NL batting champ to join Indians on rehab assignment
Published on April 1, 2007 under International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release
INDIANAPOLIS -- Pirates infielder Freddy Sanchez, the reigning National League Batting Champion, will start the 2007 campaign on a rehabilitation assignment with the Indianapolis Indians. The Tribe opens its season on Thursday when Columbus comes to Victory Field for a 2 p.m. contest.
Sanchez hit .344 with six home runs and 85 RBI in 157 big league games a season ago. He has been battling a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee since March 6.
"It's not so much the knee. I don't feel good at the plate," Sanchez told Pirates.com over the weekend. "I don't feel like I'd be able to go in there in the bottom of the ninth against [Astros reliever Brad] Lidge and have a good, quality at-bat."
Sanchez was named Pittsburgh's Most Valuable Player by the Baseball Writer's Association of America in 2006. He also received the club's annual Roberto Clemente Award, which honors the Baseball Hall of Famer who was tragically killed in a plane accident on Dec. 31, 1972.
Last year, Sanchez became the 11th player in Pirates history to capture a batting crown, and the first since Bill Madlock in 1983. He played in the Major League All-Star Game after receiving 856,685 write-in votes.
Sanchez established a club record for the most doubles in a season (53) by a right-handed batter in 2006. In addition, Sanchez led all Major League hitters with a .442 BA vs. left-handed hurlers and .388 BA at home. His .386 average with runners in scoring position ranked second among all big league batters.
The 30-year-old registered a season-best 13-game hitting streak from June 16-29 last season. He started 92 games at third base, 27 at shortstop and 18 at second base.
A native of Hollywood, Calif., Sanchez was acquired -- along with LHP Mike Gonzalez -- in a trade that sent pitchers Jeff Suppan, Brandon Lyon and Anastacio Martinez to the Boston Red Sox on July 31, 2003.
Warm weather is being guaranteed for Opening Day at Victory Field. If the game-time temperature is below 60 degrees, all fans in attendance will receive a complimentary ticket to another home game in April.
The Indians are also offering $25 in Tribe Tokens to fans who purchase a Mini-Plan ticket package by May 1. Remember to, "see the best games from the best seats at the best prices with an Indians Mini Plan."
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