(c/o AP)
Earlier today, I had a chance to read an interesting (albeit depressing) article by ESPN’s Ian O’Conner (insider req’d) — yes, the same guy who wrote “.” The article explored some of the mounting performance pressures that have been placed on ‘s veteran shoulders, and the presumable angst that’s thusly stemming from it.
O’Conner opines, “…If he fails in that pursuit [improving offensively], his distinguished career in pinstripes will end. The Yankees would never release Posada before his best friend’s milestone achievement, likely arriving by the end of next week. They don’t want to release him at all, in fact, not after he’s given them so many years of Thurman-like grit… But they will do what they have to do if Posada’s play forces them to do it… .”
We’re all conscious of the scrutiny that Posada’s received this season for his declining offense. Frankly, for much of the season thus far, he’s essentially been an empty shell of his former productive self and the critiques have been warranted. That being said, I hadn’t really considered the possibility of Posada being released midseason — such an undignified conclusion to an otherwise glorious career simply didn’t resonate with me. Instead, I basically resigned to the fact that Jorge would continue to make considerable money for the remainder of the year in a limited capacity, and then either leave on his own terms or be “encouraged” to retire after season’s end. Other than brief spats of reoccurring frustration during his plate appearances, I don’t even really begrudge him for being a fossil either; after all, the Yankees really lucked out in terms of what they got out of a then 36 year old catcher beginning a brand new multi-year deal (on top of the durability and production generated up to that point).
As Ian indicates, the Yankees do not want to release Posada any more than NY fans want to see him fail when he’s at the plate, especially given his salary and the bad publicity that a premature departure could potentially cause. Ultimately though, iconic status won’t be enough to hinder a change nor will it be enough to sway the fickle nature of the mob fans. The Yankees (just like any other competently managed organization) will always act in a manner of self preservation, even if it means alienating a ballplayer who’s delivered “Thurman-like grit” for almost two decades.
In short, Posada must be cognizant of the fact that each at bat is an opportunity to help his cause (he’s even gone on the record saying he may want to continue playing after this season!). Unlike Jeter though, who effectively has the organization by the proverbial balls, Posada has limited leverage with the Front Office. He has no additional years on his contract, no player options, a substantial salary that no other team in their right mind would want to assume via a theoretical trade, on top of the fact that the overall roster has very little flexibility partially because of him.
Unfortunately, Posada can’t consider accepting the “useless backup catcher” role either (similar to the role has since assumed) as , , and Jesus Montero are all in the fold. For the first time in Jorge’s esteemed career, his responsibilities have been substantially relegated. It’s early June and he’s already essentially transformed from a DH into a platoon hitter. Compound his age, the state of the club, and a Front Office that still remembers Jorge’s clubhouse meltdown (over batting order no less!), and it really doesn’t take much imagination to envision a scenario that ends in tears. Or, as O’Conner argues, each hit seems to have become critical to his survival as an actively contributing Yankee.
My guess is Posada will most certainly be around for his buddy’s 3,000th hit. I bet that he ends up lingering on with the team in some capacity for the remainder of the year. That, of course, is merely my prediction and reality could prove completely different – especially if he continues to be baffled against left handed pitchers (or pitchers in general). Now, if you’re reading this site, you probably spend more time focusing on Yankee baseball than what’s typically recommended. How would you feel if after the Allstar break, Posada and the team went in separate directions?
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I think the biggest issue is that Jesus Montero hasn’t really forced the Yankee hand yet. He’s been hitting better than he started last year, but isn’t lighting the world on fire yet. I still think the right move is to replace Posada with him sooner rather than later, but I think Posada has some breathing room until Montero turns it on and belts 5 HR in a week.
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Matt Warden Reply:
June 8th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Agreed. I have to wonder though about Posada’s fate regardless of Montero. Obviously if the kid is ready, it makes the decision a whole lot easier. However, if Posada is thoroughly struggling, can you concieve a situation where there is a rotating DH or a split DH (i.e. Jones and Chavez, pretending he were back) or something along those lines?
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EJ Fagan Reply:
June 8th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Jones and Chavez aren’t exactly forcing their hand either. The Yankees pretty much have been using the rotating DH – Posada is playing pretty rarely lately, with Arod and Jeter getting a lot of days off.
I feel like for a lot of players, they would have out and made a trade for someone’s platoon bench bat or something, or someone’s AAAA player having a good year.
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I missed most of last night’s game, but Posada went 3-3 while filling in for Teix. It sounds like Teix will need to sit for 2 or 3 days, so do the Yankees roll the dice and let Posada play first for a few days, see what happens? Obviously, he doesn’t take Teix’s job away no matter what he does, but if he is passable (Giambi like) at 1st AND hits, this increases his value. Maybe Posada can expand his roll and play first while Teix rests or DHs, giving Teix some needed rest and maybe, being out on the field is what Posada needs to get his bat working and his mind clear – if the yankees release him, they just eat the money, right? But Posada is expensive, so i think he’ll be on the team all year and if they make the playoffs, they leave him off the roster.
