Wednesday afternoon the White Sox announced that twenty year-old prospect infielder Carlos Sanchez was promoted from AA Birmingham to AAA Charlotte after putting up numbers through the roof for the Barons. So lets take a look at how Sanchez has moved through the ranks to the organization’s highest minor league destination.
Sanchez, a switch hitter, dropping down a bunt. Credit: “The Dash Board”
In 92 games for the Winston-Salem Dash of A-ball, Sanchez hit .315 through 92 games, including 21 XBH and 42 driven in. His name really got the attention of Sox fans when he played in the MLB Futures game, where he looked very good for the World team.
He played 30 games for AA Birmingham and hit a whopping .370 with 10 XBH and 13 RBI in 30 games for the Barons. It’s clear that the Venezuelan infielder is ready for the next step, but the question we all want to know is when he’ll be ready for the highest spot, a job for our Sox.
Future Outlook
Sanchez is most equipped to play 2nd or 3rd base, which could play in very well to the Sox’ needs in the near future … but just how near is that?
At third base, newly-acquired (June) Kevin Youkilis has done awfully well besides a little slump of late. He’s had good at bats and been a major run producer in the 2-hole, and while he’s quickly become a fan favorite, his future on the south side of Chicago is not certain.
In 2013 there’s a player option on Youk which would give him $13M or give the team a $1M buyout. Either option would be viable financially, as he’d most likely be worth the 13 big ones.
Sanchez firing a ball across the diamond in the Futures Game. Credit: vesphoto.com
Second base is held down by Gordon Beckham, who is not currently costing the Sox much, although they do still hope he’ll figure it out as he enters the prime of his career; you have to remember he’s only 25 years old, so he’s still got time to figure it out. I seem to be in the minority here, but I still think Beckham will turn it around at the plate and become one of the league’s best all around 2nd baseman, as he may already be the best in the field.
One thing that may speed up the process for Beckham is some serious competition … and Sanchez may represent just that in 2013.
So whatever the Sox choose to do, they’ll be taking a risk. If he succeeds in AAA, there will be a lot of talk over the off season about how big of a shot he should be given come Spring Training next year. Let’s say March rolls around and all is still looking good for Sanchez … where would it be smarter to give him a shot? Well, it really just depends on whether Kenny Williams and Robin Ventura think Gordon Beckham will make great strides for ’13. If they think he will be good, then they can save money by letting Youk walk and make Sanchez the biggest question mark in the lineup.
But hey, that’s all still a long way away. For now, we know that we’ve got a top-notch prospect in Sanchez; something that’s always fun to be excited about. Keep an eye on this kid … we may see him in the Sox’ 2-hole for years to come.