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Once again, Jorge Posada is about to enter a season where his value is underrated. Remember what happened the last time Posada missed a significant portion of the season?

It was 2008, the first time that the Yankees failed to make the playoffs since 1994. Let’s take a look at what we can expect Jorge to accomplish in the 2010 season for the Yankees to make a run at a 28^th title.

1.) Protect A-rod. With the departure of Hideki Matsui, the number 5 hitter for the majority of the season last year, Jorge will need to return to this role. Posada had arguably his best season of his career in a 2007 campaign out of the 5-hole, posting an average of .338 with 20 homeruns, 90 RBIs, and a .426 OBP. The veteran and core-four member should be called back to his role for the benefit of the team. Newly acquired Curtis Granderson, despite his career high 30 homers last year should not be expected to carry the burden. For Granderson to be successful in his new digs, lowering his power numbers a bit and raising his batting average, particularly against left hand pitching will be crucial. Instead of posting the line of .247, 30, 71, .321, look for hitting coach Kevin Long to aim towards Granderson to also return to his 2007 numbers (.302, 23, 74, .361). This will not be accomplished if he is asked to be the number 5 hitter and becomes obsessed with the long ball, ala Jason Giambi. And let’s be clear about one thing, Curtis Granderson is a much more complete player than Giambi, so he must not turn one dimensional and become a power hitting number 5 hitter. He is best suited lower in the lineup as he begins his tenure in pinstripes. The same philosophy applies for Robinson Cano.  Let him continue to develop his patience at the plate and produce at a high rate at the lower end of the lineup.  As for Nick Swisher, he can continue to fill the role of Mr. Flexible.  On days when Jorge is holding down the 5 spot, he can stay put in the 8 slot.  On the 30-35 games or so when Jorge is not in the lineup, Swish's OBP will fit nicely behind A-rod so that he can give Granderson and Cano, the better hitters, opportunities to hit with men on base.

2.) Sort things out with A.J. Burnett. With the departure of Jose Molina, who catches Burnett? One could easily let new full-time backup catcher Francisco Cervelli slide into this role, but do we really want to go along all season with the same drama that could have been devastating in the playoffs of 2009? The Yankees need to address this issue and get their number 2 starter and their starting catcher and essential 5 hitter on the same page if they want to have any chance at repeating in 2010. Losing both would be a gamble that most fans would prefer to avoid.

So while the stories of who the 5^th starter will be and how the outfield will align come opening day, don’t forget about Jorge Posada and his value to this 2010 ballclub. Their success could very well fall in his lap once again. Feel free to debate in the comments section.