Comments on: The A.J. and Jose show

By: Will Posada catch Burnett in the postseason? « iYankees

Will Posada catch Burnett in the postseason? « iYankees — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:06:27 +0000

[...] Lombardi (WW) and Ben K. (RAB) have already demarcated the issue. Jose Molina has been there for each of A.J.’s 31 [...]

By: YankeeScribe

YankeeScribe — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:39:17 +0000

I don’t know the splits between catchers but it seems like Burnett has more wild pitches/passed balls with Posada behind the plate. Am I right or left?

By: YankeeScribe

YankeeScribe — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:32:19 +0000

The Yankees’ lineup isn’t feeble without Posada. It’s still pretty intimidating lineup even if Molina is batting 9th.

If it helps AJ mentally to have Jose catch him then why not sacrifice some “potential” offense(Posada could catch AJ and go 0 for 4 but Molina is more likely to go 0 for 4) for a quality playoff start?

The Yanks have proven that they’re capable of scorign a ton of runs and winning without JoPo in the lineup. He no doubt makes the lineup better but the starting pitcher’s performance has the greatest potential to affect the outcome of the game. So if AJ wants Molina to catch him, so be it…

By: DB

DB — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:06:57 +0000

It’s amazing how this is still an issue. Although, Ben I’m not too sure Jorge was intentionally left out of catching last night as a conspiracy.

The neck thing would make perfect sense since he hasn’t caught in almost a week. And low and behold, Posada is penciled in for tonight as C.

If Molina catches Burnett on Sunday, I guess we can take this to the step Ben is going. Until then, I’m giving Girardi the benefit of the doubt.

By: YankeeDoodleDandie

YankeeDoodleDandie — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:13:27 +0000

He would only bat twice in the playoff game…and then Posada would replace him as the bullpen takes over. The Yankees aren’t going to lose a playoff game because Molina bats twice before the 6th inning in games that Burnett pitches.

If, on the other hand, Burnett feels more comfortable pitching to Molina it could have a much bigger impact on his performance in those first 6 innings than Posada batting twice instead of Molina.

I’ll be gald when next year arrives and the Yankee catchers are Cervelli and Molina. Then there will be no problem letting Cervelli catch Burnett as needed.

By: Rob in CT

Rob in CT — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:34:49 +0000

Yes, there’s a problem with it. Jose Molina cannot hit. At all. He’s one of the worst hitters in all of baseball. Meanwhile, there isn’t any convincing evidence that AJ Burnett pitches better with Molina behind the plate. He’s been up & down with both catchers.

Starting Molina would be stupid. It means losing Posada’s (or Matsui’s) bat in exchange for the hope (not guarantee) that good AJ will show up. Good AJ has shown up for both Jose and Jorge, and bad AJ has done the same. Therefore, I don’t see why you’d hamstring the lineup with an automatic out (not to mention his propensity for GIDP).

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:52:13 +0000

I figured because the topic was ‘playoffs’ it would be the place to direct my playoff questions. My apologies.

By: Yanks face a few postseason decisions | River Avenue Blues

Yanks face a few postseason decisions | River Avenue Blues — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:31:54 +0000

[...] the postseason roster, there are only a few questions to ask. While some might be wondering if Molina will catch Burnett, I’ve got a bigger question in mind. Will the Yanks start Burnett in Game 2 or Game 3? This [...]

By: leokitty

leokitty — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:29:59 +0000

In an alternate universe where the Yankees made the playoffs and Posada was not hurt, Mussina would have had to give up his security blankie in the postseason.

By: tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside

tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:21:20 +0000

The phrase “Everyone is entitled to their opinion” = I have no possible way to convince you I’m right, because I’m probably wrong, so I’m going to try and pretend like I’m not losing this argument by declaring it a draw. Even though I’ve clearly lost.