Our weekly look at one item tying together each of the Red Sox' AL East rivals examines the Yankees, whose fluctuating situation at catcher is now even more up in the air.
Jorge Posada may catch some games this year, but he has essentially moved on from the position and will serve primarily as a designated hitter in 2011. The Yankees brought in Russell Martin to take over the starting role behind the plate, but backup Francisco Cervelli still figured to be a key part of the mix, as he was the last two years with Posada (Cervelli actually caught more innings than Posada last season).
However, Cervelli, who has struggled to get through prior spring trainings healthy, is out for several more weeks with a fracture in his left foot, the result of fouling a ball off of it.
Cervelli is in a walking boot right now and will remain in it for another three weeks or so. After that, it will take him a few weeks to get back into action, putting a lot of emphasis on the ability of Martin and top prospect Jesus Montero, a 21-year-old with a great bat, to run the staff as relative newcomers.
Of course, Posada is still around for guidance and Cervelli can offer his two cents. But the injury puts the position in a slight state of flux as Opening Day approaches.
