Yankees fans patience with Gary Sanchez is wearing thin
Gary Sanchez is one of the most talented players on the Yankees roster. Unfortunately, his effort level falls well below his amount of natural ability.
It’s time for Aaron Boone to have an aggressive counseling session with catcher Gary Sanchez. His failure to sprint to first on a ground ball in the ninth inning of tonight’s game against the Rays cost his team a chance to win a meaningful ball game. Unfortunately, it’s just the most recent incident in a string of mishaps for the Yankees catcher.
It wasn’t even Sanchez’s only incident in the game. He and pitcher Luis Severino were seen having a “heated discussion” inside the New York dugout after a passed ball let in the first run of the game. Sanchez’s lack of defensive progress behind the plate has frustrated Yankees officials all season long.
The lack of effort on the field is far more concerning though. Sanchez has never been a player who exemplifies positive body language on the diamond. Things have gotten even worse this season though. His recent groin injury has only made his issues more pronounced since his return to the lineup.
Time and time again Sanchez has sauntered down to first after hitting a ground ball. It doesn’t cost the Yankees a base very often, but it may have cost them a game tonight. Yes, it appeared his ground ball to short would produce an out at second base, but Aaron Hicks hustled his way to beat out the flip there. The fact that Sanchez didn’t even make the play close at first has understandably lit a fire under Yankee fans on social media.
It should do more than that though. This incident should give Boone and/or Brian Cashman the ammunition they need to deal with this issue head on. Sanchez should only be given two choices. He can either increase his effort level or find a different team to play for. There can be no middle ground.
It’s not as if the organization doesn’t have a player they trust to take his position. Austin Romine doesn’t have Sanchez’s All-Star potential, but he can be an adequate catcher. He’s already better than Sanchez on the defensive end and he’s a passable hitter. The issue could be addressed in full in the offseason.
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The bottom line is that Sanchez needs to play harder if he wants to remain a part of the Yankees organization. Otherwise his talent will go to waste and his career in the Bronx will end abruptly. It’s time for Sanchez to play hard like the rest of his teammates.