新闻来自洋基官网 http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/ article.jsp?ymd=20071103&content_id=2291730&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy Posada throws support behind Girardi Catcher denies speculation of a rift with new Yankees skipper By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com NEW YORK -- Jorge Posada authorized his agents to release a statement on Friday lauding new Yankees manager Joe Girardi, batting away speculation that the former teammates had a rift in their relationship. Several published reports had intimated that Posada, currently a free agent, might have trouble returning to play for Girardi. The two shared catching duties for the Yankees on three World Series clubs, playing together from 1996 through 1999. "Girardi was my mentor and he always taught me the value of having a great work ethic and how it was most important to maintain the position year after year," Posada said in the statement, released by his agents, Sam and Seth Levinson. Posada, 36, was one of five Yankees to officially file for free agency on Monday, the first day eligible players could do so. A career Yankee, Posada batted a career-high .338 in 2007, ranking fourth in the American League, and established career highs in hits (171) and doubles (42). Playing in 144 games -- including 125 starts behind the plate -- Posada hit 20 home runs and drove in 90 runs. He became the only player in Major League history to bat at least .330 with 40 doubles, 20 home runs and 90 RBIs in a season when he caught at least half of his games played, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Speaking at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, shortly after being introduced as the club's 32nd manager, Girardi also rejected the idea of any difficulty dealing with Posada. "It's always been great," Girardi said. "My relationship as a player with Posada was that we challenged each other to be better. I will challenge Jorge to be the best player he can be on an everyday basis." Posada expressed interest before the season in a contract extension with the Yankees, but like with closer Mariano Rivera -- also a free agent -- the club elected to wait on that issue. Posada's last deal with the Yankees was a five-year, $51 million pact signed before the 2002 season that included a $12 million option for 2007 that was exercised automatically. He is believed to be interested in another multi-year contract, and reports have indicated the Yankees could be prepared to open negotiations with a three-year, $40 million figure. In the statement, Posada said he was allowing the process time to play out. "The 2007 season was difficult and bittersweet and all I'm doing right now is evaluating everything," Posada said. Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. --

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