Gary Sanchez spent this past Opening Day in the dugout of the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, having been shipped back to the Minors for more seasoning after producing just two hits in a disappointing camp bid to serve as a big league backup. What a difference a year makes.
Sanchez will return to the George M. Steinbrenner Field complex this spring as the unquestioned starting catcher, carrying sky-high expectations following an amazing surge that saw the slugger belt 20 homers with 42 RBIs in 53 games to finish second to the Tigers' Michael Fulmer for the American League Rookie of the Year Award.