The Jorge Posada news has me thinking about Gene Tenace.
Late in the 1972 season, Tenace strained his shoulder too – and could no longer make the throw to second base from his catching position. He took cortisone shots to get through the playoffs and World Series. And, in 1973, Tenace was moved to first base.
Of course, they’ve come a long way with what they can do with surgery since 1972. And, maybe things will be different for Posada? Then again, maybe all those in Yankeeland better start thinking about Jorge becoming the Yankees first baseman when he returns to play.
I know that many Yankees fans lust after free-agent-to-be Mark Teixeira. But, given Posada’s contract and injury, maybe it just makes more sense to figure on having Jorge play first until someone like Jesus Montero, Bradley Suttle, or Derek Jeter (?) is ready to become the Yankees full-time first baseman.
6 Responses to “Fiore Gino Tennaci”
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April 28th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Did they even have arthroscopic shoulder surgery in ‘72? If not, the comparison is probably inapt. Anyway, I think we should at least await a diagnosis and prognosis before we make any positional projections for Jorge.
Matsui should be worked out at 1B this year.
I think Montero is going to remain a catcher.
April 28th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Why does it “make more sense” to have a broken-down old man with limited experience play first rather than an All-Star in his prime?
April 28th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Because he can still hit, and should be able to play first, and is under contract for three years after this one, and will be paid a lot of money.
What else would you do with him if he can’t catch?
April 28th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
If Posada needs surgery, he should get it. Once he’s back, if they need him at first he should play first. His latest “I’m not playing first, I’m a catcher” comments were a very poor way of showing appreciation for a team that just signed him to a big contract. Those comments really floored me and I’ve lost almost all of my respect for the guy.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Montero has exceeded expectations defensively behind the plate, throwing out runners at a good clip and blocking balls. Whether he can call a good game or handle pitchers is something we’ll find out soon enough. People who automatically assume that Jesus can’t remain at catcher because he’s “too big and still growing,” apparently have never seen Joe Mauer (6′4″ and 220 lbs.) nor heard of Carlton Fisk (6′3″ and 225 lbs.). What he’s shown in his first month of full-season ball is offensive skills with almost no ceiling, especially in terms of unworldy power potential. He can rake! He might be ready by 2011…at the latest
November 20th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
[...] what if his shoulder will not allow him to take advantage of that chance? Think about it…a full-time [...]