Fansided

Gary Sanchez keeps on homering

By Joshua Sadlock

August 20, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) hits a solo home run in the first inning against Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
August 20, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) hits a solo home run in the first inning against Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gary Sanchez is really, really good.

The New York Yankees sold off two of their best bullpen arms at the MLB trade deadline, prompting talk of a full-scale rebuild. Apparently, no one told Gary Sanchez about that plan. With his home run in this afternoon’s game against the Seattle Mariners, Sanchez now has nine on the season. His season started on Aug. 3.

"In all its glory: HR No. 9 for @ElGarySanchez. #YANKSonYEShttps://t.co/r7XXzXTJP6— YES Network (@YESNetwork) August 24, 2016"

Since his season debut (Sanchez played two games during a brief call-up last year), the 23-year-old backstop leads the entire league in long balls. He is one of only five players in baseball history to hit nine homers or more through his first 21 career games. Sanchez joins Trevor Story in that category, who accomplished the feat this year.

Sanchez is conjuring up memories of former Yankees rookie phenoms Kevin Maas and Shane Spencer, but neither hit more than seven in their first 21 games. New York and its fans are hoping that Sanchez can accomplish more than Maas and Spencer, who combined for only 124 home runs in their sub-par careers.

Behind the plate, Sanchez has also shown off a strong arm, drawing comparisons to future Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez.

“Pudge Rodriguez, when I was a rookie in my first spring training, he was still in Texas, throwing BBs,” teammate Mark Teixeira said. “That arm is right up there with Pudge’s when he was in his prime. … You’d better make sure you’re safe, because if he has any chance to get you, he’s gonna get you.’’

Sanchez was signed by the Yankees in 2009 at the age of 16. He’s been a top-100 prospect since 2011. His star had fallen ever so slightly this year, ans disciplinary problems led to repeated benchings. Concerns about his defensive prowess, combined with attitude issues, had some labeling Sanchez the next Jesus Montero. Montero was a much-hyped prospect who has been unable to stick in a big-league lineup.

Sanchez has put many of the concerns regarding his work ethic behind him this year. He was named the best defensive catcher in the International League, and has been praised for doing work to become a better catcher.

Going forward, Sanchez will not maintain his pace of homering every 8.1 at-bats. Still, his power is impressive, and this flash has rendered Brian McCann an afterthought in the Bronx. Sanchez will be the everyday catcher going forward, and McCann could be traded. There’s a regression to the mean coming for Sanchez. For now, the Yankees will hope to keep riding the rookie’s hot bat and look to make up ground in the Wild Card race.

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