Angel Sanchez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #25 prospect in 2007
  Sanchez has been a grinder, slowly working his way up the ladder. He repeated both the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and the low Class A Midwest League in his first four seasons. Helped by the hitting environment at High Desert, he put together his best season in 2005, and he proved it wasn't a total fluke last year. The Royals always have liked Sanchez' ability to put the bat on the ball and his situational hitting skills. Though he makes good contact, he doesn't hit for much power and doesn't have exceptional on-base ability. Despite above-average speed, he was thrown out in nine of his 17 steal attempts last year. If Sanchez makes it to the big leagues, his glove will be his ticket. He's an excellent shortstop who can make both routine and spectacular plays. With a strong arm, he can effortlessly make throws from the hole without taking an extra step. Sanchez will move up to Triple-A in 2007.
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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #14 prospect in 2006
  Sanchez always impressed the Royals with his swing mechanics and ability to make contact, but they wondered if he'd ever develop the strength necessary to be anything more than a slap-hitting utility infielder. While he could stand to build more muscle, he already has added 15 pounds since signing at age 17--and the results have been obvious. He led the minors in hits and ranked second in the California League in runs while serving as High Desert's leadoff man last year. He had 42 extra-base hits after collecting just 34 in his first 1,015 pro at-bats. The physical maturity also enhanced Sanchez' speed. He went from an average runner to above-average. He rates as at least an average defender with solid range, hands and feet, while his arm strength can be a tick above average at times. This year in Double-A, Sanchez will try to prove his breakout season wasn't simply a product of High Desert and the California League.
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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #30 prospect in 2002
  Sanchez could be the sleeper of the Royals' 2001 draft after they took him out of Puerto Rico in the 11th round. Like Ira Brown and Chris Tierney, Sanchez didn't light up the Gulf Coast League but that couldn't diminish Kansas City's enthusiasm. He's a toolsy shortstop whose arm and speed are plus tools. He's wiry strong and the ball carries off his bat when he centers the ball. For all his upside, Sanchez is going to need plenty of time in the minors. He'll have to develop his body and tighten his strike zone in order to provide much offense. He must get more aggressive on the bases and more steady in the field. Sanchez doesn't figure to make his full-season debut until 2003 at the earliest.

• December, 2006 Scouting Report
  Sanchez has been a grinder, slowly working his way up the ladder. He repeated both the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and the low Class A Midwest League in his first four seasons. Helped by the hitting environment at High Desert, he put together his best season in 2005, and he proved it wasn't a total fluke last year. The Royals always have liked Sanchez' ability to put the bat on the ball and his situational hitting skills. Though he makes good contact, he doesn't hit for much power and doesn't have exceptional on-base ability. Despite above-average speed, he was thrown out in nine of his 17 steal attempts last year. If Sanchez makes it to the big leagues, his glove will be his ticket. He's an excellent shortstop who can make both routine and spectacular plays. With a strong arm, he can effortlessly make throws from the hole without taking an extra step. Sanchez will move up to Triple-A in 2007.