Jorge Posada is struggling in his first season as the designated hitter for the Yankees. The former catcher saw his average drop to .149 on Friday night and received words of encouragement from manager Joe Girardi after the game. "I told him, 'Throw those first 70 at-bats away; it's what you do from here on out,'" Girardi said. "'Have quality at-bats, continue to be productive and just do what you're capable of doing. I'm putting you in there every day because I believe in you and I believe you're going to hit.'" Posada said he appreciated his manager's confidence. "I said, 'Thank you for sticking with me,'" Posada said. "Because if I'm in his shoes, I'd second guess. He's been very supportive."