About Sanchez’s defense
importance of building relationships in the clubhouse.
It makes for an easy narrative about the modern-day player needing to be coddled, and while there may be a bit of truth to the notion, the Yankees believe such connectivity, to quote the word GM Brian Cashman has used, is vital in dealing most effectively with problems in the clubhouse.
Boone, in turn, on Wednesday sounded like someone with plenty of managing or coaching experience, rather than none at all, when he explained how he’d handle crisis situations.
“When it comes to dealing with players, that’s where the relationships are so important,” he said. “It’s why I think, especially initially, one of my most important jobs is to gain the trust of the players — to know they have someone who cares for them, because then that’s where you’re able to zero in, in a transparent and honest way.
“When you don’t have a good relationship with somebody, it’s sometimes hard to tell them something they don’t want to hear, or to get on them.
“But I feel like when the relationship exists, and they know it comes from a great place, I think you’re able to get through those times.”
Boone wasn’t speaking specifically of Sanchez, of course, but it was clear that he’d been told to expect questions about his catcher, and when he was asked for his “assessment of Sanchez,” he was quick to answer in that same mode.
“I have a priority in that Gary and my relationship is important,” Boone said. “I expect it to be very strong. My expectation is that he’s going to be one of the great impact players on both sides of the ball for a long time to come.
“I’ve already texted back and forth a little bit, and I expect to meet up with him at some point in the next couple of weeks. It’s a really important relationship. My expectation is that he’s going to be a great player on both sides of the ball.” hen asked what Sanchez needed to do to get better, Boone mostly dodged the question, but even in doing so his words were revealing. “I think we forget how young he is and how great he’s been so far,” the new manager said. “He’s been massively successful at one of the most demanding positions in all of sports. We’re going to continue to support him. We’re going to continue to build our relationship so that we can grow him in every facet, because we know what an impact player he can be.”
All of which sounds like, when it comes to Sanchez’s defense, Boone wants to be able to impart tough love, if necessary.
The Yankees are hoping that will lead to “crisis prevention,” as one person put it, as opposed to “crisis intervention.”
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