Sanchez shapes up for Spring Training action

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Hector Sanchez's sleek new look captured the optimism that accompanies the start of Spring Training.

Sanchez, the Giants' backup catcher, showed up at the team's Scottsdale Stadium clubhouse Friday weighing nearly 20 pounds less than he did last year, when he was listed at 234 pounds. He was partly driven by suggestions from management about getting in better shape. Sanchez also simply wanted to feel better.

"I feel like my energy's at a different level," said Sanchez, who hit .248 in 63 games last year after batting .280 in 74 games as a rookie during San Francisco's World Series-winning season of 2012.

Sanchez, 24, also wanted to avoid shuttling back and forth between Triple-A Fresno and the Majors as he did last season while enduring a right shoulder injury.

"Last year was a learning experience about how I had to be in shape," Sanchez said. "I had to be ready."

Said manager Bruce Bochy, "It's nice to see Hector take that next step and show more ownership of coming into camp in good shape."

Pitchers and catchers officially reported to camp and underwent physical examinations Friday, though dozens of them -- as well as a handful of position players -- already have begun informal workouts at the stadium. Batterymates will open workouts Saturday. Position players are due to report Tuesday, one day before the first full-squad workout.