In other words, Molina was worth three times more to his team *given his contract* than Posada was. And that doesn’t take defense into account — because UZR (the defensive component of WAR) has no measure for catchers — but Yadi is generally considered to be the best defensive catcher in the game (he won the Gold Glove last year and should win it in again; Posada never has, despite the award being partially about offense), while Posada is so good as a defensive catcher that he only started half his team’s games there (the rest at DH). Yadi’s inferior brother, Jose, had to pick up Jorge’s slack.

You probably don’t give a shit about the relative value of performance for contracts because it’s the Yankees and so trite anachronisms like “money” (whatever that is) don’t apply. But for anybody not so spoiled, Molina is one of the very best catchers for the money, and is a worthy role model for aspiration.

Seriously, though, he’ll look good in pinstripes. I’m sending a letter today to the Pohlad’s using last night’s Yankees victory as a “see, if you want to keep Joe this is what you’ll need to produce – first year new stadium, WS championship – spend the dough or lose the Joe”. I’m not hopeful…

And man, would I LOVE to watch you in a Senate confirmation hearing! You’d never, ever get confirmed, but you’d absolutely crush the inquisition!