Skip to content

Ex-Yankees coach: Sanchez's catching suffers because he focuses on offense

Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Former New York Yankees hitting coach Alan Cockrell believes he knows what's at the root of Gary Sanchez's defensive problems behind the plate.

"Gary is just not a real high-energy guy, and the catching position is basically the heartbeat of the baseball field and you want an energetic guy," Cockrell, who served as hitting coach from 2016-17, told a Nashville radio station, according to George A. King of the New York Post. "Gary is more concerned about what he is going to do at the plate and his energy lacks a little bit."

Sanchez's issues are nothing new. Former manager Joe Girardi had problems with Sanchez's defensive abilities last season, and things haven't improved much under Aaron Boone. Sanchez has already allowed four passed balls in 13 games, and he's thrown out just 1 of 7 base-stealers.

Sanchez allowed two balls to get by him Thursday. The first one, which happened after a pitch from CC Sabathia bounced off his glove, allowed a run. Sabathia later said they got crossed up on the play.

Boone described Sanchez's defense as a work in progress, and opted to start him as the club's designated hitter Sunday following a day off Saturday.

"We've got to continue to work at it, and he is," Boone said, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. "It's always a concern when we evaluate what we're doing, how we're doing. I've seen enough positives, especially with blocking and his work. We all need to continue to get better, but I do view it as a bump in the road."

Sanchez is one of the best offensive catchers in the majors, but his production at the plate has been a concern to start the season. He's hitting .188/.222/.391 with three home runs and 15 strikeouts in 17 games.

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox