Sanchez has been bad since the beginning of 2015, it's tough to watch him struggle so much. I'd personally make it a point to avoid buying tickets to one of his starts. It's nothing personal against him but he's not giving the team a chance to win and he's making a lot of money. Given the contract situation, there's not much we can do but have the coaches work with him and send him out there every 5th day unfortunately
It isn't that fans are on Sanchez for his poor performance. It is that they don't get on new players as bad (i.e. Upton). That is what I don't get.
Additionally, last year there was a remarkable difference when Avila caught Sanchez and when McCann caught Sanchez. I firmly believe any MLB pitcher is effected by his catcher. Look at Fister's splits last year in WSN with each of the catchers.
w/Avila 52.3 IP 3.96 ERA 1.09 WHIP .214 OPP BAVG 0.86 HR/G
w/McCann 72.3 IP 5.15 ERA 1.39 WHIP .271 OPP BAVG
1.72 HR/G
Also, and you don't want to read this, Sanchez has been misused the last few outings.
Last 5 GS
5 GS 1 QS 30.0 IP 30 H 20 ER 6 HR 11 BB 22 SO 6.00 ERA 1.37 WHIP
May 9th, after giving up 2 runs in the 6th (3 total for the game). DET is up 4-3 after 6. Sanchez lead off the top of the 7th, without Ausms pitch hitting for him. Ausmus then brings Sanchez back out to start the 7th inning. Sanchez gives up 2 singles and an error. Ryan is brought in and gives up a run. Blown Quality Start. Tigers go on to lose.
May 14th, after giving up 3 runs in the 6th, Sanchez is brought back out to start the 7th. He gives up a leadoff HR and is immediately pulled. Why? Either don't bring him back out or let him keep pitching. Another Blown Quality Start.
May 20th. With the game tied 3-3, Sanchez starts the 5th with a single and walk. He isn't immediately pulled. Both runners are allowed to score by the bullpen. Tigers lose game.
May 25th. Sanchez had given up just 2 ER in 6 innings. DET was down by just 1 run. He had 95 pitches through 6 innings. He was brought back out in the 7th and gave up a 0-2 HR and then was immediately pulled. Again why bring him back out if you are going to pull him after 3 pitches.
If used properly, this is probably what his statline should have been
5 GS 3 QS 30 IP 26 H 15 ER 4 HR 11 BB 22 SO 4.50 ERA 1.23 WHIP
While not overly great, it isn't exactly horrible either. And maybe with some positive results, he could gain some confidence. But what do I know, all of this is on Sanchez and nothing to do with whether Ausmus is setting him up for success or failure.