Posada's Shoulder Coming Along Nicely

Jorge Posada caught a few innings yesterday with Andy Pettitte on the mound and got three chances to throw out runners, all of which were unsuccessful, but afterwords he was very happy with the workout.

One good throw, one bouncer, and one wild pickoff attempt, but just getting out there and throwing was the important thing. It’s like taking your first steps after a bad car accident, you’re just glad to be walking again.

“Really happy with it,” said Posada. “I want to leave camp knowing that I can throw somebody out. I’m getting stronger, still have a lot to go, but we did a lot of things today, threw a lot of balls, and I’m happy with everything right now.”

Pettitte took the blame for the first two stolen bases and said that Posada, “had no chance,” as runners were going on his first move. The third base runner was able to swipe the bag when Posada’s throw pulled the infielder covering off the bag.

It was the forth time Posada has caught a game this spring, but yesterday’s game was the first real test of his shoulder. Previously only Jose Tabata, of the Pittsburgh Pirates, was the only one to attempt a stolen base.

Manager Joe Girardi was mostly impressed with what Posada did between innings.

“What I was most happy about yesterday was his arm strength between innings,” Girardi said. “That really made my day. I was excited about that, and obviously that will translate into his throwing. That’s the most we’ve seen him do, and it was really good.”

It’s good to hear and see Posada doing better, but it will be really good when he finally starts nailing some of these guys. Aside from Alex Rodriguez’s hip, Jorge’s shoulder could have the biggest negative impact on the Yankees this season.

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