Cashman: No WBC for Jorge

From Anthony McCarron:

One thing's for sure, though, Cashman said - Posada will not be playing for his native Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic in March. ESPN deportes recently reported that Posada's father said his son would DH for Puerto Rico in the tournament.

"He wouldn't be able to perform," Cashman said. "He won't start on time as a catcher in spring training. It's just a fact. There's nothing I can do about it or the player can do about it..."

"We support the event," Cashman said of the WBC. "I'm sure (Posada) wants to play and if he could, he would. But, just like last season for us, he wasn't able to play because of an injury.

He also says that the Yankees and Posada are optimistic that he will be able to catch on opening day, but there are still some concerns.

"It's so early. So far his rehab is going well, but he started his throwing program Dec. 8."

"We're hoping to have Jorge by Opening Day, but he will not be the opening spring training catcher, I can tell you that.

"He's going to come in with restrictions and we'll bring him along slowly."

"That's what everybody says when you go through these things, that the player will be ready by Opening Day," Cashman said. "We've never really had to rehab a catcher before."

The Yankees may be optimistic, but from those comments I can't say I am. The most important thing is not rushing him to be ready for opening day, but making sure he's 100% for most of the season.