New York Yankees: Top Catching Prospect Gary Sanchez Developing Well

The New York Yankees have some excellent catching prospects in development in the minor leagues, one of them being Gary Sanchez.

Sanchez is in his third season playing in Single-A, now with the Charleston RiverDogs.

With the retirement of Jorge Posada, Francisco Cervelli being sent down to Triple-A, Jesus Montero being traded to Seattle, Austin Romine's chronic back problems and Russell Martin's poor performance at the plate, Sanchez is on a lot of people's minds these days.

He certainly needs more time to refine his skills in Single-A, and will need some experience moving up through the minors. A call-up to the major leagues is at least a couple of years away.

Looking ahead to the future, with some more development and maturity, Sanchez will fill the catching role for the Yankees quite well. The only concern that I would have down the road is that Brian Cashman always has the option to trade him for veteran talent.

Sanchez is doing well in the catching position, and it is important that he performs consistently offensively, as well. He appears to be developing well at the plate, which would make him an excellent call-up when the time is right.

Playing for the RiverDogs so far in 2012, he has 23 hits, seven doubles, six RBI, five stolen bases and walked six times with a .365 batting average, a .420 OBP and a slugging percentage of .476.

Catching depth has been a topic on the minds of the Yankees organization lately, and even though Sanchez is a couple of years away from the big leagues, he definitely helps to fill some of that needed depth.

We all know how impressive his skills are behind the plate at such a young age. Sanchez has begun to impress with his offensive skills, as well. He has a strong bat, and he's learning to play intelligently.

I look forward to the day when Sanchez gets the call to work behind the plate at Yankee Stadium.