Have you heard? Derek Jeter is really, really good. Not just New York, over-hyped, overrated really, really good. Like actually really, really good. Peter Abraham pointed out today that Captain Clutch is moving up the Yankees’ career list for games, at-bats, runs, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, walks, and stolen bases. When his career is finished, he’ll probably be atop all those lists with the exception of home runs (will probably finish 6th), triples (won’t even come close), and walks (only about a 1000 behind Babe Ruth). He’s also 5th in batting average and total bases. Not bad.
Here’s the line that Derek Jeter is on pace for: .332/.394/.476, 219 hits, 114 runs, 30 2B, 21 HR, 75 RBI, and 28 SB (to 5 CS). He currently has an OPS+ of 127 and a WAR of 5.6 for the best team in baseball. On the recent road trip—one that could help seal the Yankees return to the postseason after Jeter’s first season without October baseball last season—Derek Jeter hit .500.
And it seems like he’s going to lose the MVP race to a Twins player once again.
Mike Lupica says that the Yankees Captain is having a season for the ages at 35 (picture from Daily News article). Baseball-Reference points out how great he really is among the other Yankees’ greats. B-R also points out that he’s on pace for his 7th 200 hit season which will probably keep him two behind active leader Ichiro (who, as the Wall Street Journal points out, maybe a little bit more smoke and mirrors than greatness). The major league leader in 200 hit seasons is Pete Rose at 10. Gritty and Cluch says that although the Yankees will pay Jeter $20 million this season, he’s projected to be worth over $31 million (and probably more at this point since this was done last week). Lastly, Ken Rosenthal has some good notes on Derek Jeter’s work ethic:
After the 2007 season, Jeter decided that he needed to work harder to combat the effects of age. He began training with Jason Riley, the director of athlete performance at the Saddlebrook training center in Tampa.
The leaner, more tapered Jeter has been notably healthier this season, not that he ever admits to injuries. His improved conditioning — with an emphasis on lateral movement and first-step quickness — has led to improved defensive performance.
And from new teammate and 12-year veteran Jerry Hairston, Jr.:
"He plays like every day like he's got something to prove, and yet he doesn't have anything to prove. I really admire that about him.”
He’s pretty great, that Derek Jeter.
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