Jorge

Posada

With the veteran Posada batting a woeful .130 through his first 69 at-bats, Girardi may start a rotation at DH. “We’ve said all along, when you get into some situations where you’re playing some long stretches, you might see other guys DH a little bit,” Girardi said. “We are going to do that because we’re (playing) 32 out of 33 days.” Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson and Nick Swisher could all see time at DH in the coming weeks. As for Posada, he’s not worth starting at positions other than catcher in mixed leagues.

He will not play today in the season finale against the Blue Jays, but should be fine to play in the ALDS.

We don’t see how this would work. Posada’s contract was heavily backloaded, so he’ll make $12 million in 2005 and $13.5 million in 2006. Plus, he’d receive an addition $4 million if his $12 million option for 2007 is bought out. The Yankees would have to pay a portion of his salary to make him attractive to other teams, and since they’d need to acquire another catcher to replace him, it’s a scenario that could get very expensive.

Posada’s not planning to lead the league, but his personal best is 28 longballs. He’s playing at about 20 pounds heavier (although his body fat percentage remains the same) this year than in the past, when he has worn down near the end. He thinks the extra muscle has benefitted him so far, and will continue to be a help through the summer. It’s fair to expect that he could hit 30 homers.

The Yankees are a cautious lot, so nothing is etched in stone here. If Posada does not play again today, John Flaherty will make his fourth consecutive start behind the plate.

Throwing and hitting lefthanded bother Posada the most right now, though he was able to play Sunday. Be aware he could miss a game or two against righthanders this week.

Pretty weak, Jorge. Posada is expected to catch today.

Although the injury does not look serious, Posada’s status for Thursday’s game will be determined after he receives some treatment.

Posada has missed the past two games with the injury, but it is not serious enough for you to worry if you own Posada. John Flaherty would catch again in Posada’s absence if he is not able to play.

As usual, John Flaherty caught Randy Johnson. Posada DH’d because he had just gotten Thursday off.