Do you remember the time when throwing out runners was a premium skill? A catcher’s defining trait wasn’t their framing or setup position; it was if they had a rocket arm that could limit the running game. Despite Gary Sánchez’s struggles as a receiver and blocker during his time in the Bronx, he had a cannon for an arm that was effective in both limiting attempts but also throwing out runners. He did this despite the team’s myriad of pitchers who were either slow to the plate or threw wicked breaking balls that were tough to throw on. Granted, the environment at the time wasn’t so stolen base friendly, but Sánchez was impressive regardless.
Should we be concerned about the Yankees’ inability to throw out runners?
