SI.com’s Bryan Smith continues his rankings of baseball’s top prospects. Number 52 on his list is Humberto Sanchez.
52. Humberto Sanchez, 24, RHP, New York Yankees
2006 Stats (AA/AAA): 2.63 ERA, 97H/123IP, 129K/47BBWith the Tigers, Sanchez would have entered spring training with questions surrounding his role. Given Joel Zumaya’s 2006 season, many fans would have wanted Sanchez converted to a reliever, hoping his powerful arsenal would add power in one-inning outings. Others would insist on Sanchez using his large frame to become an innings-eating starter. Now a Yankee, Sanchez is likely a reliever going forward, and his heavy fastball and big slider should make for one smooth transition.
It’s tough to see the Yankees turning Sanchez into a reliever at least at this point in time. The team has a very deep relief corps right now. There also is plenty in the reserves as T.J. Beam and J. Brent Cox should be ready to contribute if called upon this season. Starting pitching is another story. The Yanks have a number of starters who are injury risks. Kei Igawa and Carl Pavano make up a shaky back of the rotation on paper. Minor leaguers like Sanchez probably will get a chance to show what they have in 2007 to try and fortify the rotation. Regardless, getting a guy like this for Gary Sheffield, who served the team no use, was a stroke of genius by Brian Cashman.
