Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Study shows Jeter worst shortstop in baseball


All hail science! Although this comes from the NY Post, I think it confirms what a lot of baseball fans have thought for years:

In fact, a UPenn study has determined that he's the worst fielding shortstop in the majors. Just to show that the study is competent, and not just an exercise in Jeter bashing, the study showed that Johnny Damon was the 10th worst centerfielder during the same period (2002-2005) and Wily Mo Pena the least competent right fielder. That makes sense.

So, what of Jeter? Is he soon to make a switch the right side of the infield? At 34, how much longer will he play, and where?

As an aside, I must also admit I've never really been sold on Jeter's greatness, which has caused a lot of fights with my Yankees friends. They put Jeter up there with the all-time great shortstops. I've always had a sneaking suspicion about the fielding thing (which is reinforced, in my mind, by the fact that the Gold Glove award is one that is voted on, not given based on your numbers).

I'm also not sold on his numbers. As a #2 and occasional leadoff hitter, I'm not a fan of a guy that has a OBS south of Jason Giambi, who strikes out, on average, at the same rate as Richie Sexson, and who only pops about 20 HRs per year to make up for it. But, I'm willing to listen. Why is Jeter so great?

17 comments:

Jack Gonzo, MD said...

While I wouldn't list him as one of the greatest shortstops in history, I don't know if we've seen a more clutch hitter in our lifetime.

Dews said...

Dewey, what you got against Joe Buck's boyfriend?

He give someone herpes again?

Dewey, Cheatem, & Howe said...

I think that Jeter is a good ballplayer. I object to raising him any higher than good ballplayer.

I do not think he's the most clutch player of his generation.

I do not think he's one of the best hitters of his generation at his spot in the line-up.

I do not think that he's a particularly good shortstop.

I do not think you can attribute the Yankees' success to his "intangibles." In fact, I think "intangibles" is a bullshit argument, and that intangibles ought to be properly rephrased as "coincidence," as it its coincidental that the Yankees were successful when Jeter was there.

Plus, he has herpes.

SayHey Kid said...

On the field he is rather mediocre, I agree. But he is a clubhouse leader, and I think that makes everyone around him that much better.

He also has 4 WS rings, so as bad as he may be, he is still a winner!

Jack Gonzo, MD said...

Who has been a more clutch hitter then? I remember many of those rings, and many other playoff games that the Yankees won or were kept alive in because of Jeter's bat.

Dewey, Cheatem, & Howe said...

I would give it to David Ortiz, quite frankly.

SayHey Kid said...

Ortiz is clutch, but not throughout his entire career. Jeter, on the other hand, has consistently been clutch since his rookie days.

I dont like Jeter much, but give credit where credit is due

Jack Gonzo, MD said...

He is maybe the only one I would consider being in the conversation, but only in the last five years or so. Jeter has been clutch since the mid 90s.

Dewey, Cheatem, & Howe said...

Okay, then name the moments. I don't think he has as many as people think.

Dewey, Cheatem, & Howe said...

I'd also like to point out a couple things. First, Jeter has more (9) postseason series batting below .250 as he does batting above .400 (8). Second, his numbers actually drop off during the postseason. Third, he's played in 25 postseason series, which inflates his numbers. I'll give him his batting average in the postseason though. .309 isn't too shabby.

But clutch? I don't think so.

Jack Gonzo, MD said...

ALCS, Game 4 Oct 2000

World Series, Game 3 Oct 2003

ALCS, Game 1 Oct 19996

ALDS, Game 5 Oct 2001

World Series, Game 4 Oct 2000

World Series, Game 4 Oct 2001

Off the top of my head...and online

SayHey Kid said...

Quite impressive......

Dews said...

didn't cure his herpes...

SayHey Kid said...

He lost that battle long ago with Mariah Carrey (assuming).

MoDews said...

Take the 1996 ALCS game 1 down please.. Jeter was out and the whole world knows it..

Dews said...

God Damnit, how did I miss 1996 ALCS game 1!!!!

Tarasco was underneath that god damn ball! Jeffrey Maier is still going to get whats coming to him!

SayHey Kid said...

Tony Tarasco....Tony Torasco....Tony Tarasco.....Should have caught the damn ball....Tony Tarasco