Jorge Posada and His Place Among New York Yankees Catchers

It's not official yet. There's been no announcement. It's going to happen though.

Jorge Posada's career is winding down.

Now in his sixteenth big league season, he's already seen his duties as the Yankees' starting catcher evaporate. This past weekend, his position as the starting designated hitter was officially removed as well.

Through 90 games this season, he's hitting a lowly .230—more than 40 points off his career .273 mark. He's hit nine home runs and his ops is a measly .681, which is more than 160 points lower than his career average of .848. This past weekend in Boston, Yankees manager Joe Girardi decided he'd seen enough, making an official announcement that the Yankees would go with veteran Eric Chavez or Andrew Jones at the position. Both players may be just holding the spot until top Yankee prospect Jesus Montero gets called up from AAA Columbus. 

None of this should really be held against Posada though. He's been a great catcher for the Yankees.

He assumed the starting position in 2000 following three seasons of part-time duty, splitting the position with Joe Girardi. Posada immediately had an impact and would peak in 2003 when he finished third in the American League MVP voting. 

Posada is one of the Yankee greats. He might not make the Hall of Fame, but he's still destined to go down as one of the more beloved Yankees of his generation. He won't ever supplant Yogi Berra as the greatest catcher in Yankee history, and for some, Thurman Monson will always be placed on a pedestal due to both his intense demeanor on the field as well as his tragic death off of it. 

Posada may lack the numbers of Yogi or the legend like quality of Monson, but his stoic and quiet leadership has been a hallmark of the current Yankee dynasty. Posada's tenure as a Yankee has been one of great success for the team. He's played in six World Series and won four.

Posada, along with teammates Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, has been the constant in pinstripes throughout the current era of Yankee dominance. He's toughed it out at baseball's most grueling position, playing through injuries and helping the Yankees to eight American League East titles in his 11 seasons as a starting catcher.

Posada accomplished all of this while dealing with family issues off the field as well. His oldest son suffers from  craniosynostosis and has had to undergo numerous surgeries over the course of his young life. Jorge and his wife have started a charity to help other children affected by this affliction. All of these factors make him a Yankee great. As his career does in fact wind down, it's worth remembering all that he has accomplished playing baseball's toughest position in one of its toughest markets as well. 

With a Yankee minor league system packed with young catching prospects, and the team getting solid production out of current starter Russell Martin, it appears that the catching position in New York won't lack for talent in the future. It remains to be seen if any of these current or future Major League players can fill the sizable shoes of Jorge Posada.