So what sort of a big league future do scouts envision for Sanchez? In a nutshell, they see a defense-first catcher with slightly above average hitting skills. Being a catcher is about as physically and mentally demanding job as you can imagine, making them harder to come by. That’s why they get a +12.5 run adjustment when figuring their WAR. And most catchers really suck at hitting; the average regular catcher posted a .315 wOBA last year. Say Sanchez meets expectations by being good for a .320 wOBA and half a win on defense every season. We’re talking about a 2, 2 ½ win per season player. Is that really so awful?
After playing it safe with their highest and most expensive pick, Pittsburgh then loaded up on some high-upside arms, including some potentially tough to sign players. Seems to me Huntington executed a well-laid out plan. Play it safe first with a college position player, then load up on pitching when the distinct advantages disappear.
I realize that it's difficult for the casual fan to appreciate the logic behind taking a player with marketable skills that are likely to be preserved, despite the fact that the player in question does not have the best potential or "upside," highest ceiling, whatever at the spot he was taken. However, particularly if the Pirates invest a lot of money in Miguel Angel Sano, this is precisely the draft strategy that makes sense for Team Neal.
2.5 WAR a year is nothing to shake a stick at, particularly if you're strong at other positions. Just keep that in mind.
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