Jeter told Mark Feinsand of The Daily News that he plans to play SS through 2010 and beyond.
"That's the plan," Jeter said. "I haven't really thought about how long I'm playing. I take it one year at a time; I don't sit down and say, 'Well, I hope I'm playing in two-thousand whatever.' It's a tough question, because I haven't really thought about it much."
Many scouts believe Jeter would be able to make an easy transition to the outfield, where his speed, strong arm and terrific instincts would make him a natural. Asked about the possibility, Jeter waves off the question before it's finished.
"I ain't going out there," Jeter said. "It's not as easy as it sounds to just pick up a glove and say, 'I'm going to be an outfielder today.' It doesn't work like that."
He also said that he can't see himself playing another position, and hopes he doesn't have to think about it for "quite some time."
Well despite what Jeter thinks, one day he will have to switch positions. Steve Lombardi over at WasWatching.com may have said it best: "The deadliest of all baseball player sins is that pride which does not allow them to realize that time does not stand still for them."
All shortstops can't be Omar Vizquel. Robin Yount moved to the outfield, Ernie Banks moved to first base, Cal Ripken Jr. moved to third, all in their early to mid 30's. Eventually, Jeter will have to follow suit and move from his native shortstop. It's inevitable. And it will probably be a move to first, that will be the best for Jeter, and the Yankees.
What position do you think Jeter should play after his days at shortstop are over?
4 Comments:
DH
Why would Jeter have to move positions? As he gets older, he's only going to get slower and have a weaker arm. If anything, it would be smarter to move older outfielders in. If he didn't have to change positions for Alex Rodriguez, he's not going to have to change for anyone... I don't get your entire premise for switching positions.
anonymous poster, you answered your own question. The reason he's going to have to move from SS is because, like you said, he's "going to get slower and have a weaker arm." Which is also why I say first base will be the best choice for him.
Why would you ever want an older player at that point hitting DH when he has no power even at this stage in his career??
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