Carolina's Gaby Sanchez Named Southern League Most Valuable Player
August 28, 2008 - Southern League (SL1) News Release
MARIETTA, GA - The Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs is pleased to announce that Carolina Mudcats first baseman Gaby Sanchez has been named its Most Valuable Player as voted upon by the league's field managers, radio broadcasters and print media.
Sanchez excelled in every facet of the game, especially in the second half as the Mudcats tracked down their first playoff berth since 2005. Through August 27, he was leading the league with a franchise-record 41 doubles while ranking second in on-base percentage (.413) third in hits (148) and sixth in batting (.320). He has hit .341 with a .659 slugging percentage since the All-Star break.
The 24-year-old Sanchez has thrived as the cleanup hitter in an aggressive offense, ranking third in the league with 88 RBI - the most for a Mudcat since George Canale drove in 102 runs in 1995. With fellow All-Stars John Raynor and Chris Coghlan setting the table, Sanchez has capitalized with a .342 average with runners in scoring position.
In addition to his work at the plate, Sanchez joined his teammates in wreaking havoc on the bases. He has established a career high with 17 steals for the Mudcats, who were leading the circuit with 171 - nearly 50 more than any other team.
Sanchez also has set a career high with 17 homers, including 10 with runners on base. Among his most dramatic was a three-run blast in the top of the ninth inning that lifted Carolina to a 3-2 victory at Mississippi on July 18. That performance, along with a five-RBI effort two days earlier, secured his selection as Southern League Hitter of the Week on July 21.
Two weeks later, Sanchez gained more accolades as his 17 RBI from July 28 through August 3 earned him another weekly award. Also on August 4, he was announced as the Topps Southern League Player of the Month for July, a period during which he batted .379 (39-for-103) with seven homers and 29 RBI.
A native of Miami, Sanchez was recognized by Baseball America as the best defensive first baseman in the Southern League in 2008. He has posted a .992 fielding percentage in 65 games at that position in addition to a .938 fielding percentage in 62 games at the other infield corner.
Since being the Florida Marlins' fourth-round pick in the 2005 draft, Sanchez has posted a .307 average. He also batted .322 in two seasons at the University of Miami.
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Southern League Stories from August 28, 2008
- Mudcats Announce Northern Division Playoff Schedule - Carolina Mudcats
- Three Mudcats Named Post-Season All-Stars - Carolina Mudcats
- Mudcats make moves - Carolina Mudcats
- Sanchez Named Southern League MVP - Carolina Mudcats
- Suns Extend Win Streak with Another Late Comeback - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Baybears battle, but falter - Mobile BayBears
- Mudcats better Smokies - Carolina Mudcats
- Lookouts Slam Two Grand Slams in 11-7 Win - Chattanooga Lookouts
- Wins Keep Coming in Mississippi - Mississippi Braves
- Lookouts Slam Stars - Huntsville Stars
- The Mudcats Nip Tennessee 5-4 - Tennessee Smokies
- SL All-Stars boast plenty of Star power - Huntsville Stars
- Wilson Named to Southern League Postseason All-Star Team - Jackson Generals
- Redmond Named League's Most Outstanding Pitcher - Mississippi Braves
- Wellman Named Southern League Manager of the Year - Mississippi Braves
- Redmond Named Southern League Postseason All-Star - Mississippi Braves
- Southern League Announces 2008 Postseason Schedule - SL1
- Price makes SL postseason all-star team - Montgomery Biscuits
- Montgomery Biscuits Make Roster Transaction - Montgomery Biscuits
- Southern League Honors Three Smokies Thursday - Tennessee Smokies
- Jaxx Playoff Schedule Set - Jackson Generals
- Southern League Announces Postseason All-Star Team - SL1
- Mississippi's Phillip Wellman Named Southern League Manager Of The Year - SL1
- Mississippi's Todd Redmond Named Southern League Most Outstanding Pitcher - SL1
- Carolina's Gaby Sanchez Named Southern League Most Valuable Player - SL1
- Smokies eliminated from contention with 5-4 loss Wednesday - Tennessee Smokies
- Playoff Bound M-Braves - Mississippi Braves
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