Jonathan Sanchez

Jonathan Sanchez was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 27th round of the 2004 amateur draft out of Ohio Dominion College. Sanchez throws a fastball generally in the low 90's, but is capable of dialing it up to 95, a changeup, and a slider. His fastball is often described as being 'sneaky fast', in that his delivery tends to lull a batter to sleep before the ball explodes out of his hand. He pitches at a three quarter delivery arm slot, and is most effective when consistently repeating it, and staying on top of the ball. Sanchez was ranked as the Giants #2 prospect behind Tim Lincecum by Baseball America in 2007, and as the 59th best prospect overall, ahead of the likes of Carlos Gomez, Daric Barton, Kevin Slowey, and Joba Chamberlain.

Up to that point, Sanchez had posted a 7.36 hits/9, 3.50 BB/9, and 11.85 K/9 in 228.6 career Minor League innings to go along with a 3.58 ERA and 1.207 WHIP. He also had a brief stint with San Fran, with less than stellar results, going 3-1 with a 4.95 ERA.

2007 saw him in the big leagues, and the bullpen, for most of the season, again with mediocre results. While the K rate was much improved (10.73/9), he still ended the season with a 5.88 ERA, and 1.635 WHIP.

Seemingly a non-factor heading into the 2008 season, Sanchez got a spot in the starting rotation after an injury to Noah Lowry, and looked to make the most of his opportunity. He would have to battle Kevin Correia for the month of April to keep his rotation spot once Lowry was ready to return. His first start to the season didn't go so well, though, better than it looks on paper. Sanchez gave up 3 runs in the first inning, but settled down to pitch three scoreless, before falling apart in the 5th. Final line: 4 IP, 7 H, 7 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, and the loss.

On to todays start. Facing the San Diego Padres, Sanchez went 6+ IP, allowing 3 hits, 2 BB, and striking out 10. No runs, no decision. The first hit of the ballgame was of the infield variety, while the next two were solid singles to the outfield to begin the 7th inning, ultimately getting Sanchez pulled after throwing 102 pitches, 66 for strikes. Don't let the 2 BB, or high number of balls thrown fool you, as Sanchez was haunted by an incredibly small strike zone from home plate umpire Gary Cederstrom, making the 10 K's all the more impressive. Sanchez induced 18 swings and misses on the day, looking dominant as he became the first Giants lefty to K 10 in a game in nearly 4 years (Noah Lowry, 2004). Also impressive, was Jonathan's ability to repeat his delivery and mechanics, pitch after pitch. He looked a little out of synch a couple of times while pitching out of the stretch, but that's to be expected when working out of the windup for the majority of the night.

Sanchez remains a high risk high reward 2 start pitcher for next week, but someone to target in keeper leagues with extra roster spots, and someone to keep an eye on in yearly formats. 200 K's aren't out of reach if Sanchez manages to stay in the rotation all season long.