Pushing back the inevitable

The question has been asked, however, the response has been the same:

Will Derek Jeter have to move off short stop sometime in the future?

Answer: Yes.

But where?

It's inevitable that Jeter will eventually have to change positions, and most likely move to the outfield. However, the Yankees are trying to push back that inevitable. After a strong defensive season in 2009, it's been seen by the human eye that Jeter's defense has taken a step back this season. Jeter is without a doubt, the greatest short stop in Yankees history. While Jeter's range to his right is acceptable, his range to the left has been poor. Questions began to arouse about Jeter's defense after a report by a few college students showed that Jeter was the worst defensive short stop in baseball. Since then, Jeter has worked hard to improve his defense. However, Jeter is human and age will soon come into effect, and Jeter will have to move.

It won't be an easy conversation for Brian Cashman to have with the future hall of famer. Over the course of the past two seasons, Cashman and Jeter have fielded questions about a position change. According to Andrew Marchand, Jeter' s most recent response, while in Minnesota last week was "Why would I?" It's obvious that Jeter believes he can still play shot stop and that he doesn't see himself changing positions unlike other great short stops such as Cal Ripken Jr, Robin Yount, and his teammate Alex Rodriguez. Cashman has said that it's "a no-win situation."

With Jeter's contract expiring after this season, Cashman and co. will have to talk a position change when negotiating with Jeter's agent, Casey Close. Many believe Jeter will sign a deal worth about $20 million/season for around 4-6 years. You can bank on it that Jeter's defense will come into play when discussing his new contract.

One away or another, the Yankees, and Jeter, will have to grin and bear it. Jeter will have to accept a position change, either to the outfield or becoming a full time DH. The Yankees will also have to grin and bear having this conversation with their captain and most popular Yankee. Jeter is so respected by so many players that one can only imagine how the baseball world would react if Jeter changed positions.

Throughout his illustrious career we've seen Jeter make marvelous plays in the field: the jump throw, the flip play in the ALDS, falling over the stands in the World Series, and who could forget the best play he ever made, diving into the stands to catch a ball against the hated Boston Red Sox, emerging from the stands bloody and bruised like a warrior.


One asks, "how could Jeter possibly be moved when he has been the rock of the Yankees' infield for 15 seasons?"

Although this decision will likely not happen for years to come, it will have to be discussed soon. I can envision Jeter playing short stop for another 3-4 years, but no longer than that. As my favorite baseball player ever, it pains me to see my idol grow older and be treated as such, but the Yankees have to do what's best for the team, even if it means moving their "face of the franchise." One thing is certain, and that is that it will certainly be awkward seeing Jeter anywhere else but at short stop.

For now, the Yankees are trying to push back the inevitable.

(I'm writing this in response to Andrew Marchand of ESPN's most recent article)