New York Yankees News - January 25, 2012

by Chris McKeown on Jan 25, 2012 6:01 AM EST in New York Yankees News

There were a few notable stories from yesterday that should be highlighted this morning. Enjoy!

As most of you are well aware, Jorge Posada officially retired from Major League Baseball yesterday. And no, I don't think he'll be making a Brett Favre type of comeback. Whether he got to this point because he couldn't pay another team for his services or he actually felt in his heart of hearts that he was done, Posada's realized he's no longer of service.

"Playing for the New York Yankees has been an honor," he said. "I could never wear another uniform."

Despite his recent decline as he aged, I'll always remember him as the catcher of the Yankees that I grew up with. It was a pleasure to watch him play and his leadership will be missed.

Mixed emotions about Kim Jones leaving her position as a reporter for the YES Network after seven years. I'm sure Michael Kay is likely crying in a corner somewhere in New York City tonight. There's speculation Kim may land a job with NFL Network or fill a more meaningful role with WFAN. Wherever she ends up, best of luck.
Brian Cashman thinks that Jesus Montero just might be the best player he's ever traded away. The deal was finalized yesterday afternoon and young Michael Pineda is on his way to the Big Apple. Jose Campos will obviously enter the minor league system.
With Jorge Posada calling it quits, Russell Martin has agreed to a one-year, $7.5 million deal, according to the New York Times. Martin and the Yankees avoided an arbitration hearing upon agreeing to a new contract.

In news outside of the Yankee organization, the Detroit Tigers signed Prince Fielder to a nine-year, $214 million contract yesterday. With that being said, when will Detroit regret the decision?

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I cant believe the number of $20mil / year contracts

handed out this offseason… at the same time i guess i shouldnt be surprised. Tigers should get a lot more from Fielder in that contract than Angels will get from Pujols. The real question is what the Tigers will get from Cabrera.

Real great job done by the Yankees yesterday for Posada, couldnt have asked for a nicer ceremony, i know this spring will be real hard for him, hopefully he keeps busy between the kids and his foundation and in a couple years we’ll see him come back in some form of coaching / mentor role.

by GriffMan on Jan 25, 2012 7:27 AM EST reply actions

I hope the team has already commissioned a plaque in Monument Park for Posada

He deserves to have his #20 retired. I can’t anyone else wearing it without it being sacrilege

"I really can't stand that NFL guy, what's his name? Mel, yeah Mel Kiper Jr. He knows about as much about football as a Japanese space pilot." - Coach Trickett FSU

ronburgundy banned by BBS for making comments on MCM, Champion of the People, I bow down in awe

Datsyuk, He could deke Victoria out of her secret… He’s THE MAN. posted by Josh Howard on Winging it in Motown 10/13/11

Titans DE Dave Ball on Blount: "It’s like trying to tackle a greased up, naked guy in the shower" 11/27/11
Follow @nolesunited247

by nolesbroncos3456 on Jan 25, 2012 7:38 AM EST reply actions

I've watched a lot of catchers play for the Yankees...

but, with the exception perhaps of Yogi, none of them have been as identifiable as a Yankee as Hip Hip Jorge.

Great career. He knew when it was time to hang it up.

by GrandEd on Jan 25, 2012 8:59 AM EST reply actions

I never saw Yogi play, or Bill Dickey

In my lifetime the two iconic Yankee catchers have been Munson and Posada. I give the nod to Munson as a better player in his prime, but Posada had the longer career. Both were champions. I’ll never forget Jorge’s double off of Pedro in the 2003 ALCS. Here’s hoping that he finds a way to stay in baseball and stay with the Yankees going forward.

by d_c_guy on Jan 25, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

There were other factors that led to Munson's shorter career though

that no human can ovoercome

by ncquake24 on Jan 25, 2012 10:40 AM EST up reply actions

I would add Elston Howard and Thurmon Munson to that list

"I don't want one of those guys who'll drive in two but let in three every game." Casey Stengel

by tnredneckyankeesfan on Jan 25, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions

I know most of you were in love with montero, but

This guy will be ten times better

by Jonathan Reynoso on Jan 25, 2012 9:46 AM EST reply actions

His pictures are certainly much bigger, that’s for sure.

The above comment is not affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, is not based on a secret source of team information, and may contain personal opinion.

"I'll never forget San Francisco and all those beautiful moments."- Andres Torres

by natteringnabob on Jan 25, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions

Look how much taller he is!!!!

by jimitre on Jan 25, 2012 10:37 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Pineda or Posada?

It’s highly optimistic to hope that Jesus would have turned into a possible Hall of Fame catcher, so the idea that Jorge was much better (maybe even 10 times better) that Jesus isn’t a stretch (though I’d not that Jesus can still have a pretty good career and not be in the same class as Jorge).

It’s certainly possible that Pineda will turn out much better (or even 10 times better) that Jesus, but that’s all speculation. I’m still worried about the trade because of all the variables surrounding young pitchers, and my belief that Jesus had it in him to be an outstanding hitter.

by long time listener on Jan 25, 2012 11:01 AM EST up reply actions

Yay unnecessary giant picture!

