Out of (batting) order

Out of (batting) order

by rick olivares with photo from Reuters

The last time a New York Yankee took himself out of the lineup (at least to my knowledge), Lou Gehrig did it voluntarily when he was feeling the initial effects of the disease that eventually killed him and bore his name. So the other day, I followed with great curiosity the incident where longtime Yankee catcher Jorge Posada asked to be taken out of the lineup after he was demoted to ninth spot in the batting order. Jorge felt disrespected.

On the other hand, Joe Girardi, the catcher he replaced in the late 1990’s in New York and now the team manager, thought that Posada’s plummeting batting average wasn’t helping hence the demotion.

Of course that created a firestorm of controversy as it became a debate between sentiment and rational thinking.

When centerfielder Bernie Williams’ contract was not renewed in the early 2000s, I felt bad because he had patrolled that outfield so magnificently like Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle before him. The Yankee brass felt his skills were declining and Williams was eventually gone.

Even after New York won another title two years ago, I wondered how the Core Four of Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Mo Rivera, and Posada would be able to keep it up. Obviously, they were on the downside of their careers. It was like when they entered, Don Mattingly was on his last legs as a player.

Again, I wondered if former cross-town rival Mike Piazza felt this way when he split time catching and playing first base before he filed for free agency and a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres.

I don’t believe that Girardi was disrespecting Posada and surely it was a difficult decision. But the writing was on the wall in the past couple of years when Francisco Cervelli then Russell Martin came in. The addition and impact of both catchers (with Martin being the everyday backstop) were obvious that the brass figured Hip Hip Jorge’s time was close to done. Remember how Hideki Matsui responded to going from right field to designated hitter? That was tough especially after being named MVP of the World Series two seasons ago.

It’s tough when you’ve been an everyday player who was such an integral part of the ballclub to be relegated to the bench or a utility player. And I thought that Jorge should have taken one for the team. “A bad day” is what he termed it and I don’t think he should be punished for it. I certainly don’t think he should quit at this stage and he must finish the season before making that decision.

I’m sure that it’s also the same with Derek Jeter who more than ever has to answer questions about his batting and fielding. At times, I thought the way the Yankee management handled matters and negotiations should have been conducted with a little more prudence and sensitivity but that’s management. I have to deal with similar issues as the office as well. Lots of should haves and should bes. It’s just about coping, adjusting, understanding, and making the most out of things. It’s easier said than done but there it is.

Posada however should not be punished. He has been the consummate Yankee and is a winner, champion, and many-time All-Star. Here’s hoping you get back your groove, Jorge.

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Jorge Posada has spent his entire 17-year career with the Yankees. He's a five-time All-Star who batted .248 last season with 18 homers and 57 RBIs. Though he is hitting just .165 this year, he does have six home runs and 15 RBIs.