Loading ...Jorge Posada is not expected to be in the plans next year for the New York Yankees and some thought he should retire.
Not so fast, Posada has garnered an interest from the Tampa Bay Rays, as reported by ESPN Deportes. The story explained how Posada could help as backup catcher, first baseman and DH. The Rays signed 36 year old catcher Jose Molina this winter and if they sign the 40 year old Posada, they would make the oldest catching tandem in the major leagues.
According to the report the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles have also shown some interest as well. The Baltimore scenario would make more sense because of the DH and his familiarity with the AL East. Philadelphia doesn't use a DH, so Posada's at bats would be limited to pinch hitting (which he hated to do with the Yankees) and possibly some time as back up catcher. Last year, as a Yankee, Posada, known mostly as an offensive catcher with a so-so arm most of his career, caught only six innings behind the plate in 2011.
Posada at this point had spent his entire 17 year career in Pinstripes, coming up from the Yankee farm system in 1995. Posada took over the full time catching duties, from Joe Girardi, in the 1998 season. Posada was an integral part of the championship teams in the late '90's and became one of the most durable catchers in his era.
A switch hitter Posada's career numbers as a Yankee included playing in 1829 games, with a .273 career average, 275 home runs and 1065 RBIs. As a catcher he played in 1575 games with a .992 fielding percentage and threw out 345 runners over his career. In 125 post season games Posada had a .243 batting average, 11 homers and 42 RBIs.
Posada's career highlights include four World series championships (1998, 1999, 2000, 2009), five all-star appearances (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007) and five Silver Slugger awards (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007).
Posada publicly hasn't decided whether he would retire or try to catch on with another club for the 2012 season. He had a tumultuous year with the Bombers to say the least, having been relieved of his catching duties, pulling himself out of a lineup and not accepting the DH role. Jorge was one of the most popular Yankees and the fans supported him throughout the year no matter what the circumstances.
The Yankees earlier this month resigned Russell Martin to a one year deal and expect Jesus Montero, Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine to compete for the back up position in spring training.
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Hip, hip Jorge! Good Luck to Posada, though he should retire a Yankee!