New York Mets release Duaner Sanchez
By Joseph Delgrippo ~ March 10th, 2009. Filed under: Digest Contributors.
According to a story on nypost.com, the Mets have released veteran relief pitcher Duaner Sanchez. Sanchez has never been same pitcher since that terrible cab accident in 2006 while in Miami. Many people feel Sanchez’ injury was the key ingredient to missing out on a World Series appearance. At the time of the injury, Sanchez was in the midst of his first really good major league season.
Since then, Sanchez has undergone several shoulder procedures which has sapped his velocity and hurt his location. This spring was not good for Sanchez, who has allowed six walks and five hits in only five innings. Although he did strike out four and had a 3.60 ERA, Sanchez was set to make $1.6 million if he was on the roster past March 18.
Also, the effectiveness this spring of veteran pitchers Rocky Cherry and Darren O’Day made Sanchez expendable.
As said previously by Mike Silva on nybaseballdigest.com, the Mets are also high on several young relievers. Saving the money on Sanchez could allow the suddenly budget-conscious Mets extra funds to help with a fifth starter.
However, the Mets would be better served allowing a young starter to gain experience this season, getting 20-25 starts under his belt in 2009. Young pitchers Jonathan Niese, Dillon Gee and Michael Antonini could get valuable time early in Double and Triple A through May, and if successful there, be allowed to gain some needed work in the majors.
When I was down covering the Mets for a few days, one Mets scout liked both Gee and Antonini (more so than Niese), and “wouldn’t be surprised if the team moved one, or both, quickly through the system.”
Allow Livan Hernandez to get about 8 starts to see what he gives (beside innings) and then let the kids perform. That system worked great for the Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins, and it could work as well in Queens.
After some bad reads by Omar Minaya over the years, he has finally started to come around to what allows major league teams to remain competitive over extended periods – young, home grown talent, especially pitching.
Keep it up the smart decisions Omar, you’re doing well for your team!
