Non Roster Invitee: Eduardo Sanchez – Cardinals

Entering March there were holes to be plugged in St. Louis. Last season the Cardinals were the NL Central Champions but alas weren’t around at the end. Much like everyone else they are looking at invited guests who could make an impact this season.

So to recap what has gone on in Cardinals camp thus far.

Kyle McClellan seems to have locked himself into the fifth starters spot and there doesn’t seem to be much room for additions in the infield. I know that Skip Schumaker is listed as the Cardinals second basemen but considering Felipe Lopez and Julio Lugo are both on the roster it’s quite likely that Schumaker will end up playing in the outfield as much or maybe more then he will be in the infield.

With all that being said I was still quite tempted to go with Rich Hill but I simply couldn’t over look the arm of Eduardo Sanchez. Sanchez has a big time arm and is the highest ranking prospect not on the 40-man roster to be invited to camp.

Sanchez can hit 100 on the radar gun and while that number doesn’t always mean success it’s clear it’s helped him thus far.

In four minor league seasons he’s really went to work. In 184 minor league innings he’s compiled 204 strike outs to 83 walks. He’s combined for a 3.42 ERA and a 1.217 WHIP during that time.

Last season between Palm Beach and Springfield he opened some eyes combining for a 2.28 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP in 75 innings of relief. There’s big time hope for Sanchez and some have suggested that he could even be the Cardinals closer as soon as this season should something happen to Ryan Franklin.