Jeter's Future

There is always a brewing sub-plot to the Yankees' story. The game on the field is never enough. Hype, speculation and rumors don't sleep they fester in The Big Apple.

The current rumblings concern Derek Jeter. The venerable captain's contract expires after the 2010 season. Let the speculation percolate.

Sam Borden recently wrote an article titled: "Jeter's future could be an issue" that hits the talking points:

• "the future of the Yankees captain is an issue that lingers beneath the surface of the season, particularly if Jeter continues to play well...his performance, so far this year has indicated little, if any regression is imminent. In many ways, he's actually improving. (This is particularly true when it comes to his defense, the area often regarded as Jeter's flaw. Defensive metrics, while admittedly a shaky science, shows that he's been above average as a fielder this year which is a marked rise from his levels in prior years.)--(Borden/Lohud)

This will disappoint the Stat. Wizards who have used Jeter's documented defensive flaws as a cause celeb. Turns out, rumors of Derek's baseball death were exaggerated. Stats. are useful but not absolute. There isn't a column for playing hurt which, for better or worse, is a Jeter's specialty.

• "He is a guy that always has been there and always produced. I hope the Yankees treat him with respect. I really hope they do."--(Mariano Rivera/Borden/Lohud.)

What is The Great Rivera talking referring to? In 2007 the contracts of dynasty stalwarts Rivera and Posada were due to expire.Brian Cashman, who finally got his wish to run the baseball operation, had the opportunity to offer the venerable duo an extension prior to their walk year. Cash chose to let the accomplished champions play out the string. Posada responded with a career year. Rivera maintained his perpetual excellence. The negotiation pendulum swung to the players. Cash had no viable replacements. The players held all the leverage. Bottom line: the organization was forced to dig deep. Once again, Yankee dollars compensated for lack of front office acumen.

Jeter will be 36 years old when his contract is due to expire. Derek doesn't like to talk about it, but a few years ago, he tipped his hand. Asked what he planned to be doing when he was 4o, he immediately responded: "Play shortstop for the New York Yankees."--(ABC interview.)

The Yankees front office continually lavish garish contracts on Big Apple neophytes. Squandering money is their specialty. Resigning Jeter to a respect filled extension, prior to the expiration of his current contract, is a no-brainer. Let's hope the Bombers' Brass is up to the task.

Photo