Sanchez gets 2-year deal from Pirates

For a player who needed nearly five seasons to get out of the minors, Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez's career is accelerating at a relatively late stage.

In only two years, Sanchez has gone from being a utility infielder to an NL batting champion and a two-time All-Star. He was rewarded Tuesday with an $11 million, two-year contract that includes a 2010 option that could make the deal worth $18.4 million.

"That first year of free agency is big for us," general manager Neal Huntington said. "It's not a drastically undervalued free agency year, but it is one that gives us cost certainty if Freddy continues to go out and exceed expectations and perform at a high level."

The contract allowed the 2006 NL batting champion to avoid an arbitration hearing. Sanchez, who made $2.75 million last season, sought $4.9 million and the team offered $4.1 million.

The 30-year-old Sanchez didn't become an everyday player until a month into the 2006 season but went on to win the batting title with a .344 average. It was the highest average by a Pirates regular since Roberto Clemente hit .345 in 1969.

Sanchez also drove in 85 runs despite hitting only six homers.

"A few years ago I was a utility guy, coming off the bench," Sanchez said. "To have the commitment that they want me here is very encouraging."