Marchand: Posada Could Be Gone If He Isn't Hitting By The Break

From Andrew Marchand:

The New York Yankees will reconsider Jorge Posada's future with the team if his numbers don't improve by the All-Star break, according a baseball official with knowledge of the Yankees' thinking.

On Wednesday, Yankees manager Joe Girardi left Posada out of the lineup for the third straight time against a left-handed starter.

This sets the stage for what could be an inglorious end to Posada's career with the Yankees. With Posada appearing to be demoted to part-time designated hitter, he must begin to hit consistently to remain on the team.

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The official said there has been "zero discussion" about releasing Posada since the resolution of this weekend's dispute, when Posada refused to play against the Red Sox on Saturday after Girardi put him at the No. 9 spot in the order. The subject had been broached on Saturday night.

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Posada is making $13 million this season. If the Yankees release him after the All-Star break, they would lose around $6 million.

If the Yankees were to release Posada, then Jesus Montero would be the likely internal alternative as the DH.

I don't suspect things will actually go down this way, and I certainly hope they don't. To do something like that to Posada, mid season, would just be a terrible move and it has nothing to do with his performance on the field. One thing I think the Yankees owe Posada is to allow him to play out his contract, unless he doesn't want to. Embarrassing Posada with a midseason release would not only alienate one of the best catchers in team history, but several players on the team (including and especially Jeter) and most of the fan base as well.