Around the Yankees Galaxy 3/8/10
by 3460kuri on Mar 8, 2010 4:00 AM EST
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Print-Fangraphs does a little speculating about what we can expect from Jorge Posada going forward. When you're in uncharted territory (like expecting a lot from a 39 year old catcher) you can never be confident. But, I will go on the record saying I'm not quite as worried.
Somebody like Ivan Rodriguez is a very interesting comparison. Both are about the same (actually, Posada is a tad older) but other than the fact that they're both catchers and they'll both turn 39 this year, they have little else in common. Rodriguez become a regular in the majors at 19, after catching 241 games in the minors, and today, with over 2,600 professional games under his belt , he is six years removed from his last excellent season. However, since Posada wasn't drafted as a catcher and was blocked by Joe Girardi at the beginning of his carrer, he's caught nearly 700 fewer games in his career. I'm sure an X-ray of their knees would tell us all we need to see.
Posada probably has more gas left in the tank than any other 38-year old catcher in history. So I think he's a reasonably safe bet to catch 100-120 games and hit like we'd expect him to in 2010.
-Sorry AJ, I don't think your lack of a changeup has been the problem, it's the lack of throwing strikes.
-What is the likelihood that Jesus Montero breaks camp with the big club? It was probably never that high, but this has to increase it at least slightly.
-Relax. We're one week into Spring Training games, so don't rush to judge Nick Johnson's durability as Pavano-esque.
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He'll catch
70-75% of games in 2010 and see that drop gradually for the next two and then FT DH.
How is Cervelli? His health is key this year unless you want Montero catching in 2010 – not sure he is ready for that.
Cervelli
We won’t know for a few days. But, you do have to worry about a guy who has had two concussions within the space of a few months. What happens the next time there is a collision at home plate and he gets run over? By the way, Girardi has already said they would go to Mike Rivera as the backup if Frankie isn’t ready.
Montero
This is a kid who hasn’t played at AAA who could be a stud. Don’t rush him.
Also, while the Yanks never really worry about money, if I were Cashman, I’d do all I could to make sure he’s not a super 2.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
The organization will want him to learn to properly field a position whether it be catcher or the outfield. Montero should be fully ready to stay once he’s called up.
by Scooby Snacks on Mar 8, 2010 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
If Cervelli's out
for an extended period of time, that could be the end of the Yankee’s season before it even begins.
Cervelli is the backup catcher.
That’s like being the starting catcher, but you don’t play so much. The backup doesn’t even have to hit- just ask whichever Molina it was that we had last year. Austin Romine would do for at least a while. I can’t see backup catching costing the division title. If Posada couldn’t play, or his performance fell off the table, that would be different.
by designatedquitter on Mar 8, 2010 2:41 PM EST reply actions
What position was Posada drafted for?
I don’t recall, though I’m sure I’ve read it somewhere. Anyone care to enlighten me?
Cervelli is fine, though I struggle to see Posada being the starting catcher both more than 65 to 75% of the 2010 season or more than 50% of the 2011 season, barring serious injuries.
I’m guessing that as long as he doesn’t decline too much in the next 2 years (2010 to 2011), he’ll likely finish his contract as a DH before retiring as a Yankee.
Posada was drafted
as a middle infielder. Baseball-Reference.com shows he played 64 games at second back in his first season in the low minors.
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