Waiting game
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Tony Sanchez might not break camp as the Pirates’ No. 1 catcher for another year, but he isn’t discouraged. Nor should he be.
Sanchez exceeded expectations in 22 games with the Pirates in 2013 and is reveling in his first spring training on the heels of a season with significant big-league experience.
“I’ve already come to the realization that I’m going to be starting in Indy, and that’s what’s best for me,” said Sanchez. “Would I love to spend the entire year under Russell (Martin’s) tutelage making big-league minimum? Who wouldn’t? But I understand doing that would be detrimental for my development.”
Sanchez, a first-round pick by the Pirates in 2009, is projected to be the everyday catcher in 2015 after Martin becomes a free agent again. He hit .230 in 60 at-bats, with 2 home runs, 4 doubles and 5 RBIs in 2013.
He soaked up everything he could from Martin, who will be backed up by offseason acquisition Chris Stewart.
The organization wants Sanchez to have the opportunity to play every day in the minors.
“We’re three years removed from using seven or eight catchers in a season,” said manager Clint Hurdle. “He knows where he is, he knows what he’s got to continue to work on. He also got great involvement last year in a pennant chase and catching meaningful games. All those things put him in the mindset that we’re looking for Tony to be our front-line guy in the not too distant future.”
Behind the plate, he built a reputation as a good defensive catcher. Those qualities endeared him to one very important person, pitcher Francisco Liriano, who said the trust between the two was built quickly.
“No, it never comes that easy,” said Liriano. “He came out and wanted to learn and wanted to get better. We talked a lot. He asks a lot of questions, and I think he got a lot better since spring training last year. He’s on his way. He got pretty good very quickly, and I think he’s ready to go. He learned a lot.”
Sanchez said he learned how to call games better from just watching Martin and credited the veteran with the easy transition to catching Liriano.
“I think the thing that made the transition so easy, was, yes I’m light years behind Russell as a catcher, but I have some similar skill-sets that he does,” said Sanchez. “We both block (pitches) extremely well, we both receive the ball very well. I think in Liriano’s mind, maybe, subconsciously, it was like he’s almost throwing to the same guy. Now that could come off presumptuous. I’m not Russell Martin. I’m not anywhere near him, but we do both take pride in our blocking and receiving. I thought that made the transition a little easier.”
