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?
