Posada's father, Jorge Sr., told The Associated Press that his son has already signed a participation agreement for the Classic.
"He feels fine and wants to play for Puerto Rico," Posada Sr. reportedly said.
Posada shows a lot of pride for Puerto Rico here, but where is the love for his pinstripes? Any starting catcher for a competitive team, MUST participate for all of spring training. Especially one who is still rehabbing from shoulder surgery, and is working with two new guys in the rotation (Sabathia & Burnett).
Posada averaged 136 games per year from 1998-2007. He played in just 51 last year, making his shoulder a huge concern of mine. If Posada insists that he MUST play for Puerto Rico, it better be as a designated hitter - not as a catcher.
From a broader perspective, why does the USA feel the need to compete if the WBC is held right in the middle of spring training? Hoch should have asked Posada if he wanted to be a WBC champ or an MLB champ. I can barely remember that Japan took the first WBC in 2006, while I distinctly remember Albert Pujols and the Cardinals winning the World Series.
Hopefully Cashman can regain some control of his rehabbing all-star catcher.
Jorge Posada, who had expressed interest in playing for Team Puerto Rico, was not listed on the club's provisional roster as he recovers from right shoulder surgery.
That's a good sign. Also, the Yankees do in fact have the right to block Posada from playing in the WBC, since he ended last year on the DL. – thank Fletch for that rule
