LAKELAND, Fla. -- Anibal Sanchez made a three-hour drive a couple days ago to work on his mechanics with a side session caught by his manager, Brad Ausmus, and observed by his pitching coach, Rich Dubee. The results of his work didn't take nearly that long Wednesday.
One inning after another, Sanchez sent the Braves down in order, starting with the veteran center of the lineup. By the time he was done Wednesday, Sanchez had faced that middle twice, striking out All-Star Freddie Freeman both times, and retired 12 in a row.
It was amazingly smoother than any other outing Sanchez has had this spring, and the first tangible sign that the struggling right-hander might have a turnaround in him.