The Yankees continue to wait and pray for a miracle to occur as Gary Sanchez shows zero signs of life. Like Pujols, it’s time to cut the cord.
The Yankees are not alone in their history of releasing players abruptly and without proper recognition for their service to the team over the years.
Who can forget when the Yankees ambushed Phil Rizzuto late in August 1956 when he was batting only .231 as a part-time shortstop, announcing – on Old-Timers’ Day – they were releasing him.
It was the right baseball move, but having it occur on Old Timers’ Day was not in good taste.
And lest we not forget a date that will live in Yankee’s infamy February 26, 1935 – when after 15 incredible seasons with the New York Yankees, Babe Ruth’s career with the Bronx Bombers came to an end when he was unceremoniously released by the team.
Similarly, the decision by the LA Angels to release Albert Pujols was the right move for Artie Moreno to make for his team. Still, the cold manner with which it was done has left many ruing for a better way and a better day for a sure first-ballot Hall of Famer.
What Are The Yankees Waiting For?
While Gary Sanchez hardly approaches the caliber of these great players, one can only hope the Yankees have reached the bitter end of a long and fruitless battle to save the career of one of their own – Gary Sanchez.
Alas, it doesn’t get better; it gets only worse with another three strikeouts in three at-bats in his 443rd game with the Yankees on Sunday, while his batting average dipped to a season-low .174.
What are the Yankees waiting for? Kyle Higashioka is showing he can be their number one catcher. Pitchers love him, and his bat is improving – so that’s not it.
Could the Yankees not have anyone in their farm system ready to take on a role as a backup catcher?
Possibly, but then what about the catchers who have come across the wavier and transaction wires the last week or so? Plenty of action there, but no activity by the Yankees…
- Los Angeles Angels signed free agent C Francisco Arcia to a minor league contract.
- Kansas City Royals signed free agent C Gavin Stupienski to a minor league contract.
- Texas Rangers traded C Drew Butera to Los Angeles Angels for cash.
- Los Angeles Angels signed free agent C Francisco Arcia to a minor league contract.
Okay, so none of these players have much of a major league pedigree, but somebody out there thinks they’re worth taking a chance on.
Yankees: What The Hell Are They Thinking?
We’ve been down this road so many times before with the Yankees and Sanchez; it’s becoming downright boring, except for the remaining drama trying to figure out what the Yankees can be thinking.
When a team decides to move on a player, they do it, as we witnessed last week between the Angels and Pujols.
Can we, therefore, conclude the Yankees are still mulling over what to do with Sanchez – if anything?
Take two Tylenol and get plenty of rest – you’ll feel better tomorrow?
Are they worried about the measly and now pro-rated $5 million they owe Sanchez this year, which they’ll eat if they release him without cause?
The Question You’ll Never Hear The Yankees Answer
The central question is, and you’ll never hear Brian Cashman or Aaron Boone give a direct answer: how is Gary Sanchez helping the New York Yankees?
The Yankees don’t even have the balls to definitively say Sanchez is now their backup catcher, with Boone spinning the “it’s a day-to-day decision on my part” while clearly avoiding that it all depends on who’s pitching that day reality we all know is true.
Gary Sanchez does not belong on this Yankees team, and they know it but seem paralyzed to do anything to make the best of a bad situation that they themselves have instigated and prolonged.
This may be dreaming, but if Gary Sanchez had any sense of character and a willingness to make good on his public statements about “wanting to help the team,” then maybe he should offer himself to the Yankees by voluntarily accepting an assignment with the Triple-A Scranton Railriders.
The likelihood being, of course, that Sanchez fears he can’t hit Triple-A pitching either.
Failing that, Brian Cashman should be thinking about a sit-down with Sanchez along the same line, and if he refuses to go down – well then – that tells the Yankees something right there – doesn’t it?
Something has to give, though, and soon…
Here’s What Readers Are Saying…
Joel Albert And then who’s your catcher? An 11 year minor leaguer? Who’s your backup? Right now it’s Robinson Chirinos….good luck with that
Ronald E Bobel Sanchez doesn’t have what it takes.
Hubie Mercado Not anytime soon.
John Casale Because you still have to carry two catchers. When there is a way to properly replace him, they will 
NYY
Freddy MaldonadoThe Yankees waited too long on Sanchez and now his trade value has plummeted, they’re basically stuck !!!
Nick RueI think it’s gonna happen pretty soon
Steven Kenworthy It’s obvious that Cashman and his Analytics Gang, are calling the shots with their numbers. So why aren’t those numbers telling Cashman what everybody already knows? Perhaps it’s the new math?
Richard Salomone Some team will want him. Maybe a change of venue will help. Get some prospects for him.
Marvin Paulo Ebron Still believe Gary’s talent to help the Yankees to promise land.
Niko Rivera I say have him be the exclusive back up to Higgy & when the trading deadline comes (when some teams become desperate) then trade him 4 what major league-ready talent u may need or trade 4 prospects (including pitching).
Larry Gene Mofield Higgy’s offensive production dropped like a rock as a starter. Still calls a better game than Sanchez
Jay Glinsky It would be EXTREMELY foolish to DFA Sanchez; Some team will give us something in return, whether it be some minor leaguers, International Pool $$$, whatever. Pujols is at the end of his career and Sanchez is just entering the twilight. However, I don’t foresee him going anywhere right now……..
Jim Kulhawy You do realize we don’t even have another catcher in the whole organization on the 40-man? How crazy is THAT
Mike Harrington It is what it is for the moment. This isn’t the moment to cut him, since there’s really no good options to replace him behind the plate, and Higgy can’t do it every day.
Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes, or games, are created equal.
