Cashman Tells Posada He’s The Yanks D.H. Next Season
D.H. as in “Done Hombre”? In 351 career PA, to date, as a D.H., Posada’s BA/OBA/SLG line is .223/.336/.358 – and it’s .220/.329/.378 as a pinch-hitter (in 152 PA). Clearly, if Jorgie is going to be useful in this role, he’s going to have to learn, quickly, how to be effective as a hitter coming cold off the bench.
Via Mr. King & Mr. Sherman –
Face to face Brian Cashman informed Jorge Posada that he will be the Yankees’ designated hitter next season, The Post has learned.
Cashman met with Posada in Manhattan this week to tell the veteran to, as usual, prepare to catch, but the team’s first option is to have youngsters Jesus Montero, Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine compete in spring training for the two primary jobs.
It is quite a risk to team an expensive, mostly veteran staff with such inexperienced catchers. But it is indicative of how much the Yankees believe Posada’s defensive game has slipped in all areas.
It is possible that plans could change if the Yankees use one of the catchers in a trade and/or they feel there is enough budget left to secure a free agent such as John Buck. For now, though, the Yankees are going to hope that Montero, in particular, is advanced enough to handle a significant portion of the catching as a way to begin working the top prospect’s ultra-promising bat into the lineup.
According to a source with knowledge of the conversation, Posada was “fine” with the message that turns the 39-year-old switch-hitter into primarily a DH, a role he has struggled with and has shown no affinity for previously.
Posada is scheduled to undergo surgery today in Miami to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee, The Post also has learned. The procedure, which is similar to the recent one CC Sabathia underwent, will be performed by Dr. Lee Kaplan.
I didn’t realize Posada had struggled in the DH role. In any case, I can’t say I disagree with this move. Posada’s glove is only acceptable if his bat is there and, based on how Posada performed at the plate after coming off the DL on June 2nd, the bat wasn’t there last year.
It’s not like Posada will never catch in 2011, it’s just that he’ll catch a lot less than we’re used to, which is probably a good thing.
Of course Cashman is telling Posada in his own euphemious way, “You can’t catch anymore, and you’re a menace with your glove no matter where we put you on the field, so let’s see if your bat is still strong enough to keep you in the starting line-up all by itself.”
The interesting thing here is that Posada’s contract runs out after the 2011 campaign (at which time he’ll be 40), so it’s imperative that he put up some very attractive offensive numbers to make any case for 2012 and beyond.
@ Jim TreshFan:
I don’t think there can be a case for 2012 and beyond. If Posada wants to keep playing, I don’t see it happening with the Yankees (unless he’s willing to take a financial haircut). At a certain point it’s time to say goodbye.
MJ Recanati wrote:
Exactly. Also, this opens up the door for a little creativity regarding how the catchers are deployed. Roster construction as well, if the Yankees decide they want to go with 3 (or is it 2.5?) catchers. We may see him @ 1b from time to time.
It’s just my opinion, but I still think it’ll be a 3-way job share among Posada, Cervelli and Montero. About 60 each for the 1st 20, and perhaps 40 for Montero, as they try to spot him against teams that don’t run or with the starters with excellent control (to avoid his problems with wild pitches/passed balls).
Evan3457 wrote:
Cliff Lee!
Posada catches Andy
Cervelli catches Burnett
Give Montero the rest
Done.
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Really, though. I think this is a silly move, they shouldn’t be announcing things like this until spring training is almost over. What if Montero breaks his ankle in March? What if Montero struggles out of the gate? Then Posada is your main catcher.
Corey Italiano wrote:
posada wanted to know what he was going to be doing before spring training. i guess cash decided to just get it out of the way early.
MJ Recanati wrote:
Kinda what I had in mind. Or CC.