Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Respect Jeter's Gangster: Posada Problem

Recently we've been treated to a bevy of stories about Posada's supposedly rocky relationship with AJ Burnett. We've also heard a lot of commentary over the course of the season about Joba's tendency to shake Posada off (used to be seen as a virtue, not so much anymore).

What has stuck out to me, however, is the fact that both of the pitchers who supposedly don't care for Posada's game calling are guys who lack control. That is, they don't hit the target, or anywhere near the target, that Posada sets up and then they blame Posada's pitch selection. Hence Girardi's recent comments about execution.

Take Joba for instance. He pitches like a wuss and probably shakes Posada off because he rather not throw strikes, and Posada rarely calls for intentional walks. These things happen, but the story becomes how hard Posada is to work with.

Burnett has great stuff, but no control. Think more talented Jose Veras. He misses all over the place, gets hit, then has the balls to wonder why Posada called this or that pitch (note: he didn't call for it right down the middle).

So, in conclusion, the problem is the inability of these guys to hit their spots, not Posada's inability to call a game. Sure Posada can be a bit stubborn and rough around the edges, but Burnett and Joba can't locate their pitches, and that's a much bigger problem.

*This post was written by Fernando Alejandro of Respect Jeter's Gangsters*

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