Drafted in the C-1 round (39th overall) by the Minnesota Twins in 2005 (signed for $900,000).
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At 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, Sanchez could become the biggest first-round pick in draft history. He physically resembles a larger Andres Galarraga, and naturally draws comparisons to Brewers prospect Prince Fielder, who was a more compact 5-foot-11 and 250 pounds when he was the seventh overall pick in 2002. Sanchez isn't quite as athletic as Fielder but has the same explosive, raw power and ranks as the top power prospect in this year's draft. Exceptionally strong, he can crush balls with a short stroke that generates bat speed well beyond his years. Sanchez first drew national attention for his slugging in 2004, when he hit .557-11-52 as a high school teammate of No. 1 overall pick Matt Bush. Last summer, he went 11-for-20 at the Area Code Games and put on a power show rarely seen in that showcase's nearly 20-year history. Not all scouts are sold on Sanchez as a first-round pick, however. The prevailing thought is that he could hit 35-40 home runs in the big leagues or just as easily flame out in Class A. His weight, which has reached nearly 300 pounds in the past, is a concern. It limits him to first base, though he has decent mobility around the bag and adequate arm strength for the position. He's a below-average runner. He would be more appealing to an American League club. He hasn't put up the numbers he did last year in part because he broke the hamate bone in his hand at the start of the season and was slow to come around.
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Slowed by a broken hamate bone in his hand, Sanchez struggled somewhat as a high school senior and dropped to the Twins with the 39th overall pick in the 2005 draft. They signed him for $900,000 and were impressed with his huge raw power, which was on full display at the Area Code Games before his senior year. Compared to a larger Andres Galarraga by some or a taller Prince Fielder by others, Sanchez can reach the seats in all directions. A Mission Bay High (San Diego) teammate of 2004 No. 1 overall pick Matt Bush, Sanchez can become a 35-homer force in the majors. That projection assumes he cuts down on his strikeouts and keeps his weight in check. He has ballooned as high as 300 pounds and came into pro ball at 260 pounds, and his mobility and defense always will be a question. He's a predictably below-average runner but has better footwork around first base than expected. He has worked to shorten up his swing to make more consistent contact, but Minnesota will be careful not to rob him of his natural aggressiveness. Sanchez figures to open the year in extended spring training but could jump to low Class A.
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Rated Best Power Hitter in the Minnesota Twins in 2006
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