Can Jorge Posada Hurt His New York Yankees Legacy This Off-Season?
by Brandon C. on Dec 2, 2011 9:00 AM EST
in New York Yankees Analysis
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PrintJon Heyman reported yesterday that Jorge Posada contacted the New York Mets about possibly joining the team. The report was denied by both Posada's agent, Seth Levinson, and Mets GM Sandy Alderson.
After hearing the news before it was reported to be false, many asked if signing with the Mets would hurt Posada's "Yankees legacy."
If Jorge Posada is determined to play, there are only two ways he can hurt his Yankees legacy. Neither of them are signing with the Mets.
First of all, the Mets play the Yankees only six times next season. The only ways Posada can hurt the Yankees is if he contributes a lot during the six games between the two teams.
Secondly, the Mets as of now do not look like a playoff team, so the "rivalry" between the Yankees and Mets should not be at its strongest.
Finally, even if the Mets are good, does it really matter if Posada plays for them? Playing one season for another team that Yankees fans don't like, that the Yankees play only six times, and in a role that he won't be able to hurt the Yankees should not hurt his "legacy."
As a member of the "core four," Posada is very dear to many Yankees fans, including myself. The fact of the matter is that the Yankees are pushing Posada out the door, and Jorge deserves to take whatever opportunities are given to him.
Still, there are two ways that I would understand Yankees fans being upset with Posada. Follow me after the jump to find out the reasons.
1. Jorge Posada signs with the Boston Red Sox- Simply, I hate the Red Sox. All Yankees fans hate the Red Sox, and all Red Sox fans hate the Yankees. The rivalry is too strong to accept a key player switching allegiances, especially when the player has been a part of the rivalry for so long.
Posada signing with the Red Sox is extremely unlikely, but if it happens Yankees fans have the right to be upset, even though Posada deserves to sign wherever the best fit for him is.
2. Jorge Posada signs with the Tampa Bay Rays, hurts the Yankees during the season- This is also unlikely, but if Posada signs with the Rays, and excels in the role he receives, I could see Yankees fans being upset about that.
The Rays may be more of a threat to the Yankees than the Red Sox next year, (we shall see what happens in the off-season) so Posada would be signing with the biggest threat to the Yankees.
****
Personally, while I will be angry if Posada signs with the Red Sox or Rays, it will have zero affect on his "legacy" in my eyes. He's still a Yankee at heart and will always be.
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I could care less where he goes
He’d likely help the Yanks by going to the Red Sox or Rays. But from his standpoint it makes no sense to me. So few players have spent this long of a career solely as a Yankee. Why throw that away for a .240 season playing out the string?
If you could care less why don’t you?
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I will absolutely never understand why people have such a hard time with this
what’s worse is when after having it explained, they still don’t get it/try to argue with you
by MichaelGGBGrabow on Dec 2, 2011 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
From the perspective of time, it would make little difference whether Posada retires now or plays another year for someone else.
Did Babe Ruth ruin his legacy by finishing his career as a broken down Pittsburgh Pirate? Is Andy Pettitte any less of a Core Four because of his Houston vacation?
by designatedquitter on Dec 2, 2011 9:21 AM EST reply actions
I think everyone got over David Cone pitching for the Sox
so I think they can get over Jorge Posada playing for them.
The Rays may be more of a threat to the Yankees than the Red Sox next year
this statement bothers me. Sure the Red Sox management fiasco has made the team look like they’re falling down a black hole, but this is still the team that won 90 games, has Beckett and Lester at the top of their rotation and has a lineup of Pedroia, Youkilis, Gonzalez, Ortiz, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford. This is still a dangerous team and to completely disregard them because they lost one big game is completely jumping the gun. I know the popular thing and the easy thing to do is to look at what has happened in the last month and laugh at how hopeless they seem, but this team does not suck and they will contend for a playoff spot. As good as the Rays (surprisingly) were last year, if the Sox didn’t fall apart I hardly doubt we’d be talking about the Rays being a more dangerous team.
This is still a dangerous team and to completely disregard them because they lost one big game is completely jumping the gun
By saying the Rays are the better team I am in no way shape or form saying the Yankees should completely disregard the Red Sox. The Red Sox are and most likely will be a very good team for a very long time.
My belief is the Rays are better. The staff includes Hellickson, Shields, Price, and Niemann looks like he could develop into more. If Upton can have a good year for once the lineup isn’t anything to laugh at either, especially with Jennings getting a full season in the bigs.
I would still be calling the Rays a better team. Looking at their roster I see more talent.
