When the Cardinals placed relievers Brian Tallet and Bryan Augenstein on the 15 day DL on April 13th, they had no idea what to expect from minor league hurler Eduardo Sanchez.  He was drafted in 2005 at the age of 16. He spent 5 full seasons in the minor leagues and put up decent numbers besides a rough year when he was just 17 years old. Sanchez is a 22 year old right handed pitcher that stands 5’11 and weighs around 170 lb.  This Spring the banged up Cardinals gave many opportunities to the young hurler, he pitched very well and some would say he should have made the opening day roster. He pitched 7 innings, striking out 7, and allowing only 3 earned runs. Not spectacular by any means but for a 22 year old, not to bad.

On April 13th, the Cardinals were beating the Diamondbacks by the score of 15-5 in the 7th inning when Sanchez was given the call. He answered. Sanchez struck out 5 in two innings and allowed just one hit. What a way to start a Major League career, and with a bullpen who’s closer blows saves more than a leaf blower, Sanchez may get the call to be a candidate for the Closer role. Tony La Russa has never been one to give positions to rookies over veterans (Rasmus, Ryan, Motte, Boggs, etc.) Though, in this case if Franklin keeps this up eventually Tony will be faced with having to stop holding Franklin’s hand and give the role to someone. Boggs, Motte, Sanchez, and the favorite choice of La Russa: Miguel Batista all are in line for the closers role. The Cardinal Nation on the other hand I believe wants Sanchez to atleast get a shot look at the success of young closers like Neftali Feliz and Andrew Bailey who have both won the AL Rookie of the Year in the past two seasons.  Hopefully, we will get to see more of this hurler for now he has pitched 3 innings, with 8 strikeouts, and not allowing a run.