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Phillies Interested In Aníbal Sánchez

By TC Zencka | January 11, 2021 at 1:42pm CDT

The Phillies are exploring the idea of adding Aníbal Sánchez to the pitching staff, per MLB Insider Jon Morosi (video link). As Morosi notes, Sanchez began his MLB career in 2006 with the Marlins playing for current Phillies manager Joe Girardi. Sanchez also has experience dealing with President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski: Sanchez inked a five-year, $80MM deal just before Christmas in 2012 when Dombrowski was the Tigers’ GM.

Sánchez won’t be signing quite such a lucrative deal this time around as he enters his age-37 season. The Nationals chose a $2MM opt-out after he struggled to a 6.62 ERA/5.46 FIP across 53 innings in 2020. Sánchez has been counted out before, of course. After three subpar seasons in Detroit, Sanchez revitalized his career with back-to-back 2.5 fWAR seasons with the Braves in 2018 and the Nationals in 2019.

In the latter, he started with a 5.27 ERA over his first eight starts, but after a 10-day stint on the injured list for a left hamstring strain, Sánchez returned to post a 3.42 ERA over 123 2/3 innings the rest of the way. He was crucial in the Nats’ World Series run, which included coming within four outs of throwing a no-hitter in game one of the NLCS. These days, Sánchez looks to throw strikes, control pace, and change speeds, the latter of which is helped by his famed butterfly change, La Mariposa, which clocks in a tick under 70 mph.

The Phillies could slot Sánchez into the rotation behind Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Zach Eflin. Bringing in a veteran of his ilk would allow the Phillies patience in the development of Spencer Howard, who will compete for a rotation spot in 2021.

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Notes Philadelphia Phillies Anibal Sanchez Joe Girardi

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View Comments (70)

Comments

  1. philsphan1979

    1 year ago

    Here we go with another dinosaur player. GIVE US FRESH TALENT DOMBRWSKI. Them seats will be empty this season

    Reply
    • Marty McRae

      1 year ago

      There’s about 50 people out there who would have been a much better fit for this job than DD, who should have retired 10 years ago. MLB teams shoot themselves in the foot every time they think some front office guy is a “star” who should be viewed as a player, when very few front office employees over 40 have a clue about 2020s baseball.

      Reply
      • Padres458

        1 year ago

        Should have retired 10 years ago? He won a championship like 3 years ago.

        Reply
      • tom brunanskys black sock

        1 year ago

        Guy led a team with a 100+ year history to its most successful season EVER just two years ago.

        Reply
        • Gumbo

          1 year ago

          100+ year history? Nats came from expansion Expos (’69).

          But your point is well taken.

        • philliesphan77

          1 year ago

          Huh? What do the Nats have to do with this?

        • Yaz1971

          1 year ago

          Gumbo – he meant the Red Sox who were founded in 1901, so that is 117 years of teams that had never won 108 games in a season until 2018 when DD was the GM that oversaw the 9th World Series in team history.

      • lowereastsider

        1 year ago

        You’re ageism game is strong.

        Reply
      • kreckert

        1 year ago

        People who have all sorts of clues about 2020s baseball could learn a lot from leaders in literally any other MLB era. I mean, the on field product is the worst it’s been at any time in the last century. The current Brooks Brothers era of MLB front offices may well know how to run their teams efficiently. They’re very good at minimalist winning. What they don’t know, however, is how to grow the game, entertain the fans, or create the kind of dynastic organizations that, you know, made baseball the national pastime in the first damn place.

        Dombrowski knows how to do at least some of those things. He might be the only active MLB executive who knows.

        Reply
        • Joe Says...

          1 year ago

          I agree completely but it isn’t the FO job to grow the game. It’s their job to win games.

        • Chief Two Hands

          1 year ago

          That was a comical post, kreckert. Especially the last part about Dombrowski.

      • raltongo

        1 year ago

        quite the over-reaction, Marty, on the topic of “Baseball team could be interested in adding depth to its rotation.” Now, if DD came out and said we ARE signing Sanchez to another 80 million dollar deal to be the ACE of our staff, then I think your knee-jerk reaction might have some merit. For now, though, relax.

        Reply
      • brandons-3

        1 year ago

        Dombrowski’s taken his last three teams to the World Series and won two championships. The logic in hiring him is simple: Give yourself a legitimate World Series window with the understanding your farm system will be barren and your payroll high when he exits.

        Given the money and resources put into this incomplete Phillies team over the last several years, they may have been the only team that’s gotta make that bet. Not like they’ve been competing anyways.

        Bottom line: The goal is to win a World Series. Most teams hire and fire GM’s who never even sniff the Fall Classic. It’ll suck in a couple years, but it sucks now. May as well hire the guy known for dancing at the end.

        Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      1 year ago

      The seats are likely going to be empty regardless of who is on the field.

      Reply
  2. kreckert

    1 year ago

    Huh. Well, he’s not terrible. He’s got playoff experience, that’s a plus. Of course that’d be irrelevant playing for the Phillies.

    Over all, if they sign him, I’d say it doesn’t make them any less of a 5th place team.

