The planning has begun for the Yankees' 2011 season, and it's starting with a change behind the plate.
Jorge Posada, who took Joe Girardi's catching job in the late '90s, will become the team's designated hitter in 2011, according to the New York Post.
GM Brian Cashman told Posada in a meeting in New York, and the 39-year-old was "fine" with it, according to the Post.
The move will open the door for Francisco Cervelli to handle most of the catching duties, with perhaps prospect Austin Romine and uberprospect Jesus Montero to work their way to the big leagues.
Posada will earn $13.1 million next season, the final year of his contract. He hit .248 with 18 homers and 57 RBIs last season. He may find himself on the bench on the road, as Girardi's giant binder tells the manager that Posada's average was .083 points higher at Yankee Stadium than away from home.
Perhaps the physical toll of a season of catching is to blame for Posada's drop-off in September, when he hit just .182 in the final month of the season. He did hit .267 in the playoffs, but Cervelli got the start in Game 4 of the ALCS to catch A.J. Burnett.
