Brian McCann enjoyed his time with the New York Yankees, but admitted that the offseason trade that sent him to the Houston Astros was good for both parties.

"I can still catch at this level, and I can catch at a high level, too," he said. "I wasn't going to (stay and) catch once a week and DH. I still have a lot left in the tank. I feel great. When this was presented, it was a no-brainer because I went to a team filled with talent ... young talent that's going to be together for a while.

"I think it was a best-case scenario for both sides. Gary's [Sanchez] going to be there for a long time and I get to come here (to the Astros) and fill in this lineup, catch this staff."

McCann lost time to Sanchez, who was promoted for good in August and hit 20 home runs in 53 games.

"Gary put on a clinic, but he's got a great swing," McCann said. "He hits the ball to all fields. He's got pop. In my three years there, I thought Gary made strides every year. He's a mature guy. He works hard. He cares. ... You knew his time was coming."