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"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
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agreed
Matt Moore looks real good too
by MichaelGGBGrabow on Dec 2, 2011 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
Forgot about him. That’s 4 1st or 2nd starters+Niemann+Wade Davis
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
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"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
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Cobb looks like an effective starter as well.
Yes, that is Spike Lee.
by TheRealSlimShady on Dec 2, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Why’s that?
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Because Price, Shields, Hellickson, and Moore are all better.
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by Frank Campagnola on Dec 2, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
Well yes, but Shields might not be around much longer, and they need a 5th. I do agree, though, it wouldn’t surprise me the slightest bit if one is gone soon.
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Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
I think that’s why he put them between the slash, indicating that one of them would be gone.
If the Rays are smart, they’ll pay Shields for 2012 and make a run at the series, because their rotation rivals the Phillies and Giants, and is easily the best in the AL.
And they have enough offense in Longo, Upton, Zobrist, Joyce, a full year of Jennings, etc.
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by Frank Campagnola on Dec 2, 2011 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
Their major issue is shortstop/second base right now. Since Kotchman is gone Zobrist has to play first base, leave second and short to Elliot Johnson and Sean Rodriguez.
Johnson and Rodriguez are nice players, but neither of them hit nearly enough. Johnson had a .252 wOBA and Rodriguez had a .303 wOBA. And While both of them play above average defense, it isn’t nearly good enough to justify keeping them in the lineup.
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by Frank Campagnola on Dec 2, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
They won't move Zobrist to first
I really think they will get a first basemen and DH this winter, their GM has some out and said that they need more offense.
All Yankees fans hate the Red Sox
Don’t lump me in with this nonsense
by MichaelGGBGrabow on Dec 2, 2011 9:32 AM EST reply actions
….you don’t hate the Red Sox?
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"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
No. I want them to lose because they're in the AL East and they're a good team
not because they are the Red Sox.
by MichaelGGBGrabow on Dec 2, 2011 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
Im with Michael...sort of.
I don’t hate the Red Sox. I live in Red Sox territory, so I just hate the Sox fans who are jerks to me for being a Yankees fan. I want the Red Sox to lose just because I know it makes those fans cry.
Jorge has been my favorite player since he first came up. I have to buy whatever jersey he wears next year (if he signs somewhere.)…so I’m hoping I don’t have to buy a Sox jersey, but I wouldn’t hate him for it.
by jimitre on Dec 2, 2011 11:55 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Same here
I have no soft spot for the squad, having lived in New England and most recently in the Boston area, and thus among their crazayass fanbase, but I have no irrational problem with the team. Gotta love the Fenway experience, especially as a Yankee fan during NY/Bos games. My gf wears her Mattingly jersey and you wouldn’t believe the respect she gets.
But for all the talk of ‘rivalry,’ the unbelievable insanity of the Yanks/Sox comes only in one direction: from Boston fans. To them, we’re the devil incarnate. To me, the Sox are just another squad albeit closer and louder and more annoying. I don’t think most Yankee fans have any kind of team hatred or kneejerk disgust for them—I think it’s really petty to have such a hatred for any team because of our success, class, and history.
Why would the Sux sign Posada
They have a well loved aging catcher of their own they can put on the roster.
Posada needs to retire before he makes a real ass out of himself.
Hope Jorge retires
I’d prefer It f he doesn’t play somewhere else and would hate it if he played in Boston. But, that being said, won’t hold it against him no matter what he does
by Arkansas Yankee on Dec 2, 2011 10:27 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Posada's Yankee legacy is deeply cemented
so I could care less if he signs with another team and wants to prove that he still has something left in the tank. I wish Jorge well and will forever express gratitude to him as a fan.
Legacy
He’s fine in my book no matter where he goes. It’s not like he’s ditching the Yanks to go somewhere for more money. If he still wants to play, it’s got to be in another uniform, as the Yanks don’t want him. That’s the end of it.
That said, I do hope he hangs ’em up.
I don't think any of what you present will matter in the long run
Whether he goes to the Mets or Red Sox or whatever other team, and whether or not he does particularly well for that team, his Yankees legacy will remain strong and clean and shiny.
I can’t speak for Red Sox Nation with regards to Damon going from the Sox to the Yankees, but I can say that I don’t think Matsui’s legacy has been hurt by his desire to continue playing (and the Yankees plan not having room for him).
I'm with you on all points.
And thank you for using the expression correctly. It’s annoying to see “could care less.” If you can care less, then you care enough to care less. If you couldn’t care less, then you don’t care at all.
Boone Logan is a good boy. So is David Robertson. Team A.J.
Personally, while I will be angry if Posada signs with the Red Sox or Rays, it will have zero affect on his “legacy” in my eyes. He’s still a Yankee at heart and will always be.
