yankees

Brian Cashman Tells Jorge Posada He’ll DH Next Year

In a story technically broken by his wife on Facebook and Twitter, the Yankees have told Jorge Posada that he’ll be the team’s designated hitter next season. Wrote Laura Posada last night on her Facebook wall: “As my friends you should be the first to know, yes Jorge will be the DH next year.” (Twenty-first-century journalism, everybody!) And since then, some additional details have leaked out.

Brian Cashman met with Posada this week to tell him in person that while he can expect to do some catching next year, he’ll primarily serve as the team’s designated hitter. According to the Post, “the team’s first option is to have youngsters Jesus Montero, Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine compete in spring training for the two primary jobs.” Which means the “Is Montero ready?” discussion, the one that could very well last through spring training, can now officially begin.

Meanwhile, Posada, whose defensive skills have been in decline for some time now, will turn 40 next season — the last year of his current four-year contract. For what it’s worth, based on a relatively small sample, Posada’s numbers as a DH aren’t particularly good. For his career, he’s hit .223 with nine home runs in 296 at-bats as a designated hitter; last year, he hit .245 with four homers in 117 at-bats as a DH.

And in other Posada-related news, he’s also scheduled to undergo surgery today to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee — a procedure that’s not considered serious.

Cashman, Yankees tell Posada he’ll DH next season [NYP]
Jorge Posada told by Yankees he will be the team’s full-time DH, with limited catching duties [NYDN]

Brian Cashman Tells Jorge Posada He’ll DH Next Year