BlueBaron

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) -- After signing a multiyear contract extension, Freddy Sanchez is taking no chances about being ready for the start of the season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates' All-Star second baseman reported with the pitchers and catchers Thursday and has been on the field early each morning since then, taking fielding and batting practice as part of his recovery from minor shoulder surgery in September.

His throwing remains limited, and he took ground balls without making a throw Sunday. He can reach 75 feet in long-tossing and needs to double that before he can be cleared for game action. Both he and the Pirates sound confident that will happen.

"My goal is to get here early, get my work in and be ready for the season," Sanchez said. "No one wants to follow someone who just talks about it. They want to follow someone who leads and does the same things they're being asked to do."

Sanchez, the National League batting champion two seasons ago, signed an extension earlier this month that brings two guaranteed years plus a vested option that could make him $18.9 million. He had been worried before that the Pirates were looking to trade him or allow him to leave through free agency once he was eligible after the 2009 season.

"Pittsburgh is a place I know I want to be, and I think, when we do start to win, it's going to feel satisfying," Sanchez said. "I've been around for the losing, and now I want to be around for the winning."

Pirates' Freddy Sanchez aims to be ready for start of season after surgery - MLB - Yahoo! Sports