Gary Sanchez Doesn’t Fear Being Traded
Gary Sanchez, the top prospect in the Yankees’ minor league system, has stated he doesn’t feel pressured from potential trade talks.
Feb 28, 2014; Lakeland, FL, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (82) hits a solo home run during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
“I can’t think about that, I can only focus on my game,” Sanchez said. And with a home run against the Tigers Friday, he speaks the truth.
Arguably the second best catcher on the squad behind Brian McCann, Sanchez’s name has been mentioned as bait for other teams. With fellow catchers Francisco Cervelli, Austin Romine and J.R. Murphy also on the roster, it has been assumed that Brian Cashman would try to unload at least one of the players. However, Gary Sanchez offers the most upside offensively, and has the most raw power of the quartet. While it is highly unlikely Sanchez earns an opening day slot, he has been viewed as the future backstop for the Yankees (he’s only 21, and McCann isn’t the picture of health).
Still, it’s nice to see the kid isn’t rattled by the front office. He knows he has a job to do, and has shown so far that he is hitting (pun not intended) his stride in his development. Joe Girardi and the rest of the team will closely monitor Sanchez’s progress; his performance foreshadows how long the other catchers will continue to wear Yankees pinstripes.