Jorge Posada - It's Been an Honor

As long as I have been watching baseball – granted, it’s only been something like 13 or 14 years – Jorge Posada has been driving in key runs and catching well enough to help propel his team to 5 World Championships.  Year after year, I can recall John Sterling raving about just how important “Georgie” was to the Yankees, and how much of an impact he really had on the team over the span of his 17-year career.  If there is one thing that I will remember Posada for, it would be how he approached the game.

Even though it was painful to watch him run out a double, nobody was faster to run onto the field to give a teammate a high-five after a home run.  Every time they showed Jorge in the dugout, he was smiling whether it was cracking a joke to Jeter, or celebrating a good outing by a starting pitcher.  He was – and still is – a crowd favorite in New York.  Even though he has been often overshadowed in the media by guys like Jeter, Pettitte, and Rivera, Posada had a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers and the Yankees’ organization.

Diana Munson, the widow of Yankee great Thurman Munson, actually said that Jorge was the reason she began to follow baseball again.  After her husband passed away in a plane crash, she couldn’t even bring herself to look at the box scores – that was, until Posada came around. ''I think he and Thurman definitely would have been best buds,'' she said.

Taking away parts about being a fan favorite and a beloved teammate, Jorge Posada could play.  Over a 17 year span, Jorge had 275 home runs, 1,065 RBI, and a .273 batting average.  Without a doubt, Posada was among the greatest catchers of all time when it came to hitting.  The one stat that really jumps off the paper, and really helps the Hall of Fame argument, is his .374 On Base Percentage.  This stat tops 7 out of the 10 catchers that are currently in the Hall, among those are names like Johnny Bench and Yogi Berra.  His contributions to the Yankees Dynasty 

In the late 90’s cannot be overlooked.  The man was a fierce competitor, and that was part of the reason behind the decision to retire.  “I knew in my heart, and I knew in my head that I didn’t want to play anymore” Posada said.  He wore his heart on his sleeve, and that was why he was great.

“Playing for the New York Yankees has been an honor,” Jorge said during the press conference where he announced his retirement. “I could never wear another uniform.  I will forever be a Yankee”

Jorge, we wouldn’t want it any other way.

Johnny Damon - Back to the Yankees?

There are sources saying that the Yankees would be more likely to bring back fan favorite Johnny Damon than land Carlos Pena.  If this actually ends up happening, then I would be a pretty content fan.  Although Pena would be a great addition to the New York lineup, Damon is a fair and reliable substitute.  Also, Damon – even though he is a bit older – has been a consistent hitter throughout his career, and consistency is something that is lacking in a batting order full of streaky players.

The fact that he is 38 years old should definitely be taken into account, but the numbers that he is still putting up are quite respectable.  In this past year, Johnny Damon had 16 home runs and 73 RBI – numbers that could increase when taking into consideration the dangerous bats backing him up in the lineup as well as the transition to a hitter’s ballpark.  If he can produce at anywhere near the same level that he has throughout his remarkable career, the Yanks will benefit from having him.

He would be great for the team’s winning persona, as he adds to the atmosphere in the clubhouse, and already has established himself to the organization and fan base through his seasons of success in the recent past.

Another interesting note:  Damon is only 277 hits away from 3000.  That means that if New York does decide to sign him for a 2 or 3 year deal, it would open up the opportunity for another historic moment for a legend in pinstripes.  I’m also pretty sure that John Sterling would be happy to dig up some of those old cheesy home-run calls.

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