As much for maturation as for tight visa availability, he reported back to the VSL in 2002, this time to Cuidad Alianza, where he played the season with a 5-3 record, and a 3.50 ERA on 62 innings pitched. Most impressive that season was his 73/11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, particularly considering he was beginning to develop elbow problems to the point that they would require surgery.
Sanchez was sidelined in 2003, recovering from nerve displacement surgery on his right elbow.
In 2005, he rolled out with the Wimington Blue Rocks of the Class A Carolina League after Spring Training broke up in Fort Meyers. In 78 innings of work, Anibal the Cannibal devoured the competition: A 6-1 record, a 2.40 ERA and 95 strikeouts. He allowed 21 earned runs, seven of them dingers, and walked 24.
He was promoted to Double-A Portland on July 3rd. There he's posted some great stats: His strikeout to walk numbers are even more arresting, 25/6 in his first three starts with Portland.
Just as impressive is his determination to master the English language, preferring to conduct post-game interviews himself, without the help of his bi-lingual teammates.
Still, the feeling around the Red Sox organization is that Sanchez has barely touched his potential.
"He can be a starter in the big leagues," said Portland manager Todd Claus. "There's a reason he's on (Boston's) 40-man roster. "He's got a very bright future ahead of him. The quality of his stuff is obvious. He's got three pitches. But like all young pitchers, I think he's got to work on throwing strikes. And like all young pitchers, he's got to deal with adversity."
Sanchez ranks high in many lists of pre-season scouts and touts. While he's easily one of the farm system's top three pitching prospects, he's still got a lot of pieces to put together before he's ready for the big leagues. We see him arriving some time in late 2006 or, more likely, 2007 if he continues at his current pace and remains healthy.
- Dan Hickling contributed to this ranking