    Reply
  3. DarkSide830

    1 year ago

    on a minors deal maybe

    Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      1 year ago

      For sure. A lot of better options for under 5 million.

      Reply
  4. WereAllJustGuestsHere

    1 year ago

    Detroit connection. Why not right a wrong by trading for Suarez.

    Reply
  5. Marty McRae

    1 year ago

    Why do teams insist on rehiring these outdated relics who only know players they liked 10 years ago? ALL MLB front offices need new blood!

    Reply
    • WereAllJustGuestsHere

      1 year ago

      Because he won a World Series title 3 years ago? Multiple rings? Hall of Famer? Your logic would mean Philly should have never considered Pat Gillick 15 or so years ago. Philly cashed in a ring and were in a position for 4-5 years to win.

      Reply
      • Gumbo

        1 year ago

        1 year ago.

        Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      1 year ago

      He is solid. Just hide the check book from him when it comes to resigning players. Dunno if it was him or ownership but some horrible signings.

      Reply
  6. SportsFan0000

    1 year ago

    Innings eater that can be had at a bargain price…
    The Phillies will need a lot of these “value buys” for the bullpen and team
    if they want to sign some free agents like JTR.

    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      1 year ago

      They won’t be signing any significant FAs. I’d be shocked.

      Reply
  7. 13Morgs13

    1 year ago

    Lol. Him and VV as the 4 and 5. Get the bullpen ready

    Reply
    • Rangers29

      1 year ago

      VW should be in the pen. He’d be great there, but y’all have needed starters for a looong time.

      Reply
      • Kje76

        1 year ago

        A Volkswagen in the pen? Couldn’t do any worse than the Phils pen did last season.

        Reply
  8. FredMcGriff for the HOF

    1 year ago

    I know I for one hope Sánchez sign with Philadelphia. Insert smilie face emojis…..

    Reply
  9. Luc 2

    1 year ago

    Anibal needed a while to start to pitch well with nats so a 60 game season wasn’t enough for him especially since he’s old he need ST

    Reply
  10. TradeRumorUser

    1 year ago

    Mets: Lindor
    Phillies: Sanchez

    Reply
    • Rangers29

      1 year ago

      I gagged on my drink when I saw this lmao.

      Reply
    • raltongo

      1 year ago

      can it please be Sixto? please? can we have him back???

      Reply
  11. metsie1

    1 year ago

    With all the guys still out there the Phillies are looking at a guy who is a fossil with an almost 7 ERA?? Somehow how don’t think this will end well with the home run have that is CBP.

    Reply
    • Rangers29

      1 year ago

      Exactly. If the Phillies are going to be a buy-low team, then they should look at buying low on guys like Trevor Williams rather than a “fossil” like Sanchez. Confusing team.

      Reply
      • YourDreamGM

        1 year ago

        Like someone said, hopefully minor league deal. I’d sign a lot of guys to minor deal. If not then look elsewhere.

        Reply
      • raltongo

        1 year ago

        Good call on TW– I think whichever team gets him for next to nothing will be pleasantly surprised by their ROI. He’s near the top of my buy-low candidates list for the Phils.

        Reply
  12. bobtillman

    1 year ago

    Given the state of the Phillies’ pitching, Anibal Schwartz, who runs the neighborhood deli, would help.

    Reply
    • DarkSide830

      1 year ago

      give the guy a break, he makes a mean hoagie

      Reply
      • bobtillman

        1 year ago

        HOAGIE!!! Now I know you’re a Philly guy. A million years ago, I was transferred to NYC for a while, and asked a co-worker where the nearest “package store” (which New Englanders know is a store that sells booze) was. He sent me to a UPS.

        Reply
        • Spike 13

          1 year ago

          Where’s the Packie?

  13. VonPurpleHayes

    1 year ago

    This is going to be a rough year for Phillies fans. I’d rather roll with Velazquez…I can’t believe I’m saying that.

    Reply
    • FredMcGriff for the HOF

      1 year ago

      I feel for you Von. I like your posts.

      Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        1 year ago

        Thanks although they’re often terrible. I fully admit it. Haha. FredMcGriff is a legend though.

        Reply
    • DarkSide830

      1 year ago

      we need to be thinking bigger then that. maybe Sanchez isnt better but he wolnt cost loads and could at least put some pressure on VV. we need some cheap SP5 options because banking on VV is a terrible idea, as bad as putting too much faith in Howard to step in and dominate too early on.

      Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        1 year ago

        @Darkside Agreed 100%. I just don’t see Sanchez as a viable option. He was crushed last year. I know 2020 was not a typical season to judge stats on, but I also don’t think you could ignore terrible performances. He was horrific.

        Reply
        • DarkSide830

          1 year ago

          the numbers are hardly great, i agree, but if it’s a real cheap deal i dont think it should really be that much of an issue.

