New York Yankees: Derek Jeter Isn’t Going Anywhere
April 10, 2012 · Michael Moraitis · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
As he gets older, the questions about Derek Jeter‘s viability as the New York Yankees shortstop will continue to arise. Unless, of course, he can continue to play at a high level like he has thus far in 2012.
In his first four games in 2011, Jeter was 2-for-14, and that led to a bad month of April that saw the Yanks’ shortstop hit .256 at the top of the order. So far in 2012, Jeter is 7-for-17 (.412), and that could be indicative to a solid upcoming month.
If not for the slow start by the guys behind him, Jeter would be scoring a lot more runs than the one he has thus far.
That’s exactly what the Yankees need from their leadoff hitter.
Eduardo Nunez is apparently going to get more time in the field this season and could be prepped to one day take over for Jeter when the time comes. But that won’t happen overnight, and Nunez must prove he has improved his defense to the point where it’s better than Jeter’s.
We were reminded about the inferior part of Nunez’s game during the second game of the season against the Tampa Bay Rays. Nunez botched his first opportunity in the field, and it led to two runs in the inning.
Those two runs were the difference in the game.
Jeter’s defense has been questioned over the years, but nobody is more consistent with routine plays than the Yankee legend. That is a part of the Yankees’ game that is sorely missed when Nunez is in the field for Jeter.
Manager Joe Girardi may try to sit Jeter on a more consistent basis in favor of a day as the designated-hitter, but he can’t justify such a move if Jeter continues to play at such a high level.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Jeter is the type of player that will work harder as he gets older in order to keep up with Father Time. Not to mention, with his job being threatened a year or two down the road, Jeter will up his game to erase any conversation that his time as the team’s shortstop is close to over.
With Jeter’s fast start, there will be no changing of the guard, or even the conversation of it, like there was last season. No. 2 looks like he’s ready to have a great season and continue to claim his rightful position through 2012.
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