Cricket blogger and writer of nonsense at 7500 to Holte

by MattF15 on Jan 25, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions

by Jonathan Reynoso on Jan 25, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

I'm very glad for him

Whatever lingering concussion effects he had last year, playing more was only going to risk his future wherever he landed.

Sure is handy to have all those WS trophies lying around in case a photo op comes up!

The above comment is not affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, is not based on a secret source of team information, and may contain personal opinion.

"I'll never forget San Francisco and all those beautiful moments."- Andres Torres

by natteringnabob on Jan 25, 2012 10:37 AM EST reply actions

Sure is

Sure is handy to have all those WS trophies lying around in case a photo op comes up!

"I don't want one of those guys who'll drive in two but let in three every game." Casey Stengel

by tnredneckyankeesfan on Jan 25, 2012 10:49 AM EST up reply actions

I'm gonna miss Kim

by Scooby Snacks on Jan 25, 2012 11:09 AM EST reply actions

she knew how to take a shot to the face

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Jan 25, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

like a champ

by jetanumba2 on Jan 25, 2012 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

I hope you two collide

by long time listener on Jan 25, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions

haha

I like the look on Jeter’s face in the top photo.

The above comment is not affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, is not based on a secret source of team information, and may contain personal opinion.

"I'll never forget San Francisco and all those beautiful moments."- Andres Torres

by natteringnabob on Jan 25, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions

Can she take Kay with her?

"I could never wear another uniform. I will always be a Yankee"- Jorge Posada

Thanks for the memories Jorge

by nyyrocks29 on Jan 25, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions

See Ya!

Should you choose to test my resolve in this matter, you will be facing a finality beyond your comprehension, and you will not be counting days, or months, or years, but milleniums in a place with no doors.

by YankeesJets on Jan 25, 2012 4:28 PM EST up reply actions

Please throw in a free Sterling!

The above comment is not affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, is not based on a secret source of team information, and may contain personal opinion.

"I'll never forget San Francisco and all those beautiful moments."- Andres Torres

by natteringnabob on Jan 25, 2012 8:16 PM EST up reply actions

i thought it was very interesting and telling that he didn't thank girardi

Boone Logan is a good boy. So is David Robertson. Team A.J.

by goyanks69 on Jan 25, 2012 12:13 PM EST reply actions

Girardi....

I believe he thanked “Joe” during the long list of coaches/mentors he went through. He singled out Joe Torre towards the end of it, so the first Joe must’ve been referring to Girardi.

by ECClarke on Jan 25, 2012 1:15 PM EST up reply actions

ah you must be right

good catch

Boone Logan is a good boy. So is David Robertson. Team A.J.

by goyanks69 on Jan 25, 2012 8:45 PM EST up reply actions

He did

by Scooby Snacks on Jan 25, 2012 1:19 PM EST up reply actions

As someone who suffered through ...

the likes of a declining Elston Howard along with Bob Tillman, John Ellis, Frank Fernandez, Jake Gibbs and the tragic loss of Thurman during my formative fan days, it was an absolute joy to have such a consistant and stabilizing player of Jorge’s caliber for so many years. We fans were fortunate indeed, and really quite spoiled. Thank you Jorge!

by ogrover on Jan 25, 2012 12:26 PM EST reply actions

Defense

I don’t think he gets enough credit for the rings. Think of all the big games he’s caught in his career. Sick.

Most arguments are really about context.

by SheaWasBettor21 on Jan 25, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions

I'll miss you Posada

"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"

by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 25, 2012 2:08 PM EST reply actions

Mr McKeown: Thank you for not thanking Posada.

I doubt that Montero will be judged by history to be the best player Cashman ever traded away. Austin Jackson may still pan out in Detroit, Ian Kennedy may repeat his last year’s performance in Aridzoner, and there are probably a few more I’m just not able to recall. I have no doubt Montero will hit, but if his catching ever equals Posada’s, [barely adequate at it’s best], that would be a triumph for Seattle.

by designatedquitter on Jan 25, 2012 2:46 PM EST reply actions

redsox made offer to oswalt but are unsure hed go since hes yet to accept. he rejected det. may prefer cinc, tex, stl

damn, if only they could up their offer by $3M….

This has been an offseason of circles for boston

by jetanumba2 on Jan 25, 2012 2:50 PM EST reply actions

MLB Trade Rumors @mlbtraderumors
Red Sox Have Made Offer To Edwin Jackson bit.ly/y6Fwv7 #mlb

Interesting, although I didn’t think he wanted a one year deal.

"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"

by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 25, 2012 3:19 PM EST reply actions

I don’t think he did, but no one is biting on what he wants for this season and is hoping that things might be different next season.

Jesus Montero fangirl

by WhatwouldJeterdo on Jan 25, 2012 3:25 PM EST up reply actions

Still though, for a one year deal

I’d think he’d possibly wind up costing more than Oswalt

"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"

by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 25, 2012 3:26 PM EST up reply actions

Most likely. He’s less of an injury question than Oswalt, which probably matters for something.

