Angel Sanchez

Coming over in the minor deal that sent Kevin Cash back to Boston, Sanchez got his first real taste of the majors since 2006. He's got no power to speak of, but managed to hit an empty .280 through 250 at-bats. Sanchez can play shortstop and second, but is better suited for second given his limited range and weak arm. He has never been able to translate his speed into stolen bases, which really limits his upside. With starting shortstop Clint Barmes on board and Bill Hall holding down second, he'll battle for playing time as a utility option off the bench.

Sanchez, who was expected to be an heir to a middle-infield spot in the Royals’ infield as soon as 2008 after lighting it up in Double-A in 2006, sat out the entire 2007 season after undergoing shoulder surgery in March. With Tony Pena, Jr., and Mark Grudzielanek locking up the shortstop and second base positions for 2008, Sanchez will have the luxury of knocking off the rust at Triple-A. If he plays well, he could be up with the club late in the season, along with a bat that hits for a good average.

Sanchez had a breakout season in 2005 in high-A High Desert and continued the breakout in 2006 at Double-A Wichita. In a brief September call-up, the shortstop was put at second as a fill-in for Mark Grudzielanek. Whether his future is at second or short will be determined this season. Angel Berroa's tenure at short is nearing an end and Grudzielanek is signed to a one-year contract. That works out well for Sanchez, who will benefit from a season in Triple-A Omaha.

After four seasons in the lower minor leagues, Sanchez had a breakout season at Single-A High Desert, hitting .313 with 33 doubles and a .356 on-base percentage. Knowing the California League's penchant for making everyone into an offensive threat, the Royals still decided to re-sign him and add him to their 40-man roster this winter. He'll have to prove he can keep it up in Double-A in 2006.