Around the Empire: Yankees news - 8/8/17

Around the Empire

Newsday | Erik Boland: There has been a lot of hullabaloo over the defense of one Gary Sanchez. Some would say it’s getting balown out of proportion, or they would if that was an actual word. Former Gold Glove catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. says that Gary Sanchez is going to be fine, being that it’s his first full year and he’s a bit ahead of schedule. Alomar Jr. also states that it’s a good thing that he has Tony Pena and Joe Girardi there to help him grow into the role. Catching isn’t easy, unlike first base. Anyone can play first. (AKA the 2017 Yankees’ motto)

MLB.com | David Adler: Sonny Gray is a warlock. His pitches are magic missiles. That’s pretty much what I got from reading this article regarding Sonny Gray talk about finger pressure and pitching. This article also discusses his history working as a sorcerer’s apprentice at Vanderbilt, learning from pitching coach Derek Johnson. It’s a very fascinating read.

New York Post | George A. King III: Dellin Betances is a warlock. His pitches are portals into another dimension where people still cannot hit his breaking ball. I didn’t get this from reading this article. I just assume as much. After a rough patch, Dellin is back to being his regular dominant self. Betances claims that he just needed to get a feel back for his beautiful breaking ball. It seems like he has. Yay.

New York Daily News | Bill Madden: Sad news has rocked the baseball world the past few days. Former Yankee Don Baylor passed away yesterday due to the bone cancer he had been battling for the past 11 years. This came a day after former Phillies catcher Darren Daulton succumbed to his battle with brain cancer. This article provides a nice record of his career, as well as reactions from the around the baseball world. R.I.P. Don Baylor.