Posada to DH in World Baseball Classic

River Ave Blues via ESPN Deportes via Google Translation:

BRISTOL - Unlike the previous tournament, the Puerto Rican receiver Jorge Posada is ready to play in Puerto Rico during the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

"Yes, he is going to play. In fact, already signed to play and is playing in Tampa," said Jorge Posada's father ESPNdeportes.com.

"He was operated on it shoulder, but is recovered," said Posada, who is listening to Major League.

"It's going to play as a designated hitter, at least. He has spoken strongly in two or three occasions."

What an incredibly bad idea this is.  Let's first ask this question: is Posada's four year $52.4 million dollar contract that started last season looking good right now? No. Next question: is Posada going to be able to catch this year? We don't know. Next question: would Posada's contract be money better spent if he were catching? Most definitely. Final question: would you rather discover if Posada can catch in Tampa/New York or while he's off playing in the WBC? Isn't that obvious? I understand the desire to play for one's country.  It's not often, especially in the game of baseball, that you get to do something with some national pride.  But the Yankees commited an ton of money to a guy who is coming off of surgery that will determine the next three and probably final years of his career.  Maybe the focus should be on the team that's paying the bills, no?