Why doesn't Jorge Posada start every day?

Question

I know different pitchers prefer different guys catching for them, but is there another reason that he hasn't played as many as he could have?

Thats true, thats what my initial thought was, maybe his age and problem with knees, and just a decision to put less stress on him.

Thanks a lot guys, I never really had anyone to teach me about things like this.

Answer 1

catchers need a lot of rest. the foul tips and other parts of catching make them wear down

140 - 150 games is a lot for a catcher in a season

Joe Torre started Jorge at 1b last night and that may happen more as the season goes on or he may even get some starts at DH to keep his bat in the lineup

Answer 2

There's a lot of wear and tear on catchers both physically and mentally between calling a game, keeping in tune with their pitchers, and then there's the fact that they are kneeling the all most whole time their team is one the feild.

Basically being a catcher is one of the most demanding positions in baseball. Jorge is starting to get up there in age too as someone else pointed out. Secondly why do you think Mike Piazza with the A's is now a DH? He's been through many seasons as a catcher, it seems he doesn't feel he can last as an everyday catcher, but still can produce with his bat (when healthy).

Answer 3

Age doesn't have much to do with this. He was a 2nd baseman and was brought up a catcher at age 27. So he has only been catching in the majors for 8 years. Not that long considering his age. He will be around for another 3-4 years. Maybe not only as a catcher. Oh yeah, catchers can't play every game.

Answer 4

Catcher's take a physical beating behind the plate and all MLB catcher's take a game or two off every week. If they didn't, they would be done half way through the season, By the time the season is over Posada will be in the top four or five catcher's in total at bats.

Answer 5

Well of course he needs days off because the catcher position is the most physically tiring position besides pitching. Since Cairo has been at first base (good defensively, some big hits, but poor hitter), the Yankees are probably gonna start giving Posada more time at first base, since he has played first before. They don't want to lose his bat in the lineup, but I hope their careful with his health since his age is getting up their.

Answer 6

Jorge Posada play almost all the games cause the yanks have a garbage backup
the only reason he doesn't play all the time is because he;s human and needs rest, and with the stuff he's put up he's earned it plus when playing against weak teams one guy missing, it won't hurt the yanks

Answer 7

It is a very long season and the wear and tear on a catchers body is higher than others. They all need time to heal, especially when the get a little older like HIP HIP JORGE!

Answer 8

They are just giving him a break. Catching can take out a lot of you physically, between the traveling they do between being on the road and home. The heat, wearing all the equipment wears on you. Some players(older ones) don't play day games after a night game.

Answer 9

catcher is a hard position and it is hot. Catcher wears more items than other players and lose lots of body weight in perspiration. Bending and mental on the call of a game.
it is the hardest position physicall and mentally. Need some time off. Hard to bend all the time and he is getting up in the 30s.

Answer 10

He plays the most demanding position in the game and he isn't young anymore. The fact that he catches as much as he does is a credit to him. Most catchers are already playing another position by the time they get to his age.