big leagues?

Frank Coonelly: As I'm sure you have been able to tell, we are extremely excited about Tony Sanchez and what he brings to the organization. He is currently in Major League camp. While respectful of the more veteran players, Tony does not seem in the least bit out of his element. He is a tremendous leader with an outstanding work ethic and high character. He had an impressive first half-season in professional baseball last season, moving from State College to Lynchburg, finally helping Lynchburg win the Carolina League championship. All of this, of course, came after a full season with Boston College. Tony is likely to begin the 2010 season with the high-A Bradenton Marauders and his progression to Pittsburgh will depend on the development of his game both defensively and offensively. We have confidence that Tony will hone all facets of the game and make a quality impact in Pittsburgh.

Sanchez is in Bradenton and is playing very well. As of this writing he is batting .300 with three home-runs, 22 RBIs and a .462 slugging percentage. Numbers like those indicate he is developing quickly and his progression to Pittsburgh could be short.

GO BUCS!