Anibal Sanchez seeking $50 million plus contract – MLB Update
According to a leading sports website, the Los Angeles Dodgers are also planning to make a push for free agent starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez. Dodgers’ pitching rotation failed to live up to the expectations last season and the team is looking to address
their problems this offseason. One of the names being considered by the Dodgers is the former Detroit Tigers’ starter Anibal Sanchez, claims ESPN.com.
The other two right handed starters on Los Angeles’ radar are Zack Greinke and New York Yankees’ Hiroki Kuroda. The 28-year-old Sanchez produced some magical performances last season, helping the Tigers reach the World Series finals.
Sanchez has the ability to stay composed under pressure and perhaps, that is the reason why he was successful in the playoffs. In three post-season games, Sanchez gave up just four runs over 20.1 innings pitched.
Striking-out eight batters with an exceptional 1.77 ERA, he showed baseball the stuff he is capable of. It seems the starter is in line for a huge pay day this offseason. Other teams that are chasing the right hander include Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins,
Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays and the Tigers, all looking to strengthen up their pitching rotation.
"Do I think it helps that we had Sanchez (this year)? My answer would be yes," general manager Dave Dombrowski said at the annual state of the Tigers address. "But I'm also practical enough to know that in other ways, no, because when you get to this point,
probably offers being equal, it helps you.”
He added, "Offers that blow you away, it doesn't really make much difference and really what ends up happening is you've been through this process before, it's the player's right, they can do what they want.”
Blue Jays, in particular, have shown great interest in signing Sanchez, who is likely seeking a long term contract worth $50 million. Former Washington Nationals’ Manager Jim Bowden suggested Anibal’s upcoming contract could be around $56 million for four
years.
It will be interesting to see which team Sanchez chooses to sign a contract with ahead of 2013 Spring Training as some very big teams are lining up to obtain his services.
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