Hip, Hip Jorge! Yanks Catcher Provides Big Presence On Yanks Roster

November 2, 2009 2:35 p.m. EST

Philadelphia, PA (AHN) - The New York Yankees have gone ahead against the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 in the best of seven World Series. Jorge Posada's three RBIs lifted the Yanks to 7-4 win Monday.

Posada has been a steady producer both behind the plate and alongside it since the Yankees took him on back in 1995. He has flourished and matured from a .250 batter in his first year as a starter to batting .338 in 2007, and .285 in 2009.

While he hasn't been the most effective guy in the postseason, his 81 RBIs on the season are a big part of why the Yanks have the dominant franchise they do.

A five-time All-Star, with Silver Slugger awards for each of his All-Star berths, he has helped New York claim their last three World Series titles, when they three-peated between 1998-2000.

He carved his place in history by being the first catcher to ever bat over .330, and hit 40 doubles, 20 home runs and 90 RBIs in a single season.

He shares the record for a 30 home run season with Yogi Berra - the only other Yankee to accomplish this feat.

Perhaps the most subtle aspects of Posada's value is his worth to the Yankees pitching staff. His athletic talent is rivaled only by his knowledge of every batter a pitcher can expect to face in the league - and knowing where they're the weakest.

This knowledge has led to 14 seasons of play-off contention - only 2008 saw Posada ending his season early.

Posada makes $13 million a year on his current contrack.  It runs through 2011.