From Bob Klapisch:
The Yankees’ renaissance summer might look pretty from afar – and it appears to be collapse-proof in the standings – but here’s something to remember as the postseason looms: There’s an unmistakable gulf between A.J. Burnett and Jorge Posada, which was on full display during Saturday’s 14-1 blowout at the hands of the Red Sox.
While it’s a notch below an actual rift, the Yankee battery has issues. Posada said, “We had trouble getting on the same page,” while Burnett was lit up for nine runs (including three home runs) in just five innings. The performance is part of Burnett’s larger failure this year at Fenway Park, where he’s 0-2 with a 14.21 ERA.
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So why does he seem to have a problem with Posada? Burnett insisted his nuclear meltdown against the Sox was entirely his fault, but he was openly gesturing after David Ortiz took a four-seam fastball over the Green Monster in the fifth inning.
The FOX cameras caught Burnett extending his arms in exasperation, mouthing the words, “Why?” If he wasn’t second-guessing Posada for calling a fastball, it sure looked that way, even if Burnett later said he only was angry with himself.
“I was asking, ‘Why would I throw that pitch there?’” the right-hander told reporters. “There was no reason to throw it there.”
But Posada told a different story. With a 1-2 count, he wanted to bury Ortiz with a fastball over the inside corner, keeping the aging slugger from extending his arms. It was the right call, the smart move – straight from the scouting report. But Burnett shook off Posada; he was in love with his curveball, as he so often is, and wanted to use it in this situation.
The battery mates were at an impasse; Burnett stepped off the rubber and collected himself. When he looked again for the sign, he saw that Posada wouldn’t relent: fastball in. Burnett acquiesced but was doubting himself the moment the ball left his fingertips.
Turns out Burnett wasn’t even close to the target, as the ball drifted far enough outside for Ortiz to square up on it. The homer was his 20th of the season, extending the Red Sox’ lead to 9-0, but more importantly it was proof that Burnett and Posada simply don’t agree on what, exactly, makes the right-hander so effective.
Burnett: “I had a good curveball [on Saturday] and I should’ve used it more.”
Posada: “[The Red Sox] were on his curveball early on, so I wanted [Burnett] to throw more fastballs to get them away from his curveball.”
Posada ultimately refused to take responsibility for Burnett’s mistakes, saying, “I just make suggestions, it’s up to the pitcher to throw the pitch he wants. He’s the guy in charge.”
The catcher issued one other subtle jab at Burnett, noting, “If he made certain pitches we would’ve been out of the inning.”
First of all, these post game comments where each one basically blames the other, they need to stop, and Joe Girardi needs to be the guy to stop them.
Sabathia:
12 starts with Posada behind the plate: .264/.334/.421, K/BB - 1.80
6 starts with Molina behind the plate: .231/.277/.385, K/BB - 5.13
9 starts with Cervelli behind the plate: .199/.247/.320, K/BB - 3.60
Pettitte:
17 starts with Posada: .275/.349/.379, K/BB - 1.74
5 starts with Mollina: .233/.264/.408, K/BB - 6.20
Surprisingly, the only one of the Yankees top four starting pitchers with a better splits when Posada catches is Joba.
Whether this is Posada's fault or not, from now on I wouldn't give Burnett a reason to complain and I'd start Molina behind the plate when Burnett pitches and see what happens.
16 Comments:
I think another thing that really gets AJ is Posada's inability to block balls in the dirt.
That's very possible.
Greg check out the LHblog, PeteAb posted something similar. Its a good read.
aj needs to grow up. you can't love everyone you work with but you owe it to all your teammates to bust a nut. he seemed really to lose focus when he felt the ump sqeezed him on a few calls in the early innings. you don't see posada refusing to move runners over when called for or trying to improve his stats at the sacrifice of the team. aj needs to trust the call make the pitch to the best of his ability, i really don't think he did that on Sat. go cc /go yanks / impeach jim rice from the hof
Huh, did you hear? That sport updates on the left hand side of this post is saying the Giambino is close to signing with the Rockies, as is Russ Ortiz.
Wow that's surprising. I thought he was done. Are they actually going to let him play first base?
No, he'll probably be limited to DH and bench duties.
No joke, I wanted the Yanks to take a chance on him, but only for the bench so we could have like a Matt Stairs guy for us, someone who can pinch-hit effectively. You know he's a career .280 pinch hitter?
Maybe he'll get an occasional start at 1st, but it looks like that's Todd Helton's position.
YB, he can't DH in the NL. I agree about Helton, that's why this move makes no sense to me.
Oh right I forgot. So just pinch-hitting duties I guess, and after he pinch-hits he'll probably be replaced for a defensive upgrade.
I think people are really eager to jump on Posada. Molina is a better defensive catcher, and probably calls a better game. But Posada has built up a very impressive resume and you cannot discount the value of his bat. Greg even said himself that Posada made the right call.
Jorge's main problem is that he hasn't done what he needs to do to build a rapport with his staff. That's why Joba and AJ have been shaking him off.
The Yankees have assembled a very professional and focused team; it would be a shame if pitcher-catcher drama is what holds them back.
First, it is NEVER Posada's fault.
Second, everyone from HOFers to nobodies should grow up when throwing to Posada. Don't you know!?
Third, Posada only allowed 25 runs in the last 2 games. Look at the bright side, only allowing 9 runs tonight will actually be an improvement.
Posada is very stubborn. He gets very upset when pitchers shake him off. This is something Girardi and the coaches need to address.
Posada is great working with someone like David Wells or Andy Pettitte. Because they like to shakeoff the catcher and just throw what he wants. Every pitcher is not like that Jorge has to adapt to each pitchers individual personalities.
Oh great, the idiot is back.
I've never been a Posada fan and I think the stats there back it up pretty easily that he doesn't call a good game. He should be a DH at best but unfortunately we have too many of those if we bring back Damon or Matsui next year.
What I don't get is Burnett said it was all his fault after the game and Posada blamed it all on Burnett as well. Makes Burnett look better doesn't it?
Yes it does.
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