Jorge Posada's Yankee career "likely over"

(CBS) - After a bitter 3-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers, Yankees fans were in an especially somber mood knowing that it may have been Jorge Posada's last game in pinstripes. The 40-year-old veteran player is at the end of a four-year contract, and New York's WFAN calls his Yankee career "likely over."

"It's tough. I really have no words," a choked-up Posada said in a post-game interview about his possible future. "I'm sorry."

It's been a grueling campaign for the battle-scarred catcher-turned-designated hitter in the lineup of the vaunted Bronx Bombers. The 17-year veteran was replaced as starting catcher by Russell Martin before the season began.

Then his full-time DH job was taken away by manager Joe Girardi. But Posada still had moments of greatness, particularly the game-winning hit in the Yankees' AL East clincher game.

"I definitely will miss him," closer Mariano Rivera said after the game against Detroit. "And I feel for him, he went through tough times, this year. But he hung in there and in the end he shined like the star that he is."

"He's like a brother to me," teammate Derek Jeter added.

Fans, who for years have chanted "Hip hip, Jorge!" gave Posada a standing ovation during all of his at-bats against Detroit.

Manager Girardi summed up the sentiment of fans. "The heart that he showed during this series, that's why Jorgie has been a great player."