Let me preface this by saying that I am a big fan of Jorge Posada, was an advocate of the Yankees signing him in the offseason (and still am), and believe he still has some very good years left. Now, with that said, Posada going on the DL, and possibly having season-ending shoulder surgery could be the best thing for the New York Yankees at this time.

Posada has been a shell of his former self all season long due to this injury, and it seems to have affected him not only physically, but mentally as well. While his percentage of throwing out baserunners was expected to drop because of the in jury, his calling of games was not, yet that's exactly what has happened. In recent starts behind the plate, he has mishandled games pitched by Joba Chamberlain, Andy Pettitte, and Mike Mussina, and you can see the frustration beginning to mount. When those pitchers throw to Jose Molina, there is a huge difference in a positive direction, and I believe that has really taken a toll on Posada mentally. It seems as if he's pressing, and not playing with the ease of which he has in the past.

Furthermore, because of his injury, the Yankees have had to carry three catchers which has severely limited their options off the bench. With Posada on the DL, they can carry an extra outfielder or an extra infielder, depending on what they desire.

If I were the Yankees, I'd hope Posada has the surgery now. The last thing they need is another slow-footed first baseman/DH. Not to take anything away from Posada, but if he can't catch, that's what he is. So if Posada were to have the surgery now, he would have plenty of time to rehab the shoulder, get himself ready for the beginning of spring training, and come back as the player we all know he is. And frankly that's the most important thing for both parties at this time. If the Yankees make the playoffs this year, it's icing on the cake, but next year, and the year after are what they have to plan for. When they signed Posada to a four year deal, they envisioned him being their catcher for 2-3 years, not one before moving to first base.

Jorge Posada is a man with great pride, and he feels an obligation to the organization to try to play since he signed that big contract. But sometimes pride can get in the way. He has to take a step outside of the situation, and realize that both he and the team would be better off having him 100% healthy for three years of the contract, than for portions of all four. Posada has always been a great Yankee, and now is the perfect time to show just how great of one he truly is.