Why is posada catching tonight

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The elder Posada had a tough-love relationship with his son that encouraged him to work hard to accomplish his goals, and one of his rewards was getting a chance to go to the ballpark to hit and field balls. The Yankees actually drafted Posada twice in back-to-back years, as they first selected him in the 43rd round in the MLB Draft, but Posada opted to go to college on a baseball scholarship to Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama.

He finished the frame but it was clear that he couldn't go back out in the third. He tried, even warming-up CC Sabathia. But he sailed a throw over the bag at second base and manager Joe Girardi made his decision. Briefly, rookie Jesus Montero had his catcher's gear on in the dugout. But he started as the game's designed hitter, which meant that if he was moved to catcher, the Yankees would have forfeited their DH.

So, Girardi turned to Posada. In the offseason, Girardi informed Posada that he would transition to a role as the full-time designated hitter. The news was tough for Posada. Though his offense behind the plate has always been superior to his defense, Posada nonetheless took intense pride in his work as a catcher. The advantage of adding Cash instead of Pilittere is that Cash is more disposable and if the Yankees wanted to make roster moves later on down the road it would be easier to ditch him, but it could also be as easy to ditch Angel Berroa once Alex Rodriguez returns on Friday so that could be a non-issue.

On that note, a perfectly reasonable move would be to call up Cervelli now, use him until Friday, then send him back down and DFA Berroa to make room for either Cash or Pilittere. That would probably be the least painful move the Yankees could make. Posada went 1-for-2 with a strikeout and a single, one of just four hits the Yankees could muster against Angels starter Dan Haren , who struck out seven in a masterful complete-game shutout.

For the season, Posada is batting. The Yankees could be in a bind going forward. Cervelli, who was bowled over by Nick Markakis at home plate Thursday in Baltimore, has been scratched from the lineup the past two games.

The Yankees are likely going to call up Austin Romine to have another catcher on the roster, their catching prospect who spent most of his time at Double-A this season. Romine is considered a better defensive catcher than Montero. Girardi has sounded hesitant to use the year-old Montero behind the plate.

Girardi's main reasoning has been that Montero is unfamiliar with the Yankees' pitchers, though Romine would have that same problem if he were called up. This offseason, Yankees GM Brian Cashman told Posada that he likely wouldn't be catching this year, but to be prepared to go behind the plate. This season Posada has DHed and played first base -- and even played one inning at second base -- but on Saturday he returned to the spot where he has won four World Series rings.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.