WHAT GARY SANCHEZ IS GRATEFUL FOR

Source: SNY

The new year brings about resolutions for the incoming year and reflections regarding the outgoing one.  For Gary Sanchez, who turned 26 during the month of December, he is using last year's poor performance and injuries to fuel resolutions for a great 2019 season.

Source: Sports Illustrated

“Thank you because that adversity has only fueled my fire to have a healthy, focused and improved 2019,” Sanchez wrote on his Instagram page earlier in the week.  According to the New York Post, "Gary Sanchez is trying to get a head start on putting an ugly 2018 behind him."  I can appreciate that.  Own the bad performances and perhaps behaviors that led to injuries, learn something from this and move on with focus and resilience.  I really hope he can keep his resolution and improve.

Source: The Sports Daily

Quite frankly, the Yankees need him to be consistent, strong and a leader on this growing team if they are going to make a run for the championship.  Catchers are traditionally anchors and managers of the infield.  Sanchez never quite stepped up to the role as other Yankee catchers have, but now is the time.

Source: NJ.com

"Despite his struggles, general manager Brian Cashman repeatedly has stated Sanchez is the team’s starting catcher, despite Miami All-Star J.T. Realmuto remaining on the market," wrote the Post.  This is more fuel for Sanchez's fire.  When someone places his faith and trust in you, you have to step up and meet expectations and even exceed them.

Source: USA Today

Pitchers and catchers will be reporting for active duty in early February, which is right around the corner.  Glad to hear that Sanchez has his head on straight.  I am hopeful he can deliver.  This has to be his year if it's going to be the Yankees' year.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof