Even the "numbers nerds" have to recognize what The Captain has done over the past 14 years. He's averaged just under 200 hits per year, since 2000 only one player has more hits.
Decline?
Derek Jeter is still a star. Derek Jeter is still an icon. He still knows how to win.
From 2004 through 2008 Jeter tallied the following totals in yearly doubles, 44,25,39, 39, and 25. Numbers nerds will just look at the 25 doubles in 2008 and sound the fossil alarm. If they actually WATCHED the game, and could recognize subtleties such as a player fighting through at bats with a badly bruised hand they'd not so quickly judge lower power numbers solely on age.
After Jeter was hit on the hand by Baltimore's Daniel Cabrera on May 20 last season his average dropped from .312 to .270 over the next 3 1/2 weeks. When I ran into Jason Giambi in Pittsburgh, late June, he intimated that several Yankees thought that Jeter had a small fracture in his hand based on reactions of those exiting the trainers room after he was hit. Of course the guy looked old for that month long stretch, try swinging a bat against any pitching, let alone at the Major League Level, with a hand thats been hit squarely by a 95mph fastball.
There is also a lot of talk about how Jeter hit the ball on the ground so frequently in 2008. Again, idiots, if you've played the game you know that a bat slowed by a bad hand is going to lead to drag and ground balls on low pitches for a typical line drive hitter.
That said, after going through a stretch where he got 4 hits over this next 40 at bats the Captain finished the season with a flourish to end the season at an even .300. Age declined guys don't usually hit .345 with an OBP of .382 in August. They don't hit .342 with a .438 OBP in September. He did that down the stretch.
Nobody will dispute that he doesn't cover a ton of ground at shortstop, but to be honest, he never really did. The Yankees did win 4 World Series with him at Shortstop.
Whats the statistic for playing like a seasoned Veteran and knowing how to win as a Rookie? Check out the rings on his fingers.
Want to pick a projected stat? Jeter has averaged 198 hits per season since 2004. If Jeter plays 6 more years til age 41, and averages just 180 hits yearly over that time he will have amassed around 3600 hits. That will mean that in the history of the game only 4 other players compiled more hits than the Captain. Want to give him 180 hits yearly over the next 4? That leaves him at #11 on the All Time Hits list.
More stones to throw?
I am not discounting the value of statistics, I appreciate their value, but when used as a sole driving judgement of a player's value it is shortsighted at best.
I was fortunte enough to be at the Yankees workout this past Thursday. On Jeter's third swing of the day he took the ball out of the Yard to left. A few swings later he took the ball out to right. I know its just batting practice, but compared to Jeter's BP sessions last year, the ball really looks to be jumping and carrying off of his bat. Almost the point where I wondered if the balls were juiced, but the guys after him pretty much kept pace with how they hit last year. The Captain just looked different.
That said, I expect a huge year from Derek Jeter. The Stage is set.
