Jorge Posada didn’t just get the game-winning hit to clinch the Yankees’ AL East title on Wednesday, he may also have given manager Joe Girardi more to think about when he puts his postseason roster together.
“It definitely helps,” Girardi said of Posada’s pinch-hit heroics. “I don’t have a 100 percent [decision], but I expect him to be there.”
Posada said he was pleased to hear his manager speak with that kind of confidence, because his spot in the postseason is anything but certain.
“I was hoping I was there,” Posada said before starting at first base and going 1-for-5 in the Yankees’ 15-8 loss to the Rays last night at the Stadium. He also struck out with the bases loaded in the eighth. “It’s their decision and I’m glad it sounds like I’m going to be in it.”
But Posada wasn’t ready to place all the credit on that one single.
“I hope they have more to go on than [Wednesday] night,” Posada said. “I hope I’ve shown them something this year. But at this point, it’s not about me. It’s about the team. And whatever the postseason brings, I’m looking forward to it.”
Despite the positive words from Girardi, there still is a possibility the Yankees will decide to use Jesus Montero as the designated hitter and leave Posada home. Montero started at catcher last night, and with Francisco Cervelli (concussion) looking like he will not be back for the postseason, either Montero or Austin Romine would serve as the backup catcher.
Girardi sounded like there would be room for Posada, though.
“You look at what he’s done off right-handers, he’s been pretty decent,” Girardi said. “His swings off lefties, he’s struggled mightily this year.”Posada entered last night hitting .270 with 13 homers and 39 RBIs in 267 at-bats as a lefty this season, and he had just six hits in 60 at-bats right-handed. Last night, he went 1-for-2 against righties and 0-for-3 against lefties.
Numbers aside, Posada’s playoff experience also could work in his favor in regards to snagging a spot on the playoff roster.
“Jorgie has been in that situation a lot and has been successful in his career,” Girardi said. “That’s why I sent him up there.”It will be up to Girardi whether Posada gets any more chances in October.