Giants sign 2B Sanchez for 2 years, $12M
October 30, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)—Freddy Sanchez(notes) wanted a chance to make a better impressionon the San Francisco Giants.
That’s why the three-time All-Star infielder was quick to sign a $12million, two-year contract extension with the Giants on Friday.
“I’m glad I got it done early enough in the offseason so now my focus is ongetting stronger and getting better,” Sanchez said. “I feel like I have a lotof unfinished business on the field. A lot was riding on me going out there andplaying every day … and it hurt not being out there.”
The Giants held an $8.1 million option for 2010 for Sanchez, who wasacquired from Pittsburgh on July 29 in exchange for a minor league pitcher. Hewill make $6 million in each year of the deal.
Sanchez hit .293 with seven home runs and 41 RBIs in 111 games for the twoteams this season but played in just 25 games with San Francisco due to anagging shoulder strain that landed him on the disabled list. He also hadsurgery earlier this month to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.
The Giants, who were in contention for the NL wild-card spot until the lastweek of the regular season, are convinced Sanchez’s health issues are over.
“One of our goals and priorities this season is to get a more consistentlineup out there on a daily basis, and Freddy does that,” manager Bruce Bochysaid during a conference call. “His history is that he plays every day. To havehim at the top of your order pretty much every day is going to do a lot for thislineup.”
Sanchez is expected to bat second for the Giants, though Bochy said he willoccasionally use Sanchez in the third slot.
Wherever he bats, Sanchez understands the importance of getting his offenseback on track. He hit just one home run after being traded to the Giants whilehis on-base and slugging percentages both dipped significantly.
“I know I didn’t do what I wanted to do when I came here,” Sanchez said.“After my knee and shoulder acted up, I didn’t drive the ball like I expectmyself to but I’m not going to pin it on injuries. I know it’s going to comeback next year when the season gets going.”
Signing Sanchez was the first player move made this offseason by the Giants,who signed Bochy and general manager Brian Sabean to extensions on Oct. 13.
Sabean said the Giants have had discussions with some of their own freeagents, such as catcher Bengie Molina(notes) and shortstop Juan Uribe(notes). Molina is a fanfavorite who hit 20 home runs this past season but turns 35 next July, whileUribe provided San Francisco a much-needed boost to their lineup late in theyear, batting .347 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs in September.
Sabean didn’t comment on Molina but believes Uribe will listen to offersfrom other teams.
“I get the sense that he’s probably going to test the market first,”Sabean said.
The Giants are also facing a potentially complicated and expensivearbitration process with ace Tim Lincecum(notes), the 2008 NL Cy Young Award winner whowent 15-7 with a 2.48 ERA in 32 starts and 225 1-3 innings this year.
