Jesus Sanchez Stats & Scouting Report

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Originally signed by the Yankees as a catcher in 2004, Sanchez was traded two years later to the Phillies in the Bobby Abreu/Cory Lidle deal. When it became apparent Sanchez wasn't going to hit enough, Philadelphia decided to take advantage of his arm strength and shifted him to pitching. He posted two solid seasons in Class A before the Phillies released him after the 2010 season. The Brewers signed him two weeks later and moved him to the bullpen in mid-2011. He has thrived in his new role, reaching Triple-A last year and claiming a spot on the 40-man roster. As a reliever, Sanchez can focus on two pitches, a 94-97 mph fastball that he commands well and a developing slider that improved considerably last season. He throws strikes and keeps the ball down in the zone. Sanchez will get a good look in spring training and should have a chance to join a retooled Milwaukee relief corps.

Though the Phillies' primary motivation in the Bobby Abreu/Cory Lidle trade with the Yankees was to shed $23 million, they also received the GCL's best catching prospect as part of the deal. At this point, Sanchez' defensive skills are ahead of his bat. Sanchez is an athletic catcher who blocks and throws well, and does an adequate job of receiving. GCL observers lauded him for his makeup and work ethic, and he has shown initiative in his efforts to learn English. "His arm is unbelievable," Yankees manager Matt Martin said. "He can throw with anybody, anywhere, from the major leagues down to the Dominican Summer League. And he is going to get nothing but better." At the plate, Sanchez has a willingness to hit the ball up the middle and to the opposite field. He allows his front side to fly open, hindering his ability to make contact and cover the plate. He'll have to get stronger after wilting at the end of his first season in the United States, and even so he may never offer much power.