    • raltongo

      1 year ago

      Still plenty of time, and plenty of difference-making arms out there. I was also hoping they wouldn’t tender VV that contract, as that 4 mil could be put towards someone with any kind of upside/track record, such as Bradley, Colome, or Kela. Yes, the market is agonizingly slow for all of us non-Mets/Padres fans, but I find it hard to believe that the Phils will make the conscious choice to stay mediocre when so many quality players are available at relative discounts. This is the time to do it, and I don’t think DD will disappoint.

      Reply
  14. Very Barry

    1 year ago

    Anibal Sanchez? Dave Dombrowski is bringing in Anibal Sanchez to be his #4 starter? Lol. Is Bartolo Colon being signed as the #5 starter. Lol

    Reply
  15. Double Dee

    1 year ago

    You have got to be kidding. Another retread.
    Are you sure Klentak is not still making the deals?
    I will not attend or watch games.

    Reply
    • Double Dee

      1 year ago

      We will be better off it Middleton sells the team. Crying poverty just doesnt mean much with 3.5 Billion with a B in the bank.

      Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        1 year ago

        While I agree and understand the frustration, the Phillies have spent 3 offseasons in a row. Bad luck and injuries rendered that spending irrelevant. I was really looking forward to this offseason as a lot of money came off the books, but we got hit with a pandemic and now our owner is not spending. It sucks, but Phillies fans don’t have it as hard as some other fanbases.

        Reply
  16. DarkSide830

    1 year ago

    this team could use two backend SP in my mind. i think the top 3 can be a very good top three, but i dont want to rush Howard and dont trust VV. ideally you get a Hamels for the 4 spot and maybe make a cheap add and bring in some NRI guys to try and compete with the EDLS and Medina crowd for the last one, then mix and match in that spot if the 1st guy struggles.

    Reply
  17. Rowdy's Telles

    1 year ago

    Sanchez should be a signing you make after you have explored all other options. Not the first addition you make in the off season. If your a Phillies fan dont expect much if this is what they are looking for to fill a already thin rotation.

    Reply
  18. Rsox

    1 year ago

    Sanchez as a 5th starter won’t hurt you, and won’t cost that much. Its not like he’s the worst Pitcher Dombrowski could target

    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      1 year ago

      I’d take him as a 5th starter if he’s cheap. Problem is we need a 4th starter too.

      Reply
    • stymeedone

      1 year ago

      If signing Anibal moves VV to the bullpen, that should be looked at as a positive. He will be cheap so its not like this prevents other moves.

      Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        1 year ago

        @stymeedone It doesn’t though. Phillies still need 5 starters. They currently have 3 really solid starters…and not much else. As of right now, VV needs to starts. And while I agree that I’d like VV in the pen, it’s not like they haven’t tried it before. It didn’t really work out there either.

        Reply
        • cheesesteak

          1 year ago

          At least Sanchez gets it near the strike zone. VV belongs in Lehigh Valley.

  19. TroyVan

    1 year ago

    I was happy to see Sanchez was able to revitalize his career after leaving Detroit. I was happier to see him go.

    Reply
  20. Tim_Buck-Two

    1 year ago

    Unless Sanchez finds another gear again I don’t see him moving the needle much for the Phillies other than he buys time for prospects to develop.

    Reply
  21. Shannon Wolfe

    1 year ago

    I know Annibal is “old”, but it’s hard to judge this guy on a short season. The guy has always be a “slow” starter. I think that ERA would have been around 4.25 before the end of a full season. It’s tough to believe a 60 game season is a definite end to his career. He’s similar to Colon when it comes to starts and durability.

    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      1 year ago

      @Shannon interesting point about the slow starter. Makes me feel a little better at least. Phillies need a few of these low-cost moves to pan out.

      Reply
  22. holecamels35

    1 year ago

    Give him some juice and a masking agent and ride him until suspension.

    Reply
  23. John Anderson

    1 year ago

    LOL @ Phillies. Have holes in rotation and pen and linked to Anibal and picking up DFA guys for the pen.

    Reply
  24. ham77

    1 year ago

    I’d be okay with them bringing him in on a minor league contract with an invite to ST to see if he has anything left in the tank. But to slot him in as your 4th starter? Talk about dumpster diving.

    Reply
    • TradeRumorUser

      1 year ago

      I can see the Phil’s fighting it out for 4th with the Marlins. Haven’t improved at all this season

      Reply
  25. DodgerOK

    1 year ago

    Why bother? Give the innings to a young guy with a great arm.

    Reply
  26. Mario93

    1 year ago

    Somebody needs to tell the Phillies the point free agency is to bring in players who can help you.

    Reply
  27. bestpaboxer

    1 year ago

    You must be kidding. This guys already past retirement.

    Reply
  28. DadsInDaniaBeach

    1 year ago

    This is underwhelming..But, the team does need a snoot full of arms..The Phillies traditionaly use around 11-14 different starters throughout a regular season..I know this will shock you, but the Phils do not have anything they can count on either at LV or Reading…
    They might need a bunch of Anibals…just sayin…. now they need at least one infielder..I would be fine with DD back on a 2 year deal..That shouldn’t break the bank.
    Next in addressing center, I would just give Goofy another chance..worse people than him have gotten 2nd chances..he’s still under contract..

    Reply

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