Decisions, Decisions

The half-way point of the season is always a great time to look back at what people were talking about in the beginning of the season. If you recall, the talk of the town during Spring Training revolved around A-Rod’s new look on life, Bernie’s departure and the contract status of Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera.

Well, A-Rod is having the best season of his career and seems wholly unaffected by the press (even if they print photos of him and his goomah), Bernie is playing classical guitar somewhere, and probably happy doing it. Which brings me to the point of this post, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera.

Posada and Mo are both free agents after this season. The Yanks took a calculated risk in not extending either or both of them prior to this season, so let’s take a look at how that risk has turned out:

Posada’s numbers through 82 games:

.324 avg, .396 OBP, .504 slg, 9 HR, 45 RBI

Rivera's numbers through 82 games:

2 wins, 3 losses, 11 saves, 3.94 ERA, 1.16 WHIP

Well, it looks like Brian Cashman is facing a split decision. Based on numbers alone, Posada is going to get a big contract in the off season, from someone (relax, it’s probably going to be a two or three-year deal from the Yanks, but it might cost them more than an extension would’ve prior to this season). I don’t expect Posada to keep this torrid pace up the rest of the season, my prediction for his final numbers: .304, .380, .510, 21 HR, 85 RBI.

And Mo. It’s tough to say Mo is having a bad year, because I honestly don’t think it’s his fault. He hardly ever gets used, and a lot of the time, he’s in there in non-save situations. He’s never done well in those situations. There are some alarming stats, like the .260 average against, but when I watch, he still looks like the same Mo. His WHIP is respectable, and his 32 Ks in 32 innings is a good sign. If the season ended today, the Yanks would probably be able to sign Mo to a discounted (somewhat) contract for a year or two. I expect his second half to be much better. My prediction for his final numbers: 5–4, 34 saves, 2.95 ERA, 1.05 WHIP.

So, was it prudent for Brian Cashman to take a “wait and see” approach with these two legendary Yankees? Probably. I highly doubt either will leave the Bronx, and when all is said and done, Posada will probably make a little more than he would’ve next year, and Mo will probably make a little less than he would’ve.