So you agree?
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Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Yes and no
Yes, it won’t have an affect on his “legacy” as far as I’m concerned.
No, I won’t be angry if he signs with the Red Sox or Rays.
I will be for this season, obviously it’s his choice and he should play wherever he wants, but I’m not going to root for him or anything on either of those team.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Posada legacy
Posada’s legacy is safe, no matter what. It might be a good idea to offer him a contract, considering how he hit in the playoffs. Having a switch-hitter coming off the bench who can perform as the third/emergency catcher is a role Posada covered nicely this past season.
He's not going to catch again, ever
That’s why he was limited to DH/1B duties in addition to pinch hitting.
I’m not sure he could be counted on as a bench player, he had enough trouble during the regular season just hitting as the DH.
There's no reason for it
Yea he was OK from the left side, but with Montero getting a full time DHing spot and A-Rod and Jeter both needing times to DH, I don’t think this team really has use for a guy who only pinch hits against righties and doesn’t have a position. It’s just too small a role and I’d rather they get someone who can have a bigger role on this team.
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
Can anyone tell me why sometimes "Z" doesn't work for me?
Anyone have this problem? It’s real annoying
by MichaelGGBGrabow on Dec 2, 2011 10:50 AM EST reply actions
the picture Barnd upload is not showing up for me
the page is stuck loading. I had to stop the page loading just to comment so it might be that.
I thought that one of the ways he could he hurt his legacy
would be by continuing to play at a very diminished level and being remembered (by some) for staying on way too long instead of retiring.
Gotta agree with this
It’s not the matter of which team Jorge might play for, it the matter of trying to play out the string after the skills have eroded.
"I don't want one of those guys who'll drive in two but let in three every game." Casey Stengel
by tnredneckyankeesfan on Dec 2, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
I disagree
only insomuch as it pertains to the fact that expectations for Posada are probably already pretty low. I could understand if a team signed him to be a DH, but their expectations can’t be that high (nor should the value of the contract) considering he posted a career worst .235/.315/.398 in his first and only full season as a DH (and I’m not comparing the two seasons before 1997, a season in which, even with playing in only 60 games, he posted .250/.359/.410). I’m not sure anyone will be giving him more playing time than the Yankees did in 2011 (115 games, he caught one game, played 1B/2B in 14 games, the rest he either was the DH or used as a pinch hitter).
So, if he does continue playing, he’s probably looking at Eric Chavez as his role model (player off the bench, maybe a player to play 1B or 3B when the team is up big in late innings, but limited overall impact), preferably without the injury that Chavez had in 2011.
Im more upset about what the Yanks are doing to Jorge.
Couldn’t care less about what he does now. I would have preferred they let Jorge go on his own terms. He was more than serviceable from the left side last season.
by Section 336 on Dec 2, 2011 3:33 PM EST via mobile reply actions
What exactly are the Yankees doing to him?
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by Jedi Master A-Rod on Dec 2, 2011 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
Best interests of the Yankees > Best interests of one player
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Dec 2, 2011 5:04 PM EST up reply actions
Nothing Posada does at this point will hurt his Yankee legacy at all
Not to me. Even if he goes to the Red Sox or the Rays or anywhere else. He’s been a leader and a staple of this team for over 15 years. I’m not going to forget that. If Yankee fans were to get upset with him if he goes somewhere else, they can feel free. To me, he’s one of the best catchers in Yankee history.
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
by nyyrocks29 on Dec 2, 2011 3:35 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Posada
Does anyone truly believe Babe Ruth’s Yankee legacy to have been diminished one iota because he ended his career with the Boston Braves?
Jorge’s standing as a Yankee great is secure, no matter what happens. I just hope that he doesn’t make it awkward like Bernie did.
Hate?
I’ve been a Yankee fan for 40+ years. I don’t hate the Red Sox. I want the Yankees to kick their butts on the field but I don’t hate them.
Posada tainted his legacy by playing last year.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Dec 2, 2011 7:38 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
taint
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by Jedi Master A-Rod on Dec 2, 2011 7:45 PM EST up reply actions
The only way Posada could hurt his NYY legacy is if he stole my nachos and didn't offer to buy me new ones
He’s Jorge Posada. He shouldn’t be stealing anyone’s food after what the Yankees have paid him.
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Dec 2, 2011 8:01 PM EST reply actions
I could not care less if Posada signed with the Red Sox
or the Rays. He helped us win multiple championships. He is at the end of his career, but even mediocre baseball players make a hell of a lot of money. He should get all he can while he is still physically able.
by mypisceannature on Dec 2, 2011 10:41 PM EST reply actions
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