White Sox pick up utility infielder Sanchez

At the winter meetings on Wednesday, general manager Rick Hahn told reporters he's on the same page as predecessor Kenny Williams and always looking for big-name, impact players to help the White Sox.

But as baseball's annual December gathering wrapped up Thursday, Hahn added another relatively unknown piece that should help the White Sox.

A day after signing free-agent Jeff Keppinger to a three-year, $12 million contract, the White Sox selected infielder Angel Sanchez from the Los Angeles Angels' organization in the major-league phase of the Rule 5 draft.

Keppinger fills the Sox' hole at third base, and Sanchez could emerge as their primary utility infielder.

Sanchez's best position is shortstop, and he also plays second and third base.

The 29-year-old infielder was in the Astros' system last season, batting .320 with 5 home runs, 45 RBI and 48 runs scored in 107 games at Class AAA Oklahoma City.

Sanchez played 78 games at shortstop, 23 at second base and three at third.

Sanchez has appeared in 184 games over three major-league seasons with the Royals (2006), Red Sox (2010) and Astros (2010-11), batting .255 with 1 home run and 54 RBI.

The White Sox paid the Angels $50,000 for Sanchez, but he can be returned to Los Angeles for $25,000 if he doesn't stay on the 25-man roster for the entire 2013 season.

Sanchez is currently playing winter ball in his native Puerto Rico, and he's batting .344 (22-for-64) with 2 home runs and 7 RBI in 17 games for Mayaguez.

Pitcher Jason Grilli was the last player selected by the White Sox in the major-league phase of the Rule 5 Draft, in 2003.

The addition of Sanchez leaves the Sox with 38 players on the 40-man roster.