THE ISSUE WITH SANCHEZ IS THAT HE DOESN'T SHOW HEART

When Gary Sanchez is on... he's on! The problem with Sanchez is you never know what you're gonna get and that's where I have a problem with this guy.  

Now look, there are true Sanchez fans out there, and I'm one of them, but I'm realistic. And it's amazing, this idea of bad defense and sometimes sluggish work or even "heart" behind the plate is something that wasn't just manufactured by critics.  The truth is it was created by his own actions.  

Case in point, in 2018, he had 18 passed balls not to mention that he's been flat out missing or failed to block balls behind the dish since he's been in the Bigs.  And when a runners on base and a ball goes by him, he's not exactly spry to go grab it.  In other words, he appears lazy.  

Aaron Boone has come to his defense when it comes to, pardon the pun... Gary's defense. He is quoted as saying this:

"He’s gotten a lot better on the defensive side... and there’s still so much room for him to continue to grow."

But let's be honest. We don't need to train Major League catchers... we need them to put the work in and improve so when they're on the level, they are better players. Hurry up and wait and no strategy and perception is everything! I think the way he performs behind the plate is what a lot of people ride Gary for.

Now look, the bat is something we all love about Sanchez, and that's why I'm telling you I'm a fan, but so many times the defensive blunder is what I remember most.   

As Adam Weinrib from Fansided says: "...if we’re going to ignore the passed balls and errors behind the plate, two categories he’s led MLB in twice each, then the bat is going to have to come to play in October, and he’s going to have to learn how to guard against groin ailments and the like. While fans must be fair, the ire may occasionally be deserved."

I 100% agree.  Sure, so many players have flaws, but there's a reason why the Yankees stacked the catching department after Austin Romine left New York. It's because they worry about Gary Sanchez and they don't trust Kyle Higashioka to be a solid backup. 

That's why Chris Iannetta, Josh Thole and Eric Kratz were signed, and why Austin Wells is the new hope behind the plate, probably making his way up the ranks quicker than you think.  

The Yankees need grit and heart behind the plate... something Gary lacks.  And sure, he can act like all will be forgotten as long as he hits home runs... but if there's a passed ball in a playoff game and he nonchalantly runs after it and perhaps loses a big game because of that laziness... New York will never forgive him… trust me.  

I love Gary Sanchez... don't get me wrong. I just want more out of him and that's the bottom line.