Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
July 21, 2008
Posada to the DL

Jorge Posada went on the disabled list Monday, and this time the rest of the season is in doubt:

Posada said he was planning on starting a rehab program Monday before discussing his options with Altchek. Posada, who acknowledged more damage in his shoulder beyond an injured labrum, could miss part of next season if he waits to have surgery.

It was a tough call to re-sign Posada to a new contract. I understand the Yankees were rewarding him for many years of great service, but that contract doesn't really look good right now. I expect Jorge, if surgery is successful, will take Giambi's place at first, since I don't expect New York to re-sign Jason. I wonder how Posada's season will also effect the Red Sox's offer to Varitek.


Posted by David Pinto at 05:59 PM | Injuries | TrackBack (0)
Comments

Depending on how Posada's surgery goes, he is still more valuable at catcher than anywhere else (and the rest of his body will not have received much wear and tear this season).

Conversely, if Posada is not healthy enough to catch next season, he won't be healthy enough to play 1B.

Sorry, Dave, I don't see it.

Posted by: JRVJ at July 21, 2008 06:36 PM

Firstbasemen don't throw all that much. I'd have preferred a 3 year contract, but the last year is the real reward. Jorge can be a switch hitting 1B/DH for a couple of years.

Posted by: rbj at July 21, 2008 07:52 PM

Even if you assume that his injuries won't affect his hitting, Posada would be marginal at 1B or DH. Take out his incredible 2007 season, and his numbers are pretty consistent: say they average out at .270/360/440. Factor in some measure of decline for a player who will be 37 in 2009, and you've got a player who is only valuable as a catcher. He's okay but nothing special at 1B or DH.

Unless you somehow assume that in 2007, at the age of 35, Posada suddenly became a far better hitter than he'd ever been before.

Posted by: jvwalt at July 22, 2008 03:08 AM

Right, I agree with jvwalt.
Another thing: there's a dearth of good-hitting catchers. Mauer, of course, and maybe Dioner Navarro, but there's already talk of moving Saltalamacchia to first base, and who else is out there? If C becomes the new SS, a player like Posada becomes all that more valuable at catcher.

Posted by: RIYank at July 22, 2008 07:36 AM

The Yankees have to think long and hard about letting Giambi go. Despite some weird comments I've heard from David Pinto, .900-OPS first basemen don't grow on trees, especially in what looks like a lower-offense era.

In fact, Giambi ranks fourth among all qualifying first basemen in OPS at .928. He's second in OPS on the Yanks behind only A-Rod. Nobody else on the team is even close. Damon's third at .855.

Could an aging, often hurt Posada even come close to replacing that production? We'll leave aside defense, where Giambi would also be much better.

If the Yankees do let Giambi go, I expect Mark Teixeira to take his place, not an old injured catcher.

Posted by: Casey Abell at July 22, 2008 10:16 AM

The Yankees signed Posada to the deal also because they had no alternative. The cupboard is bare in the Yankees organization for catchers. Right now, Cashman's got to be working a deal with Texas.

Posted by: Barron at July 22, 2008 10:20 AM
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