What would you do when Jorge Posada returns?

Yankees catcher Jorge Posada has missed the past four games due to a right calf strain. His replacement, Francisco Cervelli has filled in quite nicely.

Posada has been the emergency catcher while out, but all indications are that he is likely to return as early as tomorrow (Sunday). Cervelli has been one of the Yankees hottest hitters. So, my question to all you Yankees fans is, what should the lineup look like when Posada does return?

If you were the manager, would you automatically give Posada his starting catcher spot back and put Cervelli back on the bench? Would you hold Posada out until Cervelli cools off?

I say you put both players in the lineup. Cervelli has been so hot that it would be extremely tough to keep him off the lineup card.

Manager Joe Girardi has seen his roster get slimmer and slimmer due to a rash of injuries. Regular designated hitter Nick Johnson has been placed on the disabled list. The DH spot was used today by Robinson Cano. He is the Yankees regular second baseman and can be expected to take his normal place in the field tomorrow.

Sure Marcus Thames could be used as the designated hitter. Is he a better option then Posada? I say you leave Cervelli in the lineup and also slot Posada somewhere. If both players are in the lineup, Cervelli is the obvious choice to catch while using Posada as the DH.

Of course you have to take into account that Boston’s starter on Sunday is Jon Lester. Lester is a lefty and Thames was put on the roster to hit against left handed pitchers. So fat this year, Thames has beat up on lefties. He is batting .458 in 24 at bats against left handers. So, do you put Thames into the DH spot against the lefty Lester? If so, that would not allow you to use both Posada and Cervelli.

Another option could be to use Thames in left field and sit Randy Winn. The veteran Winn has been playing left field since Brett Gardner had to move over to center field when Curtis Granderson went on the DL.

So, what would you do? I say for one game, put Thames in left field. Posada can be used as the DH to get back in the grove. That will also allow the Yankees to keep Cervelli’s hot bat in the lineup as the Yankees try to sweep the Red Sox.