RealGM

http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/The+Bronx

He will likely be given the chance to win the starting job during spring training, turning over a position that has belonged to Jorge Posada since 1998. The front office believes that Montero is already a better defensive catcher than the 39-year-old Posada, who has struggled behind the plate - and to stay healthy.

Great news!

Very exciting. He'll probably start slow like he has at every other level, so hopefully Yankee nation doesn't lose patience and want him traded for Bronson Arroyo midseason.

http://baseball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_ ... g_catcher/

Jorge Posada still wants to be the starting catcher for the Yankees despite rumors that New York could make him their full-time designated hitter in favor of prospect Jesus Montero.

"I'm going to prepare for (the starting catching job). I love catching, love being behind the plate. I take a lot of pride - that's my position," Posada said.

"If (the Yankees) want me to be DH or catch, just be honest and let me know what's up."

Jorge...this is Brian...I've got Hal with me and a city full of Yankee fans..."we want you to DH".

You can't fault Posada for wanting to still be a full-time player but this is ultimately a win-win situation for the Yanks. Montero need a mentor as there is a learning curve for rookies on the pro level. At the same time, Yanks get younger.

Let's look back on that Yankee Farm System: Philip Hughes, Robinson Cano, Jesus Montero are some nice cogs.

Probably Jorge's last year.

Dr. Detfink wrote:You can't fault Posada for wanting to still be a full-time player but this is ultimately a win-win situation for the Yanks. Montero need a mentor as there is a learning curve for rookies on the pro level. At the same time, Yanks get younger.

Let's look back on that Yankee Farm System: Philip Hughes, Robinson Cano, Jesus Montero are some nice cogs.

Wang was also very good until he got hurt. He wasn't an ace but an extreme ground ball pitcher that gave innings and pitched to a 4 ERA is a necessary part of a winning team. Would have won 19 games in back to back season on another team? Probably not, but you don't win 19 games by pure luck. -Jitpal

Jitpal wrote:

Dr. Detfink wrote:You can't fault Posada for wanting to still be a full-time player but this is ultimately a win-win situation for the Yanks. Montero need a mentor as there is a learning curve for rookies on the pro level. At the same time, Yanks get younger.

Let's look back on that Yankee Farm System: Philip Hughes, Robinson Cano, Jesus Montero are some nice cogs.

Wang was also very good until he got hurt. He wasn't an ace but an extreme ground ball pitcher that gave innings and pitched to a 4 ERA is a necessary part of a winning team. Would have won 19 games in back to back season on another team? Probably not, but you don't win 19 games by pure luck. -Jitpal

Also though Wang wasn't a top pitcher what he was very good at was being reliable and stable. You can expect him to pitch to a 4 ERA regardless of how tense the game is...and can therefore plan around it. Wang was the Anti-Burnett.

Posada has slipped considerably over the past few seasons so hopefully Montero will work as our long term replacement. We desperately need a defensive upgrade at the Catcher position, team ran at will on Posada last year.