Shortstop - 2009
This position is set for 2009 with the Captain, Mr. Derek Jeter.
It is hard to believe he will be 35 next year and 2 years away from free agency. He has lost a step but is still a very very very good shortstop and future hall of famer. His numbers will not look great this year. Hopefully a .300 batting average 10-11 HR’s, 70 or so RBI’s, solid defense. He has struck out less this year and seems to have a better eye at the plate.
I doubt he will put up lofty numbers again like a .320 BA, 15 HR’s, 90 RBI’s, 120 Runs, 215 hits. Those days are gone but he is still a very good shortstop. Maybe at 35, after a tough year he will have one last glory year?
As for the minors, it is similar to second base. No blue chip prospects at AAA or AA waiting to take Jeters spot in 2010. Pena and Corona are utility type guys. They do have some your kids in the low level of the minors but you never know how they will turn out.
It will be interesting to see what they do with Jeter. Sign him early to a contract extension to keep him a Yankee for life? Move him to a new position in a few years? Let him leave as a free agent?
One thing is certain, he will be the starting SS for the Yankees in 2009 and will play with a lot of heart. If only the guy to his right had the baseball instincts Jeter has, he wouldn’t be such a goat.
