Let me start off by saying I know this is a very hard thing to debate because Michael McKenry is one of the most likeable players on the team. He is a scrappy old school player who gives everything he has on the field. He also 
does charity work in the city that includes bringing injured veterans to PNC Park to watch the Pirates. But I think it is time to consider bringing up Tony Sanchez to back up Russel Martin.
But what McKenry is doing behind the plate is hurting the team. Out of 24 attempts this season, he has given up 23 stolen bases. That is staggering. Not to mention the 6 for 6 night the Brewers had on the base paths against McKenry on Monday. Greg Brown also mentioned that McKenry had trouble with signs in the game Sunday against the Mets. For everything he brings to the plate, his defense, when he plays is hurting the team.
I believe it is time to consider calling up Tony Sanchez to back up Russel Martin. He was added to the Pirates “Taxi Squad” in New York City last weekend when the Pirates had a four game set versus the Mets. Yet, after Martin insisted his neck injury required no time on the DL, Sanchez was sent back to Indianapolis. He is having a breakout year in AAA for his standards. Sanchez, who hit just .233 after being called
up to Indianapolis last season, is batting .294 through 27 games this season. He has thrown out 24% of runners in his career and has guided the Indians pitching staff to an International League best 28 wins and 2.73 ERA.
For me the case is simple. It is time to give Tony Sanchez a shot to back up Martin. He is superior defensively to Michael McKenry and that’s all you can ask from a backup catcher. For everything thing the Pirates would be sacrificing offensively, I think it would be worth it. If a team is relying on their backup catcher for offense, they have bigger problems than just giving up stolen bases.
