When the New York Yankees invested $85 million in a new catcher, they were expecting Brian McCann to be behind the dish in Minnesota next week. The perennial All-Star has not reached those lofty expectations thus far, and his season has been underwhelming to say the least. To be fair, he has been one hundred times better than their catching options last year, but there is so much more to be desired at the half way point.
Are McCann’s struggles a surprise in his first year with the Yankees? Not according to one of his former hitting coaches, Terry Pendleton. In an interview with the New York Post, Pendleton claimed that McCann’s struggles are due to his lack of comfort in New York so far. He also questions whether or not the catcher will ever be comfortable in New York.
“New York is not Brian,” Pendleton told the New York Post Monday. “That’s my opinion. I knew if he chose New York, there would be more than he expected or knew about. He’ll never be comfortable with that.”
Never feel comfortable? That is a strong opinion to have about a guy who has been in a new city for only a couple of months. McCann felt the same way and when asked about the comments, he dismissed the idea immediately of being uncomfortable in his new environment.
“I read the article. I disagree. I absolutely love it here. I’ve got off to a slow start, but I absolutely love it here. It’s his opinion. That’s all I can say, it’s his opinion on it.”
While Pendleton goes on to talk about the difference in playing in Atlanta versus New York, he also brings up a valid point by suggesting the contract may be weighing on him.
“Brian McCann is going to put more heat on himself and for him, trying to do more is the worst thing for him. I’ve learned that. … That money is hanging over his head. A lot of guys say, ‘I’ve got to live up to that,’ instead of, ‘They signed you to play your game.'”
Again, McCann denies the contract weighing on him, but he wouldn’t be the first player to try and do to much in New York. Take a look at Carl Pavano. Yes, he was hurt a lot, but how does a guy go from a Cy Young caliber pitcher to one of the worst signings in team history? New York puts pressure on players. There is a different kind of spotlight for stars in New York. One day you’re the hero, the next you’re the villain. And playing for the Yankees? They are in a league of their own when it comes to media attention.
Could McCann be pressing? Absolutely. Does that mean he will forever be trying too hard and under performing? No. It has been half of a season into a new contract for the power hitting catcher, success is not always instantaneous. Let’s also not forget that his numbers are not entirely awful; 10 home runs and 39 RBI’s. Of course the .227 batting average needs serious improvement, but McCann is well known for his defensive abilities; he has thrown out 44% of base runners so far this year.
Is Terry Pendleton right, or is Brian McCann’s denial good enough to dismiss the topic? Until he comes around hitting, there will be questions lingering on whether or not he will put it together this year. With McCann’s track record, it would be more surprising to see him not turn it around.
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