Sanchez set for Marlins' spring opener

JUPITER, Fla. -- In his fourth season with the Marlins, Anibal Sanchez has a new number and renewed optimism.

The 24-year-old right-hander is taking the ball today in Florida's first Grapefruit League game. The 1:05 p.m. ET contest will be played at Roger Dean Stadium against the Cardinals, with Florida being the visitors.

Blake Hawksworth is pitching for St. Louis.

The appearance for Sanchez, who projects to throw two innings or 30 pitches, will be his first in a Grapefruit League game since 2007. The past few years, he was hampered by shoulder problems, and he underwent shoulder surgery in June 2007.

Pinpoint control is so much of Sanchez's game. But because he's missed a great deal of time with his shoulder issues, the command is taking a while to return.

Early in Spring Training, Sanchez was working on his curveball, to go along with his slider, changeup and fastball.

"That curveball has helped me when I need it," Sanchez said. "Right now, it's all over the place. I have to throw it in my spot."

As for his changeup, Sanchez said: "It's better this year. I've got better command on everything. My slider is working better. It's down, and it's not too flat. When you're healthy, you can do a lot of different things. Right now, I'm healthy."

When Sanchez takes the field today, he will be wearing No. 19. In his first three seasons with Florida, he donned No. 36.

Before Spring Training started, Sanchez asked reliever Logan Kensing, who previously had No. 19, if he would switch. Kensing took No. 20, which had belonged to Matt Treanor, who now is with the Tigers.

"I just like the number," Sanchez said of 19.

So much so that he has a tattoo on his left shoulder that includes the number.

The last time Sanchez faced hitters in a game situation was a few months ago when he made two appearances in the Venezuelan Winter League.

"It's like I'm starting over again," Sanchez said.

With games getting under way, it will be a chance to see how the Marlins are coming together.

John Baker enters as the starting catcher for the first time. Cameron Maybin is the regular center fielder. Gaby Sanchez is aiming to show he is deserving of the first-base job. Cody Ross will be in right field with Jeremy Hermida in left.

A right fielder throughout his career, Hermida has been adjusting to left field.

"The most important thing that I can do, and an outfielder can do, is taking balls live off the bat," Hermida said. "When we start playing every day, during BP, I've got to get out there and shag fly balls. That's the best time I can have to simulate balls off the bat, and getting a true angle and a true read on them."

(mlb.com)