Pat Burrell (aka "Pat the Bat") is headed to the disabled list on Friday and will make room for another catcher, Hector Sanchez from Triple-A Fresno.
Sanchez, a 21-year-old switch-hitter, arriving probably outweighs any sadness about Burrell heading to the disabled list, if only because he represents "future talent."
The move, as reported by Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury-News, means that the Giants are suddenly deeper -- and potentially more potent -- at the backstop position, and a little thinner in the outfield.
Sanchez obviously isn't the future at catcher, because Buster Posey's still on the roster. But despite his young age, he could help the Giants immediately, especially if he can step in, catch for Barry Zito every fifth day (Sanchez caught Zito several times at Fresno, while Zito was rehabbing) and provide a little punch in the lineup.
"He's beyond his years," Zito said. "He's got a good idea on mixing pitches.The kid is so young and he rakes."
At the same time, Sanchez might get a good audition at the big-league level for any team -- heeeeello, Mets? -- that could be interested in making a trade with the Giants.
