Posada will be Yanks' primary DH, not regular catcher
Jorge Posada is safe at third base on a throwing error by Jeff Francoeur of the Texas Rangers during Game 5 of the ALCS. (Oct. 20, 2010) Credit: Getty
Brian Cashman made official to Jorge Posada early this week what had been speculated on for much of the 2010 season:
The veteran's catching days, at least as a regular, are probably over.
Cashman, a source confirmed, told Posada that although he may do some catching next season, he likely will be the team's primary designated hitter.
The Yankees hope touted prospect Jesus Montero, whose bat never has been in question but whose receiving skills are a work in progress, will prove in spring training he's ready to be the everyday catcher.
Montero hit .289 this season with 21 homers, 75 RBIs and a .517 slugging percentage for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Posada underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. The need for surgery was discovered Tuesday by Yankees doctors. It was the second piece of rough news the 39-year-old Posada had to hear.
In a twist, the news of Posada moving to DH appeared to have been broken by his wife, Laura, who posted it on her Facebook page Tuesday night, writing, "As my friends you should be the first to know, yes Jorge will be the DH next year." Moments later on Twitter, she wrote, "yes, Jorge will DH next year."
Wednesday she tweeted that the surgery was a success.
"Just got home from the hospital . . . Jorge feels good and Dr. [Lee] Kaplan explained procedure was successful," she wrote.
Posada started only 78 games at catcher last season as he battled a slew of injuries, including a hairline fracture on his right foot, a sore left knee and a concussion. He started 88 games at the position in 2009.
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