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Jared Reply:
June 8th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
You didn’t miss a whole lot Jamie. I think I can speak for most of us when I say optimism was down a few points after the first.
As for Posada, you’re absolutely right. The Yanks would eat the money if they let him go, which in my opinion, is their largest motivation for keeping him around (other than the publicity). He had a good hitting night yesterday (although one of hits was a bit lucky). It was also his first hit against a lefty pitcher I think this season.
If he plays a passable firstbase and contributes offensively during Tex’s absence, obviously that’s ideal. That would go a long way to cementing his spot for a while.
However, I see what Matt W. is saying too. If he’s really struggling, the Yankees can only afford to have a void in the bottom third of their lineup for so long. They will make changes regardless of the cost…especially if Montero is giving good reason to make an appearance.
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jamie Reply:
June 8th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
How much does Posada make this year? $14 million sounds familiar… even if they wait till after the all star break to release him, the Yankees would have to eat $7 million. that’s a spicy noodle bowl. (check out the noodle bowl – left field, first floor, right by the food court – love it!) I just can’t see them eating that much cash. they’ll just keep him on the bench… or maybe have him cook up those garlic fries, which are not as good as they look, by the way
ha, the Yankees have just claimed jeff Marquez off waivers – gotta love it!
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T.O. Chris Reply:
June 9th, 2011 at 7:14 am
You have to pay him the full amount no matter what, all contracts are garuanteed.
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EJ Fagan Reply:
June 8th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
They also have the short-term option of letting Swisher play 1st base, putting Dickerson in the field.
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“How would you feel if after the Allstar break, Posada and the team went in separate directions?”
I’d be OK with that. I’d rather the Yankees win ballgames and have productive players. In a few years’ time, no one would remember how it all went down with Posada. If you asked someone in 1986 whether Yogi Berra would ever be the team’s official mascot again, they’d have said no. Time heals all wounds and Posada will eventually get over the hurt and embarrasment of being DFA’d (if it came to that).
As it pertains to Jesus Montero, whether he’s setting the world on fire in AAA or not, it’s really serving the Yankees no purpose just keeping him down there against pitchers he already destroyed last year. At a certain point the shiny new toy is gathering mold and dust down in the cold, dank corner of the basement.
Cold and cruel as it may be — and unpopular an opinion too — Posada should just be let go after Jeter gets his 3,000th hit. Although I find it utterly absurd that Jeter’s best pal should be kept on the team just so he can share in a celebration that has nothing to do with him, the Yankees certainly don’t need to rock the boat for another two weeks. But, really, isn’t it time to just move on and see what Montero can do? Surely he can do better than Posada’s .195/.306/.362 (.069/.229/.069 vs. LHP) right?
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Matt Warden Reply:
June 8th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
Couldn’t have said it better myself. I wholeheartedly agree.
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JonS Reply:
June 9th, 2011 at 12:47 am
You should publish this post.
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T.O. Chris Reply:
June 9th, 2011 at 7:20 am
You can’t just overlook what he is doing in triple A. he is having career worsts in almost every category, while showing almost no patience, a lot of holes in the swing, and limited power. If you brng up a player who swings at everything, never walks, and doesn’t connect for power you end up with a player going back to Scranton crushed.
He obviously still doesn’t have a grasp of the strikezone, and pitch recognition is still something he is working on. You can develop those things much easier in Scranton than you can the Bronx. If he goes on another second blazing streak like last year, call him up and let him rake. But it does no good to call him up in a situation where he is more likely to fail than succeed. He hasn’t even been trending up in his numbers, he just slipped below .300 for the first time.
It’s kind of hard for the new toy to get moldy when he’s barley 21.
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MJ Recanati Reply:
June 9th, 2011 at 9:41 am
I think there was a strong case to be made that he had earned his promotion to the big leagues last year when so whatever we’re seeing now, while underwhelming, may also be a case of immaturity and pouting as he sits bored in AAA. Do I know this for a fact? No. If it’s true, does it represent a problem for the Yankees that Montero might not be emotionally mature enough to handle failure? Sure. But…
I reiterate my earlier (mostly) rhetorical question:
“Surely he can do better than Posada’s .195/.306/.362 (.069/.229/.069 vs. LHP) right?”
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I think folks need to forget about his salary, the money is already spent. Really it’s a simple question is it better to pay Posada to stay with the team and provide offense that actually hurts the team or pay him to take a long vacation and have someone else provide offense that helps the team?
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