Jesus Montero fangirl

by WhatwouldJeterdo on Jan 25, 2012 3:29 PM EST up reply actions

Exactly, plus he's younger

So if they had to dump Scu Scu Scutaro’s Sal Sal Salary to afford Oswalt, then affording Jackson might be more than they can afford.

"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"

by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 25, 2012 3:31 PM EST up reply actions

Well, they gave Cody Ross 3 million of Scutaro’s money. I don’t see how they have money for either one unless they come up with more money.

Jesus Montero fangirl

by WhatwouldJeterdo on Jan 25, 2012 3:36 PM EST up reply actions

That's what I was thinking as well

"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"

by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 25, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

Just saw Cashman's interview on Mike Francesa's show

Not sure what it means if anything, but Cashman still seems to fully expect Phil Hughes to be in the rotation and he expects him to return to first half 2010 form. Whether he actually believes it, or if Girardi will have Hughes compete for his job or he’s just trying to increase Hughes’ value to trade him, we’ll find out soon enough.

I really hope he’s not traded though, because I still do have hope for him as a starter. Hopefully Cashman means it.

"I could never wear another uniform. I will always be a Yankee"- Jorge Posada

Thanks for the memories Jorge

by nyyrocks29 on Jan 25, 2012 3:39 PM EST reply actions

At this point, I'd guess trade value

I hope not, as I really think he’ll have a bounce back year, but we’ll see!

"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"

by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 25, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

I really hope he'll have a bounce back year

I could live with a rotation of CC-Pineda-Nova-Kuroda-Hughes, and if Hughes has a bounce back year then thats possibly 4 of 5 starters on this team for a long time.

But regardless of what Cashman says, I can’t see him getting the job over someone making 17 million dollars over 2 seasons. As for Freddy, I truly have no idea what they’ll do with him anymore.

This’ll be an interesting spring.

"I could never wear another uniform. I will always be a Yankee"- Jorge Posada

Thanks for the memories Jorge

by nyyrocks29 on Jan 25, 2012 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

Indeed it will be

"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"

by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 25, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions

Man, I’m anxious to see how that last spot pans out.

by MichaelGGBGrabow on Jan 25, 2012 3:53 PM EST up reply actions

New York Yankees @Yankees
Yankees have re-signed five-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones to a one-year contract.

"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"

by I'mGivingYouARaise on Jan 25, 2012 4:08 PM EST reply actions

I thought this happened like 3 months ago?

by jetanumba2 on Jan 25, 2012 4:31 PM EST up reply actions

I was thinking the same thing

They gonna break Albert to the Angels next?

by YankeesJets on Jan 25, 2012 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

They agreed to terms a while back, but it’s now official.

Jesus Montero fangirl

by WhatwouldJeterdo on Jan 25, 2012 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

Well that took a while

by MichaelGGBGrabow on Jan 25, 2012 4:41 PM EST up reply actions

Yankees did a great job yesterday with the Posada stuff

We sometimes take for granted how lucky we are to have had so many great players in the pinstripes. I think Jorge has a a pretty good chance to make the HOF, he is highly respected by the guys that vote. Many of the writers were praising him on twitter as being one of the favorite players they ever covered due to his honesty.

by YankeesJets on Jan 25, 2012 4:33 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

I don't think he deserves a HOF spot

But I’d still love to see him make it as a fan. It would be awesome. At the very least, we need a Jorge Posada day at the stadium this year.

"I could never wear another uniform. I will always be a Yankee"- Jorge Posada

Thanks for the memories Jorge

by nyyrocks29 on Jan 25, 2012 4:36 PM EST up reply actions

His numbers arent really far off from the catchers that are in and the guys that vote love him. Id have to agree with this tweet from Buster Olney;
I’d bet Posada gets into HOF eventually. He will be the Tony Perez to jeter/rivera’s Bench and Joe Morgan.

The thought with Pettitte going into the HOF was that he was never among the best pitchers in the game, just a guy that compiled wins on a good team(not my thoughts BTW), but Jorge was always among the top 3 catchers in the game in his prime years. I hope he gets in, either way it wouldnt be a travesty though.

by YankeesJets on Jan 25, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions

I don't know that top 3 gets you in...

especially at a position with as little depth as catcher. There really aren’t many catchers in the hall of fame. It took Gary Carter a long time to get in and he’s well ahead of Posada. Posada is far behind Ted Simmons in career WAR and Simmons is not in. Also I don’t think voters will give Posada much extra credit for being a catcher since he was bad at it.

I see the Tony Perez argument because Perez has no business being in the hall of fame but got in, I guess, because he played for an all-time great team. But still I don’t think that mistake will carry forward and get Posada in.

In my opinion he’ll never crack 50% of the vote and I’d be surprised if he even gets that close.

All that being said, Posada was a great and at times extremely underrated Yankee. Congrats to him on a brilliant career.

by Let's Talk About Tex Baby on Jan 25, 2012 5:23 PM EST up reply actions