But, in many ways, Posada is different from the average 29-year-old father.

Posada said he was sure the ball would stay fair.

Going into the 1998 season, Posada pushed for more playing time.

"I wanted him to think about what we were doing and remember it," Posada said.

Every starting position player other than Posada had at least one hit in the game.

Now Posada believes the team around him is the best of his career.

Posada had two hits in his 13th start of the season.

But Posada can play now and address the shoulder problem after the season.

"I'm not going to miss any games when the season comes around," Posada said.

The line was removed, but the games continued until Posada left for college.

For that and other reasons, Posada was the team's most significant question mark when spring training began this year.

Posada admitted he would probably not sleep much tonight either.

"We were just trying to do too much early," Posada said.

"Obviously, he is human and wanted to get up for the game like everyone else," Posada said.

But the star for the second consecutive night was Posada.

It is the word that best describes Posada's career these days.

The location of the pain is not what concerns Posada.

To Posada, it would be best if everyone focused on defense, the way he has this season.

Posada used the same word to describe the two: presence.

Posada took batting practice Sunday but did not play in the field.

Posada said Williams, 38, has told him that other teams have called.

The answer may be to use Posada as the first baseman.

That is all Posada or any player with fewer than three years of experience can do.

Already Posada has six passed balls this year, after he had seven for the entire 1998 season.

Jorge Posada has been there enough to know the feeling.