In an ongoing series, we'll take a look at possible free-agent and trade targets for the Texas Rangers this winter.
Target: Anibal Sanchez
Type of move: Free agency
2012 stats: 195 2/3 innings, 3.86 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 167 Ks, 48 walks.
Sanchez was acquired by the Detroit Tigers from the Miami Marlins at the trade deadline, and actually posted a better ERA in the American League than he did in the National League, which is pretty rare (look at Ryan Dempster). He's been great for the Tigers in the postseason, as well, as he's posted a 1-1 record with a 1.35 ERA in his two starts, including a scoreless seven innings in an ALCS win over the New York Yankees.
The most promising thing about Sanchez is his electric stuff when he's on, as evidenced by his two career no-hitters, and the fact that he was better in the AL than in the NL, albeit not by much.
The obvious con here for the Rangers' prospects of landing Sanchez is that the Tigers will most likely try to re-sign the 28-year-old Venezuelan as they have to be happy with what they've gotten from him.
