My Jeter Forecast

What to do with Derek Jeter?  This has been a touchy subject around New York these days.  I think being the type of person that Derek Jeter is, this is going to be a rather easy decision for him and the Yankees.  That’s right, I said easy.

Derek Jeter has always been the ultimate team player and I don’t think that is going to change anytime soon.  He knows he is getting older and by the end of the 2010 season, Jeter will be 36 years old.  How time flies.  Jeter may never admit that he can’t play shortstop (and he does realize this), but if it is in the best interest of the team, then he will surely move to another position.  But I believe he can still play a league average defensive SS.

A few questions remain: Should he be resigned and should he change positions?  I think if Posada and Rivera were resigned, then you have to give Jeter an extension.  He is less than 500 hits away from the 3,000 hit milestone.  It is only right that he does it in a Yankees uniform.  I actually think that he can stay at shortstop, even given his lack of range to his left.  His offensive production is above average for a shortstop at the current time and I can only see him maintaining that production or at worst league average as he grows older.  You know he is going to try and play everyday if he can and he is usually healthy.  Shortstop is a very demanding and important position in the infield.  This position calls for an intelligent and vocal leader.  Jeter, on and off the field are two completely different things.  He may be reserved off, but he takes charge between the lines.  He’s pretty sure handed over there when he does get to the ball.  He’s not exactly Jason Giambi over there.

Many people think the Yankees should move Jeter to the OF.  Easier said than done.  No doubt he can probably handle all positions, but it will take time and that’s one thing the Yankees have never had.  He will only be a league average OF at best (and I’m being too nice) given his offensive production relative to the LF and CF positions.  What if Melky or Gardner actually play a decent CF this year?  You just can’t suddenly move them off that position.  I actually hope Gardner wins the everyday CF job as he is the spark-plug the Yankees lineups lacks.   With the anticipation of Swisher being traded to the Braves, Nady leaving via free agency, and Damon probably being resigned, only RF remains a mystery.  Perhaps Austin Jackson may be ready in 2010 and he will be given every opportunity to win an OF job.  Jeter would be best used as shortstop until this last contract extension runs out.  By that time the Yankees should hopefully have a shortstop waiting in the wings…if everything pans out. Jeter will probably retire at that time because if he can’t play at his anticipated high level, then there is no need to even waste a roster spot.  He’s not Brett Favre.

A lot of ifs, I know…but if it ain’t broke just yet, why fix it?  You can’t tell me that his infield play is a detriment to the team at the current time.  He has never been given any credit for his defense in his career, but Yankee fans aren’t exactly in an uproar either.  And if you really think about it, less balls will be put in play because of Sabathia, Burnett, Joba, and hopefully Hughes too.

I think the Yankees should and will give Jeter a 2-3-year contract extension after his current contract expires.  He will probably ask for $20 million a year (what he makes now) but he will settle for probably $12-16 million a year.  Heck, what’s a few million to him anyway.  He’ll be enshrined in the HOF and a monument will be erected in Monument Park.  What more can he or the Yankees ask for?

More Yankee News and Notes

- After agreeing to a two-year contract with the Texas Rangers, Ben Sheets might need surgery which would cost him most, if not all of the 2009 season.

I knew something was seriously wrong.  There was a significant lack of interest in him all winter long.  Teams were definitely scared off by their medical reports.  How does this relate to the Yankees?  Because most fans, including myself wanted him in a pinstriped uniform.  I just liked the ace potential, but it was inevitable that he was not going to be able to pitch the entire year.  Two big unknowns in the rotation is definitely a risk the Yanks were not willing to take.  And when did he sign with the Rangers?  I don’t remember him ever signing anywhere.

- The Yankees are getting ready for Spring Training.  They are the clear favorites to win the World Series with 5-2 odds.

To view a good breakdown of what to expect this Spring Training, please view PeteAbe’s blog.  Team USA will actually be taking on the Yankees in exhibition play with Derek Jeter in the visitor’s dugout.  How weird?  I hope you guys are itching for some baseball.  The Caribbean Series just doesn’t cut it.  Odds don’t mean anything boys and girls.  Look at the Cardinals and the Rays.

- Andruw Jones better realize he isn’t that good anymore and he should take whatever he can get.

The Yankees reportedly offered Jones a minor league contract, but he declined the offer in hopes of catching on with a MLB club.  He’s fat an out of shape and he plays the game like he just doesn’t care anymore.  He hasn’t made any adjustments in 2008 and to me that says he is just not coachable.  Wherever he signs, that team will be severely disappointed and the Yankees were clearly doing him a favor.  The Yankees wanted some competition for Gardner and Melky, but I would rather have those two instead of ‘Manny without the bat.’  If Joe Torre couldn’t light a fire under his ass LA, nobody can.