Pirates, Sanchez Closing In On A Three Year Deal

[BuckFoston]

The Pirates and Freddy Sanchez are close to agreement on a three-year contract and could have a deal early next week.

Such a contract would allow the team and its All-Star second baseman to avoid an arbitration hearing Feb. 11 and, more important, keep Sanchez in Pittsburgh through 2010. Sanchez currently is eligible for free agency after the 2009 season.

The sides had limited talks to a one-year deal until eight days ago, when the Pirates approached Sanchez and his agent, Paul Cobbe, with an offer of two years plus a club option. That was upgraded to guarantee the third year.

There remains a chance the agreement could crumble, but optimism seemed strong enough yesterday that there was talk of having a news conference at PNC Park as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. Traditionally, the Pirates have had news conferences only for major signings.

The Pirates do not publicly discuss ongoing negotiations, and Cobbe declined comment.

Also yesterday, the Pirates claimed infielder Ray Olmedo off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays and, to make room on the full 40-man roster, designated starter Sean Burnett for assignment. Burnett, the Pirates' first-round draft pick in 2000, almost surely will remain with the organization.

Pirates, Sanchez close to agreement on three-year deal

Good job for the Pirates getting this guy back. He's a great 2B and hits for a great average. Hopefully he can come back this year and produce like he has these last couple years.

[Witlon]

And he's a really popular guy in Pittsburgh too. Smart move by a team that doesn't make too many of them these days.

[catman]

I like this move. Freddy Sanchez may have played out of position at 3B, but he doesn't give away innings or at bats. He gives it all on the field and I appreciate the hustle.
Looks like he'll settle in at 2B and give the Pirates the best play they've had there for over a decade.

[Witlon]

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that the Pirates have agreed to terms with infielder Freddy Sanchez on a two-year contract with an option for 2010.

The deal, which is expected to be signed after Sanchez takes a physical Tuesday, is said to be worth as much as $19 million if the option for 2010 is picked up or vests if Sanchez reaches a certain number of plate appearances. Sanchez is under the Pirates' control through 2009, so a three-year deal would buy out his first season of free agency.

Freddy played second last year, with Bautista at third, by the way. Good to see a rumor coming through and them getting a valuable player signed.