Backup plan for Big Unit?

Randy Johnson and Jorge Posada pledged to forge a stronger relationship this spring, and in the beginning, it seemed they were succeeding. Illness and injury (Posada got sick and then broke his nose) got in the way, and the Unit finished his spring training having thrown only seven of his 29-1/3 innings to the Yanks' starting catcher.

Considering that, it was no surprise that Joe Torre fielded questions yesterday about whether he's considering having backup Kelly Stinnett catch Johnson during Monday's opener in Oakland. Torre said he's sticking with Posada for the time being, but didn't rule out returning to last year's routine, in which Johnson pitched to the backup catcher (last year it was John Flaherty) instead. Continue