BC's Sanchez a hit
Eagles catcher is selected fourth overall by Pirates
Tony Sanchez's best-case scenario in last night's baseball draft - the one he said he was "trying not to think about too much" - had his night ending early. He would be chosen by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the fourth pick.
Well, he's going to have to start thinking about it now.
The 21-year-old Boston College catcher went to the Pirates at No. 4 after finishing his third year as an Eagle. It is the highest any BC player has even been taken.
"He is an advanced player at a premium position and was the highest-rated player on our board when it came time to make our selection," said Pirates general manager Neal Huntington.
The Pirates had been linked to Sanchez since the beginning of the month. Many believed that Pittsburgh, which declined to select eventual Minor League Player of the Year Matt Wieters in the 2007 draft in fear of his hefty negotiating price, wanted a cornerstone catching prospect.
Sanchez, who led the Eagles to a 34-26 record this past season, batting .346 with 14 homers (both career highs), might be that.
"Tony is the best catcher in the draft," said Pirates director of scouting Greg Smith.
Sanchez's asking price is said to be considerably less than the three players picked ahead of him.
The first pick, Stephen Strasburg, is represented by Wieters's agent, Scott Boras, and reportedly is asking for up to $50 million from the Washington Nationals. The San Diego Padres selected Donovan Tate third overall, but the 18-year-old could go to the University of North Carolina to play outfield or to play football, so he will command a large deal to persuade him to go pro.
Sanchez may not be making the jump to the pros alone. His BC teammate, Mike Belfiore, was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the No. 45 pick. Belfiore was a starting first baseman for the Eagles but will probably be a hard-throwing reliever as a pro.
Belfiore, who was selected about a full round earlier than projected, tossed 9 2/3 innings to Sanchez in the Eagles' 25-inning NCAA regional game two weeks ago.
The Diamondbacks also drafted A.J. Pollack, a former star at RHAM High School in Hebron, Conn., at No. 17. Pollack, an outfielder for Notre Dame, hit .365 with 10 homers and 21 stolen bases in his junior season.
"I'm overjoyed right now, also a little overwhelmed, but very happy," he told Notre Dame's athletics website. "I'm honored, humbled and - more than anything - excited to join a franchise like the Arizona Diamondbacks."
Eric Smith, a righthanded hurler from the University of Rhode Island and Milford, Conn., will also join the Diamondbacks. He was taken with the 60th overall pick.
