Committed to bringing
where Jorge Posada assumes his new role as a positive BD
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
02/16/11 2:43 PM EST - Statistics Jorge Posada Jorge Posada
- not know if he will play beyond 2011
- 2nd day Rivera was absent due to illness of children
- yankeesbeisbol.com
TAMPA, Florida - A Jorge Posada was asked to prepare for a summer as a designated hitter for the Yankees, but the Puerto Rican spent the first day of testing at least unofficially role the assistant instructor of receivers.
That is the reason why the 39-year veteran was making signals to the bullpen in right field with a bucket on Tuesday, bringing her balls while the young receivers such as the Venezuelan Francisco Cervelli, Jesus Montero and Austin Romine did their exercises concerned.
When catchers approached the instructions and review strategies, Posada seemed to speak as receivers coach Tony Peña. Leave the catcher could not have been the choice of Posada, but seems to be transmitting all ideas and suggestions to their heirs in that position.
"Just be there for them, I will continue working with them," said Posada. "I think we have a bright future. We have depth in a receivers are concerned, in that position are very good. Hopefully some of the youngsters come to the majors sooner rather than later."
The Yankees head to the start of the regular season with veteran Russell Martin as their starting catcher, although the former Dodger signed after the team had decided to remove Bronx Posada de la catching.
Martin was the one who caught the first bullpen session of spring to ace CC Sabathia, a battery that could be repeated on opening day, and Posada said he needs to use spring training to acclimate more to his new role as designated hitter.
"I come with a mind quite positive," said Posada, who already took his first batting practice. "I want to have a positive attitude toward everything. They want to be the BD, the BD will be. That's the kind of mentality I have."
While the Puerto Rican is considered only as a third option behind the plate, an emergency option at catcher for manager Joe Girardi, Posada eventually participate in some drills for the receivers and the bullpen during spring training.
The Yankees are giving him extra time to recover from surgery on his left knee, but Girardi has not ruled out the idea that Posada see more innings behind the plate in an exhibition game of the Grapefruit League.
"We said that it is our BD and Russell Martin will be our starting catcher, but sometimes things happen that one can not predict," Girardi said. "We have in mind in case we need it. I do not think you will forget the receiver position overnight."
was before the surgery in November general manager Brian Cashman Posada visited a hospital in Manhattan, informing the team plans to have a different receiver in 2011. Posada said that at first it was hard to accept, but I already saw that change coming.
"The team needed to look to the future of the Yankees behind the plate, what will happen there," Posada said. "Obviously, we have an excellent group of young people can do a great job. I think they have a great future. Are you ready for baseball? I think that's the biggest question."
Girardi said Posada suspected he would be very difficult to relinquish the position of catcher, no matter who his successor.
"I know how proud is Jorgie," Girardi said. "I know how much he likes that position and being involved every day in the game plan. It takes seriously its work and leadership, always trying to get the best of each pitcher. That's a transition."
Posada enters its last year of a four-year, $ 52.4 million contract with the Yankees and said he still has not decided whether he'll play beyond this season.
"Everything will depend on what happens this year - on how I feel this year, how to end this season," Posada said. "I would stay healthy. I think DH position will help me for this. After the season, we'll see how my body responds and then take a decision. I'm happy with everything that happened. "
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