Pitcher Anibal Sanchez won his arbitration case against the Marlins, tweets his agent Gene Mato. In what Mato deems a "historic win for the players going forward," Sanchez received an $8MM salary for 2012 instead of the team's $6.9MM figure. Mato pulled off the win despite not being able to use Shaun Marcum's $7.725MM settlement, as Marcum's deal was strategically not announced until Sanchez's hearing concluded. Sanchez's salary represents the largest ever for a starting pitcher who went to a hearing.
Three hearings have occurred so far this year, but this is the first win for a player. The Marlins appear headed for another hearing with Emilio Bonifacio, though the sides are only $250K apart.
Sanchez, 28 in a few weeks, has a 3.61 ERA in 64 starts for the Marlins over the last two seasons. He appears primed for a big free agent payday after the 2012 season.
