The Wrong Answer
I understand Jorge Posada wants to catch and he said so last night:
"I'm a catcher. I'm playing first base today, and I don't know what's going to happen later, but I see myself as a catcher," he said. "I like thinking the way I do when I'm a catcher. That's the way I always think. If I have to play another position to help out the team, I'll do it, but I see myself as a catcher."
Jorge can catch this year and probably next year, but there is going to come a point over the next four years where his body won't be able to hold up to catching 130+ games a season. Assuming his bat is still a positive, the Yankees would be smart to put him at first from time to time and it would be nice if Posada embraced that a little more. Don't get me wrong, Jorge is a warrior and I love the guy, but the Yankees just made a HUGE investment in him. They need to protect that investment and protect Posada from himself. Having him pick up his firstbaseman's glove will do that.
Unfortunately, this will not be the biggest position battle the Yankees will face, that will come with Derek Jeter. We got a taste of what life at short is without Jeter there when Alberto Gonzalez played five games there last week and the numbers were startling. Through 13 games, Jeter has a range factor of 4.08 and a zone rating of .763. For his career, Jeter has produced 4.18 and .816. In five games Gonzalez had a range factor of 5.27 and a zone rating of 1.000 (perfect). It may not be time now, but Jeter will need to move from shorstop in the immediate future and the Yankees have to start laying the groundwork for that move, especially if they are going to extend Jeter's deal past 2010.
And where would he move? There are two possible positions he could take, left field or first. The Yankees have a plethora of leftfielders until after 2009, but they could pencil Jeter into left for 2010. Or, they could think about moving him to first after this season when Giambi goes away.
Cal Ripken jr., became a third baseman when he was 35. Robin Yount moved to the outfield in his late-20's. Ernie Banks moved to first when he was 30. Those are three Hall of Famers and someone who knows the history of the game like Jeter has to realize the day is approaching when he must move from short. The Yankees are going to need to find another shortstop (I don't think Gonzalez will hit enough), but I hope they are having the discussions with Derek now. He turns 35 next June, the clock is ticking.
Comments
Agreed, man. Well said.
Posted by: Jim Johnson | April 20, 2008 12:54 PM |
Excellent point about Jeter but where can he move that he will remain a plus bat? Jeter is a .850 OPS guy. Is that going to cut it at 1B or LF or are we going wondering when we can get out of that contract when a 36 yr old Jeter hits .290 with 8 HRs?
Posted by: tim | April 20, 2008 10:03 PM |
Good question Tim and the surprising thing is that last year the average LF in the AL had about a .760 OPS while the average 1B had a .790.
Obviously, it depends how well Jeter holds, up but Baseball Prospectus has him producing at those levels through 2012.
Interestingly, your 8 HR figure at 36 is exactly what they have Jeter down for when he is 36. Luckily, they have him hitting at a 302/.376/.432 clip still.
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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April 20, 2008 10:10 PM
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icons don't get thrown to the curb, they will find a positiion for him. Not sure why he wouldn't go to 3b and let A-rod go back to short?
Posted by: blmeanie | April 21, 2008 07:44 AM |
Given the number of variables involved in fielding, I don't quite trust your fielding stats or the ability to quantify fielding with any acceptable level of accuracy.
When Jeter does move -- which will be another couple of years -- he'll be like Pete Rose. He'll be plugged in where there is a need -- probably 1B or OF. He's got a good enough arm to play right or center. There is some appeal to an aging ARod and Jeter on the corners with youth in the center of the field.
As for hitting, would your rather have a smart contact hitter like Rose & Jeter at bat or some big stupid traditional first baseman who takes a big swing and whiffs? Seems to me that the Sox have had some success with Youkillis at first and that Jeter could be that kind of first baseman.
Posted by: corey | April 21, 2008 02:38 PM |
Corey- Can I get you to agree that Jeter is not a very good shortstop? I have a lot of faith in his bat holding up better than his defense.
BL- I would make that move now, but the problem is what do you do when A-Rod can't hold up his end at short? Time is not the friend of the shortstop.
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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April 21, 2008 06:38 PM
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Peter: I can't be objective about Jeter. He's just a terrific player.
I will agree, though, that Gonzalez is one hell of a good defensive shortstop.
Posted by: corey | April 21, 2008 09:48 PM |
Fair enough Corey.
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April 21, 2008 10:38 PM
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Peter, I picked those numbers out of the air to be honest, so take THAT Mr. Baseball Prospectus! As far as switching A-rod and Jeter, I agree with Peter, we'd most likely be having the same convo. I still have my doubts about having an average LF, 1B or RF signed to a massive contract being too good a situation.
Posted by: tim | April 22, 2008 02:45 AM |
Very nice Tim! And I think you hit on the big "don't" for the Yankees. Don't sign someone who is going to have to play in one of those spots until; you know what you are doing with Jeter.
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April 22, 2008 09:57 AM
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