The one free agency that I actually wonder about…
Jorge Posada will not go quietly. At 38 years of age, the possible Hall of Famer – given his position as a catcher, he is an interesting case – is eager to continue playing as he closes in on 40. After noting, just a few weeks ago, that he would only relinquish his New York Yankees uniform by force, Posada continued that theme in a piece today by the Bergen Record’s Bob Klapisch. “I’m not going to make it easy on anyone trying to move me out,” noted the fiery backstop, affirming his place as the Yankees’ catcher, despite their abundance of such talent in the minor leagues.
While everyone is quick to discuss Derek Jeter’s approaching free agency given its immediacy (as if he will ever leave, give me a break), Jorge Posada’s situation is much more interesting, even though his FA is still two years away, due at the end of the 2011 season. As Posada has indicated, his approach to free agency, barring a dramatic offensive depression, which can be expected at his age, will be a stubborn one, a hardline display of machismo and pride, amongst other traits. Now, what will the Yankees do if Jesus Montero proves himself as a catcher by that point? What about Austin Romine? If such a scenario unfolds, do you make a “hard” decision or do you make an “easy” one? What if Joe Mauer actually hits the market? What if Posada has a great 2011? If Posada wishes to continue playing at that point in time, the Yankees will be faced with some particularly tough decisions. When one considers the many question marks surrounding this specific matter – these question marks are intimately tied to Posada’s age as well as his position as a catcher – it becomes clear it stands as the central personnel issue for the Yankees in the near future.
So, while many worry – for no reason, really – about the futures of Derek Jeter or even Mariano Rivera, in reality, it is Jorge Posada that is the most interesting free agent case on the Yankees’ ledger (again, even if it is two years away).
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If Posada manages to remain a productive offensive player through 2011, the most obvious solution for 2012 seems rather simple to me; Montero becomes the Yankees catcher (assuming the organization thinks he can field the position adequately), and Posada returns on a one-year contract to DH. If Posada is’t amenable to that, then it’s time to thank him for his years in pinstripes and wish him the best.
Yea, I wonder if Posada would want to go year-to-year at that point. He seems so stubborn.
That’s a fair concern, but if thats the case then it’s on Posada. If he refuses to accept that he’s 40 (or will be 40), then there’s not really anything that the Yankees can do about it. A one year deal and a gig as the DH on the Yankees is a perfectly fair offer for a 40 year old Jorge Posada. But the team certainly can’t allow Montero to languish behind a 40 year old catcher who doesn’t play strong defense anyway.
Posada is history after this contract. We have three very fine catchers coming on strong, by 2011/12 one or two of them will be ready to take over…or sooner.
Posada had a very good year in 2009 but, I have seen this happen before (see, Bernie W as the latest). Sometimes an ageing player has a “Brake-out Year”, before the down fall of age, catching up to them.
I like the help he has given the Yanks over the years and his tough attitude but, (unless you are superman) age catches up to everyone…even MO and Posada.
Agreed in that age will catch up to him, perhaps this year (at least to some degree). I think, maybe if his performance declines, he’ll be more amenable to stepping aside in the future.
If Posada is still hitting .275, 20hrs, 80rbi after 2011, he’ll likely get 1 more year. First time he does what Bernie did (drop 60 points, no power), he’s retired.
I think it has the Bernie Williams situation written all over it. Cashman wants to bring the payroll down and there’s no way Posada will take a huge cut being that he is a prideful guy. So, he’ll either take the cut from some other AL team that will DH him or not play at all. Maybe he knows how to play guitar.
This is all premature. The odds that he will be able to play at a high level in 2012 are not that great. I would be thrilled if he has a 100 games as a good starting catcher in 2010 and is average to decent in 80 games in 2011.
SHOCKED THAT YOU ACTUALLY THINK THIS IS AN ISSUE. GIVEN TRUTH SYRUM, CASHMAN WOULD WISH JORGE WOULD GO THE ONEIL ROUTE SOONER THAN LATER. IN THE GAME TODAY AGAINST DETROIT, HE MISSED A PITCH THROWN RIGHT AT HIM…HIS DEFENCE IS ARTROCIOUS, HIS GAME CALLING A MYSTERY….I BEG YOU JORGE, PLEASE RETIRE….WE LOVE YOU BUT GO BEFORE YOU EMBARASS YOURSELF…..
Not sure if this is sarcasm or what, lol.
If the Yankees resign Posada, they’re nuts.
So if Jorge hits .280/.350/.480 with 20 home runs in 2011 and the Yankees bring him back on a one year deal to DH and catch when Montero needs a day off that would be crazy?
I BELIEVE YOU RIGHT BRIEN THAT HE CAN STILL HIT…BUT I DONT WANT TO SEE HIM NEAR THE PLATE WITH ALL THE TALENT WE HAVE NOW INCLUDING CERVELL..TYU ITSELF HAS DISPLAYED THE METRICS ON OLDER CATCHERS….THERE IS LITTLE EVIDENCE THAT HE WILL CONTINUE AT A HIGH LEVEL ANYWAY…..
If he wants to keep playing with the Yankees after 2011, then in all likelihood he will have to accept a bench role, or at most a part-time player. He could also be used as the third catcher here and there. It wouldn’t be a huge stretch to think he could be a useful power bat off the bench. Posada could very well still have some value to the Yankees in 2012 beyond his legacy.
AGREED BUT HE IS TOO PROUD TO PLAY FOR 3RD STRING MONEY AND CASH IS ON TRACK TO USE HIS HEAD NOT HIS HEART
His performance will dictate his and the Yankees decision process. His pride will not allow him to stay beyond his ability to contribute, he will not have to be forced out he will retire. If he continues to perform at a high level he will be offered a 1 year deal, but not before he is invited to camp, just like the Yankees did with Bernie.
I read the prior piece that established Jorge in the Guinness Book, even if the HOF doesn’t like his numbers. And he’s a remarkably humble man to admit his defense does not rank, but hold it’s “not that bad.”
But as an older guy with a younger heart, I say condemn him not for his age, let his bat prove him adequate or not. Next year seems to be lining up perfectly for a transition to a shared-time relationship with the heir apparent. We’ll be fine waiting till then to discuss his future.
Montero stroked a fine double in the late innings tonight.
Jorge Posada’s defense is underrated, in that it has been billed as awful. That’s not true. It’s “eh.”
Baseball is a business and sometimes someone’s feelings are going to get hurt and I believe that soon Jorge’s will. Cashman will not keep him around past the time he should let him go. I think Jorge has done a great job as the Yankees’ catcher but if your time is up then it’s up. For fans that sometimes is hard to swallow. We tend to not see the chinks in the armor but what happens usually is someone else comes along that makes us forget about the “last person”..see Montero, Romine OR MAUER!