Yankee Catcher Jorge Posada Must Take It Slow, Meaning No WBC

Apparently Jorge Posada's rehab is ahead of schedule.  If you ask him, that is.  Brian Cashman and the Yankees organization are not even convinced he is on track to be the opening day catcher, much less healthy enough to compete in the World Baseball Classic in less than two months.

According to newyork.yankees.mlb.com, Jorge Posada's father is quoted as saying "He feels fine and wants to play for Puerto Rico."

While no Yankee fan will ever knock Jorge for his passion or drive concerning the game, this is a troubling development. 

One of the biggest question marks left on this Yankee team going into spring training is behind the dish.  While both Posada and the Yankees are banking on him being ready to pull his weight, there are no guarantees.  They must exercise caution with this veteran backstop.

His heritage, his background, and his dedication to both are absolutely admirable.  This man is coming off a season-ending injury and is ambitious enough to throw caution into the wind and attempt to play for the country he represents, ahead of the schedule set for him to return as Yankee catcher.

Brian Cashman stated "I am sure he would love to play [in the World Baseball Classic], but he is currently rehabbing from surgery and would not be ready." 

It would seem after a season that saw the Yankees rely on Jose Molina as the primary catcher, that caution and a tentative approach is what the Yankees prefer with Posada.  Understandably so.

While Molina was great defensively, his offense was less than impressive, even if he did hit the final home run at the old stadium.

Simply put, Jorge is a Yankee first.  That is his job.  Part of that job is being physically prepared to break camp come spring training.  Another part of his job is to limit risks and avoid jeopardizing his return to the Yankees at 100 percent, or as close to that as possible.

The Yankees aren't even sure if Posada will be prepared for opening day by their standards.  Surely they have pause allowing Posada to compete in March.  Really, they have every right to be concerned, and hopefully Posada understands their position.

At the end of the day, with all the investments made, the Yankees must protect one of their veteran assets in Posada.  It may not be to his liking, or preference but it is the prudent approach.  Missing Jorge last season was devastating to the team.  He is a key Yankee in many ways.  He will play a vital role in bringing this new pitching staff together in tandem with Jose Molina. 

Simply put, Posada is a pivotal part of the best Yankee team put on the field this decade.  This is his best chance at another ring he's had in some time.  Hopefully he realizes this, and gets his priorities in order so both the Yankees and their fans can count on a healthy, prepared, focused Jorge Posada. 

The risks involved with him rushing his return to participate in the WBC, far outweigh any rewards.  Any setback to this rehab program would mean Jose Molina and maybe Kevin Cash calling games for the Yankees when this season starts.  While both are capable catchers, neither are even close to Jorge Posada.

Jorge must give up these aspirations to compete in the WBC.  He is risking not only his health, but his opportunity to contribute to what is bound to be an exciting  inaugural season at the new Yankee Stadium in 2009. 

Here's to hoping Cashman and the Yankees stand firm, and do not allow Jorge to rush his return to the game.  Here's to a healthy Jorge Posada come April 6.  Here's to No. 27.