Can the Cubs trade for the version of Freddy Sanchez that hits .350?
Freddy Sanchez was in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ lineup Friday night, putting to rest any thought that the second baseman would be traded in the next 24 hours. The Giants remain the team showing the most interest, according to one source with direct knowledge of the negotiations, while the Twins appear to be more of a long shot. There’s a third team involved from the National League Central, the source said (the Cubs?), although Sanchez’s contract, which calls for his $8 million option in 2010 to kick in automatically if he reaches 635 plate appearances this season, is giving pause to his suitors. Yahoo!.
The Chicago Cubs are already VERY heavy on salary in 2010, so another $8 million is not a small ask. Still, if there’s anywhere the Cubs can add a bat for the stretch run, it’s at 2nd. And it’s not as if having Sanchez at 2nd next year will block any prospects.
Plug him in, and spell him occasionally with Mike Fontenot against a righty.
h/t Wv23.