Padres New Catcher Ate Fair Share of Humble Pie Prior to Historic Resurgence in San Diego
Getting released from a squad is never a good feeling. In order too even get to that point, one must be playing at such low levels that a franchise decides they want nothing to do with them and doesn't even think a trade will land anything decent in return.
The newest catcher for the San Diego Padres, Gary Sanchez, had to deal with this firsthand a couple of weeks ago as the New York Mets decided they had seen enough of them and DFA'd the 30-year-old. However, the Friars wasted no time in bringing him in to see if he could fill their void at the catcher position and it's safe to say he's exceeded all expectations.
Let's remember that the bare minimum was not high at all and even if he was just able to get on base or bring some runners in at a consistent rate, the move would have been viewed as successful. Padres fans have been watching Austin Nola all year to put things into perspective.
Multiple Records Under His Name Already
Sanchez has yet to log even 10 games with the Padres and he is already clearly leaving his mark. He has been able to bring new life to the team and has been lethal whenever he bats near the middle of the lineup.
His four home runs ever since he debuted with the clubhouse on May 30 lands him alongside exclusive Friars company and he is also slugging at a rate only matched by some of the MLB's brightest stars. Sanchez's slash line with San Diego currently sits at .310/.375/.793 and he is quickly getting acclimated to the system.
But like I said earlier, he dealt with his fair share of dark days but he believes they only willed him to become stronger as a player and leader.
“Obviously I’ve had my highs and lows,” Sánchez said. “But I’ve maintained my head high, and I’ve never really given up or quit. I really just attribute that to the hard work I’ve put in, trying to get back to who I know that I am.”
(Via The San Diego-Union Tribune)
Hopefully the rest of the team follows his lead!
