Boone: Gary’s my guy

It would be an “upset” if Gary Sanchez is not behind the plate for the Yankees’ wild-card game, said Aaron Boone on The Michael Kay Show on ESPN NY radio-Wednesday afternoon.

The Yankee manager has been adamant that Sanchez would be the catcher for the must-win postseason game barring an injury.

After two passed balls in Monday night’s win, Sanchez has a big-league worst 17 on the season, four more than second worst.

Still, Boone said Monday that he doesn’t want to get too caught up in that.

“It is something that concerns us, it something we’re pouring time into to eliminate as much as we can,” Boone said. “But it’s important not to get lost in this….. When you break down games, he’s doing a lot of really good things behind the plate.”

The Yankees have defended Sanchez by pointing out that they have analysis that says Sanchez is a good pitch framer. Scouts who have been watching the Yankees this season have said the same.

“He steals a few strikes,” one scout said, “He does a good job framing.”

Also, they think he calls a good game behind the plate.

Finally, the Yankee pitchers have their best combined ERA with Sanchez behind the plate. In 74 games with Sanchez catching, they were pitching to a 3.38 ERA. In 73 games with Romine behind the plate, Yankee pitchers had a 4.10 ERA. Kyle Higashioka had a 3.86 catcher’s ERA in 26 games.

Most important is the potential power Sanchez brings.

Though going through a terrible sophomore slump, Sanchez has flashed his ability to change a game with a single stroke of his bat. He was hitting just .184 heading into Wednesday night’s game with 17 homers and 52 RBI in 86 games.