I have been on a soapbox most of the year when it comes to promoting Posada. His off-season conditioning has really paid off in ####s. He has played through some injuries and has maintained his stamina for the entire season.
His desire and willingness to take advantage of and be tutored by an all-star catcher, first base coach Tony Pena, has improved his quickness, throwing mechanics and accuracy. This has allowed Posada to throw out base runners at a much-improved rate then at anytime in his long career with the Yankees.
His handling of the pitching staff has been remarkable. His long time personality problems with Randy Johnson are a thing of the past. You can see the respect Randy now has with Jorge every time the duo are teamed up (which now is every start for Randy) on the mound, behind the plate and in the dugout. Jorge made an all out effort to reconcile their differences the first day of spring training. No ego here. Not for Jorge. Not this year. Never.
The revolving door of starters, both through trades and call ups from the minors, has been an easy transition for all arms thanks to Jorge’s command and respect he projects on the field.
His clutch hitting has been obvious to all that follow the Yankees on a regular basis. His is driving the ball with authority. He has Had only one slump all year, which lasted eighteen at bats. Not bad for a catcher his age. When most catchers at this point in their careers are showing signs of slowing down Posada has stepped up and improved all aspects of his game. We who follow this team see it and marvel. The rest of baseball does not.
I was disappointed last Sunday evening when Jorge launched a towering fly ball to left centerfield that was clearly over the fence against the Red Sox, were it not for an amazing leaping over the fence catch by Coco Crisp it would have put the Yankees ahead in the eighth inning possibly winning the game for the Yankees. All this on a national ESPN broadcast. Jorge has been that kind of clutch all year.
He is a not an MVP by offensive numbers but his overall play is MVP quality in his performance and importance to his team. While Derek Jeter is having his MVP season so is Jorge Posada. The oh so quiet MVP
