The Yankees wanted Brian McCann for his left-handed power, but Roger McDowell insists the catcher brings more than his bat to the game.
The Braves pitching coach has been a fan of McCann’s work behind the plate, as well.
“He understands scouting reports. He understands his staff and what needs to be done during the game,” McDowell said by phone Sunday. “He always had the aptitude for it and as he has become more experienced and had the role of a veteran leader fall on his shoulders it has become a very important part of his preparation.’’
McCann will get a chance to prove that in The Bronx this season after agreeing to a five-year, $85 million deal with the Yankees on Saturday, pending a physical. The contract also includes a vesting option for a sixth year that would up the total to $100 million.
With their catching situation seemingly resolved, the Yankees can move on to other pressing needs, like re-signing Robinson Cano. The two sides may meet this week, according to sources. They will also remain in the hunt for a slugging right fielder, with Carlos Beltran still in their sights.
And they also continue to wait for Hiroki Kuroda’s decision about playing next season, as well as the status of Masahiro Tanaka. The Yankees would be among the most interested bidders if the Japanese right-hander gets posted.
The left side of the infield is unresolved and with Jhonny Peralta reportedly on his way to St. Louis on a four-year deal worth $52 million, an option for both the Yankees and Mets seems to have closed.
Wherever the Yankees turn to fill out their roster, McDowell also believes McCann’s presence will be felt in their clubhouse.
“He commands respect,” McDowell said. “He stands up for his pitchers as we saw two times this year with [Jose Fernandez] from the Marlins and [Milwaukee’s] Carlos Gomez.”
McCann confronted both players after they showboated following home runs against the Braves in September, first with eventual Rookie of the Year Fernandez and then two weeks later with Gomez.
“He didn’t even wait for him to get in the box,” McDowell said. “He was standing up the third-base line waiting for him.’’
And McDowell isn’t concerned about the native Georgian making the transition to New York.
“I think he will be fine,” said the former Met. “Obviously it will be the first time away from Atlanta where he grew up and where his roots are. He will do well in New York. He will be able to handle anything they throw at him.’’
As for his arm, McCann has thrown out 24 percent of attempted base-stealers each of the past two seasons.
“When our pitchers gave him an opportunity to throw guys out he threw them out,” McDowell said. “He also understands mid-game adjustments. He sees swings and understands who that will go with the pitcher’s stuff. … He takes as much pride catching a shutout as he does hitting a homer.”
McCann will turn 30 in February and injury problems have kept him under 500 plate appearances in each of the last two years and helped lead to a sharp decrease in the number of doubles he hit. Despite that, McDowell said the Yankees will be impressed.
“When you watch him every day he isn’t a highlight reel, but he is a grinder,” McDowell said. “He does what he needs to do every day to get ready.’’