Brian Cashman said Jorge Posada knew the GM was going to address the media to explain why Posada was not in the lineup on Saturday night. Cashman's claims contradict Posada's account of what happened.
Posada said he did not know Cashman was going to address the media during the game and seemed to be upset with him for doing so. Cashman told ESPNNewYork.com's Andrew Marchand that he talked to Posada and his agent, explaining to both that he needed to provide a reason to the media for Posada's absence.
Posada was originally penciled into the lineup but told manager Joe Girardi before the game that he needed a day off to clear his head.
"We were explaining to Jorgie and his agent, Seth Levinson, what we were going to say and that it would be short and sweet," Cashman said. "The situation that was created by him, then he would have to explain himself after. It was as simple as that. It is common baseball practice to explain after someone is a late scratch in the lineup, they give a reason why."
"I was down there for an hour," Cashman said. "In one instance I was on the phone with Seth and I actually had to hand the phone to Jorgie. I said, 'Here.' Jorgie knew exactly what was being said. This is not a surprise. I'm disappointed about what he said."
Posada said he was surprised Cashman had spoken to the media during the game.
"I didn't know he made a statement. I don't know why he’s going to make a statement during the game, in the middle of the game. I don't understand that. You know, so that's the way he works now," Posada said.
When asked if he was mad at Cashman, Posada replied: "Well, we’ll see. I think we should have waited for the game to be over to talk to whoever’s doing the game. It’s kind of like, you’re not supposed to do that."
Posada told reporters after the game that he had also suffered a back injury. But Cashman said before the game that Posada had not suffered an injury.