ot-reaper>>Sorry to chime in here. Your points are well taken but keep in mind how shortstops have changed over the years. Having power up the middle is a relatively new development in the game. Until fairly recently, shortstops were for the most part strictly defensive machines who, provided that they did the job defensively, were not necessarily frowned upon if they hit 4 home runs a year. Dave Concepcion, Willie Randolf and the Wizard come to mind.
Of course, Nomar and ARod and Tejada might make a greater contribution overall, but Jeter is a much better fit for this team than a superior fielder who lacks his level of offensive production (Bordick,Vizquel). Jeter's role as a #2 hitter is to move runners, get on base and steal bases. Not to be a slugger. If Jeter strictly did his job offensively as the #2 hitter and played the level of defense that he does, he would still have a role on the team but certainly would not be a major asset. But the fact that Jeter is so productive offensively more than make up for his defensive skills. As far as the team goes, he is perfect for the job and IMO, when all is aid and done, he wins games, not loses them.
Let's face it. If Jeter's defensive abilities hurt the team on balance with his offensive skills, it would likely show in the w/l columns for the team. |
