Girardi tells Posada to stay positive

BY PETE CALDERA
THE RECORD
STAFF WRITER




ARLINGTON, Texas – Jorge Posada didn’t need to check the Yankees’ lineup. He was in there again Saturday night, though Posada was grateful to Joe Girardi for having the confidence to keep writing his name in.



After Friday night’s 0-for-3 pulled his batting average down to .149, Posada sought out the manager at Rangers Ballpark.

"I told him, ‘Thank you for sticking with me,’ " Posada said. "If I’m in his shoes, I’d second guess. I’d [consider] giving a day [off] or talking a little bit. But he’s been very supportive."

Girardi made one slight concession, dropping Posada, 39, to eighth in Saturday night’s batting order against Texas. In the Yankees’ previous 30 games, Posada had batted seventh 22 times and batted sixth on five occasions.

But the Yankees were facing a lefty in Derek Holland, and the switch-hitting Posada entered the game hitless in 22 at-bats against left-handers, with eight strikeouts. Posada was blanked by lefty Matt Harrison on Friday, a game the Yanks won 4-1 to snap a three-game losing streak.

Girardi doesn’t see a flaw in Posada’s right-handed swing. He mainly sees the frustration of a proud player who reluctantly switched from catcher to designated hitter, and the down time between at-bats has been a major adjustment.

It’s also a period to dwell on negative results, which is why Girardi has Posada looking at the positive.

"His at-bats have been really good," Girardi said, starting with a two-run double in his first at-bat Monday at Detroit.

Though Posada did not have a hit in his past 11 at-bats and was 4-for-19 on the current road trip, the manager praised Posada’s approach at spacious Comerica Park as "outstanding."

"In any other ballpark, he probably has three home runs. He probably hits a grand slam and two other home runs," Girardi said. "He just happened to hit the ball 415 feet the wrong part of the park.

"He’s been hitting the ball hard," Girardi said. "I know it’s frustrating for Jorgie. I just try to focus on the good things he’s doing. He just hasn’t had a lot of luck lately."

Statistically, it’s been a go-for-broke spring for Posada. Six of his 14 hits have been home runs, and he has 26 strikeouts in his first 94 at-bats.

Posada said he’s tried to keep a positive outlook, "but when you go 0-for, it’s frustrating," he said. "I mean, I feel good at the plate and have nothing to show for it.

"It’s not easy. It’s not easy for me to look up and see what’s going on."

That’s why Girardi told Posada to throw out his first 70 at-bats and focus on having quality at-bats from here on in.

The manager also told Posada that a "thank you" wasn’t necessary.

"I know how he feels about what I’m doing," Girardi said. "I believe in Jorgie. I believe Jorgie’s going to hit and he’s gotten off to a tough start. But he’s not the only guy in our lineup."

Girardi’s message to Posada was direct and clear late Friday night.

"I’m putting you in there every day," Girardi said. "I believe you’re going to hit."

Though it’s easier said than done, Posada feels he must first take Girardi’s advice and forget that his average is in the middle of the interstate.