"The press conference was long and cathartic. It felt as much about a healing process as a wave goodbye.

Jorge Posada announced his retirement yesterday in a This-Is-Your-Life-type tribute in which he was honored by Thurman Munson's widow, a family impacted by his charity work, fans who admired his passion and, of course, the Yankees. By the time it was done, it made you wonder if the Yankees will have to do a mini-series to properly honor Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera when it is their time.

Clearly, the Yankees were trying to provide a soft landing for Posada, to make it clear that he has been, is now and always will be part of the pinstripe family. This was designed to see the big picture of a great, prideful, meaningful Yankees career and get beyond a 2011 filled with mistrust and missteps."