Source: The Athletic
If you ask the front office in Yankeeland, the catch is Gary Sanchez. The J.T. Realmuto deal slipped through the Bombers fingers or maybe wasn't ever anything really but we all know he landed in Philadelphia. Realmuto seems to be the real deal and a great catch but, Aaron Boone is “excited” about Gary Sanchez and what he can contribute to this 2019 season.
The manager and the catcher spent some time together during the offseason in the Dominican Republic and according to NJ.com, Boone found “a guy that frankly is very hungry to go out and show the world how good a player he is.'' He also said Sanchez has a desire to step up this year. Could Sanchez be “that guy” and a real catch for the Yankees this year? We will have to wait and see but his passed balls' history and his lackluster performance in the batter's box needs to improve to make me a believer that the Yankees putting all their faith in Sanchez was the right move versus going all in with Realmuto.
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| Source: Sporting News |
As far as the Mets are concerned, there was definitely potential for a catcher upgrade, as former first-round draft pick Kevin Plawecki, who was traded to the Indians during the off season, and Travis d’Arnaud is coming off of the DL. Unfortunately, d’Arnaud has had a streak of injuries, including having to have Tommy John surgery, and Plawecki turned out to be not too good of a hitter. Neither of them are great offensively with Plawecki only throwing out 10 of 60 base stealers and d’Arnaud only 11 of 66 during the past season. Not very impressive.
Source: MLB.com
Luckily during the off season, the Mets made some great moves including acquiring Wilson Ramos from the Phillies. Ramos will provide the Mets with what the lineup was missing in the past; a quality hitter as well as a great catcher. The only concern with the new catcher is his past two knee surgeries, but he says he is ready to go. "I want to be behind the plate as much as I can. That’s what I’m working right now," Ramos said via NJ.com. "I’m working to be healthy and help my team behind the plate.” With a healthy Ramos and Travis d'Arnaud, it looks like the Mets could have their catching in order.
The catchers in New York are warming up for what we all hope will be a great 2019 season and an even better inter-league battle between the Yankees and Mets. Here's to much warmer days and competitive catching in New York.
--Missy O'Rourke
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @missy_orourke
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