The LoHud Yankees Blog

In the back of the Yankees clubhouse, there is a large doorway that leads into the training room and the dining room and the weight room. That doorway is flanked by two of the most prominent lockers in the room. Derek Jeter’s locker is on one side. Jorge Posada’s was on the other.

So who take’s Posada’s spot?

“We were just talking about that before,” Jeter said. “I’ve got to check out the resumes and see how it all works.”

I have to assume these candidates are being considered

Mariano Rivera
An obvious choice, but Rivera already has a pretty good locker location. He’s on the far left side of the clubhouse, and he might want to stick with the spot he’s used to. Also, Rivera might not like the prominent locker at the head of the clubhouse. In theory, no one makes more sense than Rivera, but would he be interested?

Alex Rodriguez
Kind of a conflicted possibility, isn’t it? On one hand, Rodriguez and Jeter are clearly the highest-profile players on the team. On the other hand, is Rodriguez really going to step into Posada’s locker? He wouldn’t have to move far. Rodriguez is currently only a locker or two away from Posada’s spot.

CC Sabathia
There’s a lot to like about this one. Sabathia has definitely emerged as a leader in the clubhouse, and he just signed an extension that assures he’ll be a clubhouse presence for a long time. Might as well put him in a position of prominence in the clubhouse. He’s also easy going with the media, so the high-profile spot wouldn’t bother him.

Robinson Cano
He’s too young for the Core Four, but if you’re looking for a homegrown superstar, it has to be Cano. There’s a natural connection between the second baseman and the shortstop. It doesn’t hurt that Cano has emerged as the best player on the team. Might as well treat him that way.

Mark Teixeira
The way the clubhouse is setup right now, Teixeira is arguably the biggest name among a set of lockers that includes key but not necessarily high-profile players like Dave Robertson, Russell Martin, Nick Swisher and Brett Gardner. Like Sabathia, Teixeira’s contract means he’s going to be a significant presence in that clubhouse for a long time.

Andruw Jones
Too hefty of a decision to make right now? Then think of it like the Hiroki Kuroda contract: Go with a short-term deal that leaves all future options on the table. Jones is a veteran with an impressive resume, and he’s already tight with Jeter. If no one else feels quite right in Posada’s spot, then make a short-term choice to fill the hole while waiting for a permanent option to present itself.