Sanchez Provides Pop For Ducks

by: Brian Bohl | Senior Writer - NY Sports Day | Saturday, May 24, 2008



CENTRAL ISLIP, NY— Alex Sanchez’s first two games as a Duck were so productive that his manager suggested it would be better if he cooled off just slightly.

Sanchez, who signed with the Ducks on Wednesday, went 6-9, scored four runs and belted a home run in his first two days on the club. That output means a .667 batting average and a gaudy 1.222 slugging percentage and a possible ticket back to a MLB-affiliated club if his hot hitting continues.

“He has to make a couple of outs so we don’t lose him here in the next couple of weeks,” LaPoint said with a laugh. “He’s been a big lift and automatically it forces their pitcher to come out throwing good pitchers to start the game off.”

Starting as a call-up with Milwaukee in 2001,Sanchez played 427 major leagues games among four different franchises. The speedy outfielder owns a career. 296 average in the big leagues, including a.322 campaign in 79 games for the Tigers in 2004.

The 31-year-old was working out at home when LaPoint called him to join the Ducks. Sanchez hadn’t played since winter ball wrapped up, though he looked comfortable as the leadoff batter and centerfielder.

“My agent was familiar with this team and sent me over here because I need to keep playing to be ready for anything happening,” Sanchez said.

The Atlantic League has a history of sending players back to Double and Triple-A. Recent Ducks’ history also shows examples of players making it all to the major leagues, such as another former hard-hitting centerfielder: Mel Stocker.

Sanchez also stole a base during the Ducks’ 10-4victory over Camden Thursday night. The 5-10, 180-pound Miami-Dade College product once stole 44 bases for the Tigers before leg injuries slowed him down in recent season. He said he feels healthier now and will look to reincorporate speed into his game.

“I feel very good right now,” Sanchez said. “My leg is ready and I’m [running].”

Before major league teams start calling, Sanchez and his lefty swing will continue to serve as the catalyst for the heart of the lineup featuring veteran hitters Carl Everett, Pete Rose Jr. and Ray Navarrete.

“If you get him out, the next three guys aren’t very easy, either,” LaPoint said. “They all set each other up.”

Younger players like Estee Harris now can enjoy another experienced outfielder on the roster. Harris said spending time with accomplished players like Everett has helped his game and expressed optimism that he could develop a similar rapport with Sanchez, who split the 2005 season between Tampa Bay and San Francisco.

“Just picking his brain and watching how he takes care of his business; I can learn a lot from all these guys,” Harris said.“That’s what is so great about this clubhouse, the mix of guys and all the experience. I’m definitely glad to have him on the team. It makes us better.”