The source said the Yankees will participate in Posada's announcement, which might take place at Yankee Stadium -- a sign that the two sides have been able to work past the tensions of 2011 and appreciate their meaning to each other. WFAN's Sweeny Murti first reported the news of Posada's decision.
Posada, 40, will finish his major-league career as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball history. He hit 275 homers (246 as a catcher) and had a .374 on-base percentage and .474 slugging percentage in 7,150 plate appearances. Posada added 11 homers, a .358 OBP and .387 SLG in 492 plate appearances in 125 postseason games.
To Yankees fans, Posada will be remembered as much for his passion and fire as for his offensive excellence and, until recent years, durability. That temperament led to an uncomfortable final season.
Switched from catcher to designated hitter before the 2011 season, Posada endured a very difficult start to the campaign, prompting Yankees manager Joe Girardi to bat Posada ninth in the Yankees' May 14 game against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Posada reacted by pulling himself out of the lineup about an hour before first pitch, setting in motion a war of words that ended only when Posada issued a public apology the subsequent day.
When Posada pinch hit against Boston in the May 15 night game, Yankees fans largely gave him a rousing ovation, a tribute to the vast quantity of goodwill he had accrued to that point. He bounced back with a strong June but faded and wound up on the bench in early August. Then he started all five of the Yankees' Division Series games against Detroit, recording a .579 OBP and .571 SLG as the designated hitter.
He broke down while speaking with reporters after the Yankees' Game 5 loss, and he acknowledged at a November event that his emotions reflected the knowledge that his Yankees career had ended. He took two more months to decide to conclude his career altogether.
It was quite an impressive career. Selected in the 24th round of the 1990 amateur draft by the Yankees as an infielder, Posada transitioned to catcher in the low levels of the minor leagues. He made his major-league debut in 1995 -- along with fellow "Core Four" members Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera -- and joined the majors for good as the apprentice to starting catcher Joe Girardi.
Girardi and Posada shared the job in 1998 and 1999, with many pitchers preferring to throw to the veteran Girardi over the inexperienced Posada. Only when the Yankees jettisoned Girardi, giving Posada full-time catching duties in 2000, did Posada shine, his power from both sides of the plate overwhelming any complaints about his defense.
Posada played in at least 137 games from 2000 through 2007, taking pride in his ability to avoid the disabled list. That streak concluded in 2008 when right shoulder problems sidelined him and ultimately required season-ending surgery. He returned as the Yankees' primary catcher in 2009 and 2010 but spent time on the disabled list in both campaigns.
When Posada wrapped up a four-year, $52.4-million contract last season, the Yankees didn't have interest in retaining his playing services. Russell Martin performed capably as Posada's replacement behind the plate, and the team thinks Jesus Montero can provide an upgrade over Posada at designated hitter.
Nevertheless, Posada, the owner of five World Series rings, will own a place in the Yankees' crowded list of greats. A shaky finish won't take away what occurred before, as the two sides are sure to emphasize when Posada's retirement becomes official.
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