Unrealistic Plan

The Clarion Content is wondering just how realistic and bright Yankees manager Joe Girardi's plan is for catcher this season. Is this a case where Girardi has to say the politically popular thing despite knowing the likelihood is otherwise? Girardi was quoted by the New York Times the other day claiming that thirty-seven going on thirty-eight year old, Yankee stalwart Jorge Posada will catch 110 games this year. Really? According to the same NY Times article only five catchers in the last forty years Posada's age and older have caught 110 games in a season, "Brad Ausmus, Bob Boone, Carlton Fisk, Benito Santiago and Ernie Whitt."

Is Girardi compelled to say this because Posada is the highest paid catcher in baseball at $13.1 million this year? Clearly, it is bad news for the Yankees roster because they already have too many candidates for DH, as usual. Worse, hampered by a torn labrum in his shoulder Posada had an awful defensive year last year.