New York Yankees: Gary Sanchez is reminding us why he’s worth it

Calling a Game

This is by far the most important attribute a catcher needs to have in order for his team to be successful. In this massive stretch of injuries the Yankees have gone through in 2019, it’s important to have your pitchers step up. Even more so when your best hitters are out of the lineup. The only way that these pitchers can have success besides pure talent, is having a catcher who knows opposing hitters and can call a game accordingly to guide them to a win.

Sanchez has had issues with his game calling in the past, but this season he’s taken control behind the dish. In his 26 games caught, starters Masahiro Tanaka, J.A. Happ, Domingo German, CC Sabathia, and Paxton have all had success with him behind the plate.

Record and ERA with Sanchez as the catcher

Tanaka (1-2), 1.75 ERA

Paxton (1-1,) 1.67 ERA

Happ (3-1), 2.50 ERA

German (4-0), 2.00 ERA

Sabathia (2-1), 2.66 ERA

His game calling occasionally varies on a nightly basis and is inconsistent from pitcher to pitcher. Sanchez struggles with getting a feel for the guy 60′ 6″ away. Overall, the proof is in the pudding that the rotation performs better when Sanchez is the one telling them where to go.

For example, Happ, who has struggled mightily this year, has shown that he can perform and give the Yankees quality outings and wins with Sanchez catching him. It’s a constantly developing trait that improves with experience, but Gary is already on a great track and will be an elite game caller within a few years.