WOW LOVER 68

Friday, July 11, 2008

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Posada and Girardi have a long-standing relationship. The two split time at catcher during Girardi's four seasons with the Yankees, with Posada backing up Girardi early in that time and establishing himself as the starter later. Girardi thinks that history will help him handle that situation.
"I feel like I know him pretty well, because of all we went through together those four years, the fun and the success," Girardi said. "I felt like we made each other better players ... I have a pretty good understanding of what makes him tick."
Posada takes great pride in catching and always has. Girardi wants to believe that he can massage his need for Posada to play elsewhere sometimes so that Posada will not see it as a downgrade. But both are stubborn, which could complicate this situation. Posada bristles at all talk of his playing another position, and so does Girardi when pressed too hard.
With Hideki Matsui out, having Posada DH on occasion is a natural fit. But the Yankees need to make sure he knows what's going on and is at least somewhat on board with it. Because no other position player has the ear of the team as much as Posada does, and if Girardi loses him, it will hurt the Yankees.
Farm report: Trenton SS looks to future
Ramiro Peña was a late addition for the Yankees to the Futures All-Star Game Sunday at Yankee Stadium. Peña, a shortstop for Double-A Trenton, replaced Emilio Bonifacio, whom the Diamondbacks called up. Peña, who turns 23 next week, and catcher Jesus Montero are the Yankees' representatives.
Peña is hitting .276 with 16 doubles, five triples, two home runs, 38 RBIs and 41 runs in 80 games. He is considered a plus defensive player, but injuries the past couple of years have slowed his development.
Stat of the week: Stealing his thunder
Baserunners are taking advantage of Jorge Posada's shaky shoulder, and it's costing him playing time. Jose Molina, on the other hand, has cut down 49 percent of runners attempting to steal and has started six straight games.
Posada Molina
209.1 Innings caught 436.2

37 Attempted SBs 51

7 Caught stealing 25

19 Percentage 49

Last night's game not included