Though the Cubs have already inked Wesley Wright this offseason, they don't appear to be done looking for left-handed depth. Mark Gonzalez of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Cubs are interested in Jonathan Sanchez as a reliever, and a Sponichi report (Japanese link) indicates that they've already made a minor league offer to fellow left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada.
If the Cubs were to sign Sanchez, it would surely be on a minor-league deal. The 31-year-old opened the 2013 with a miserable five games with the Pirates, ending up with the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque. There, he pitched 66 2/3 innings, posting a 5.13 ERA with 10.7 K/9 and 5.7 BB/9. He has not had much experience as a reliever, and might have some upside out of the bullpen. Sanchez has held lefties to a .218/.313/.363 batting line in his big league career and limited them to a .215/.276/.418 line in the minors this season.
According to the Sponichi report, many teams are interested in Wada, but the Cubs are "enthusiastically" pursuing him. Within the report, Cubs president Theo Epstein is quoted: "He had a great second half [in 2013]. We think he's a pitcher who can compete in the Majors."
Wada, 32, posted a 2.76 ERA with a 60-to-22 K/BB ratio over his final 78 1/3 innings for the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate in 2013 as he worked his way back from 2012 Tommy John surgery. Though he inked a two-year, $8.15MM contract with the O's prior to the 2012 campaign, Wada's injury prevented him from ever pitching in Baltimore. Epstein did not confirm to Sponichi that his team had made an offer.
Thanks to MLBTR's Aaron Steen for the Japanese translation. Charlie Wilmoth also contributed to this post.
At least it seems Thoyer has the Wada>Sanchez part correct. Shame they could not cash in on Russell last summer.
Basically like going through the bargain bin at Walmart.
You can get 3 copies of Time Cop for $19.95.
I wouldnt even consider this the bargain bin
Basically like going through the bargain bin at the department store.
Trying to hijack my comment, eh?
I’d rather take a low-risk guy like Sanchez on a minor league deal than sign a Gavin Floyd-esqe pitcher coming off Tommy John for 4 mil.
Sanchez was one of the worst pitchers I have had to watch pitch at the major league level during his time in KC. I feel bad for the team that signs this guy. In KC his pitching was bad and so was his attitude. Still makes me mad that it cost us Melky Cabrara to find that out.
I’d definitely give Wada a shot, a good southpaw tends to be hard to come by at times. Solid signings do arise from the so-called “bargain bin”. Why not? He could be a good trade chip later.
Lets keep copying the Rays. Take has beens throw them in the bullpen, get a very lucky year and then trade them for a prospect. We’ll see come July how this worked out.
If Jonathan Sanchez managed to find the strike zone again..why waste him out of the pen? His trouble with the zone has always been what held him back….and that lack of control will be a glaring weakness out of the pen. No harm in a minor league deal though…..someone has to fill the seats on Iowa Cubs flights.