Bum shoulder for Jorge?

July 10, 2008   ·   Paul Raymond   ·   Jump to comments

New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada has been limited to designated hitting duties the past few days, which would lead one to ask is his shoulder starting to get worse again? Molina has now started in six straight games at catcher (including tonight’s game against Pittsburgh). During that time, Posada has taken up the role as the team’s DH. Could this mean his shoulder getting worse? Yes, it’s possible. Personally thou, I think the team is taking it easy on him and at the same time putting themselves in the best position to win.

General Manager Brian Cashman said Posada’s shoulder “is healthy, but we’re trying to find the right match. I know Joe (Girardi) is making the decision what’s best for us and for him on a daily basis in terms of matching up with teams.” Cashman added that Posada is “continuing to work hard to keep the shoulder strong and, at the same time, the manager will have to make decisions….You’ll see Jorgie back there a lot.”

“Making the decision what’s best for us … terms of matching up with teams.” That has to be the key of that entire statement. Take a look at the last 5 games the Yankees played, they were against the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. Both pretty fast teams, the Rays in fact lead the major leagues in stolen bases. Who would you rather have behind the plate Posada or Molina? Molina has thrown out just under 50% of all base runners. This isn’t the National League here fellas, so that does leave the DH spot for Posada in those games. And in reality, that did give the team the best chance to win, and how did they respond? By WINNING! Having Posada catch and someone like Wilson Betemit at DH would of put us at a serious disadvantage, so this was the best scenario in both series.

While I do believe Jorge will struggle with his shoulder all year, he has been getting better in recent weeks. His throws to second have had more zip and he’s begun to look more comfortable behind the plate. With our team’s current rash of injuries the bench is pretty empty so having Jorge in the DH role isn’t the worst case. We’ll see more of him behind the plate soon, especially when Hideki Matsui makes his return. It’s beginning to look more and more like Godzilla will be a strict DH, would force Jorge back behind the plate.

All I know is this team has fought it’s way back in to the playoff race once again. I’m all about putting whatever lineup gives us the best cahnce to win and if that means Jorge NOT behind the plate, I’m for it. JUST GET US TO THE PLAYOFFS JOE (Girardi)!!!!

Like I said, our boys are back in the playoff race and with THE Stadium coming to a close, it’s definitely the place to be this summer. I’ve got my tickets, do you have yours?

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