As the Yankees sit in first place in the AL East with the best record in baseball, a certain old faithful is mired in the worst season of his legendary career. We initially pointed out Jeter’s problems back in May, which induced the normal “NoMaas is blasphemous” response.
However, fast forward to mid-July, and Jeter’s OPS sits at a shocking .719. His .335 OBP is 50 points below his career mark, and considering he’s in a virtual tie for the AL lead in plate appearances, his lack of ability to reach base isn’t exactly helping the Yankees at the leadoff spot.
The culprit, as in May, is that Derek continues to swing at lots of pitches outside the strike zone. He’s currently swinging at 28.5% of them, by far the highest rate ever documented for him. The good news is that this is down from the 34% he was hacking at in mid-May.
Yet, this increased aggressiveness can be traced into several aspects of his game this year. His pitches per plate appearance is at a career low 3.53. His groundball rate is 10% higher than both his career and 2009 rate. He’s hitting less line drives (17.4%) and flyballs (15.9%) than in any other season recorded. Furthermore, by looking at his batted ball rates, you can understand why his power and BABIP have collapsed this season.
What makes all this crazier is that The Captain is in a contract year. In a strange and perverse way, this could be a blessing in disguise for the front office, since a down year could give them a stronger position in contract negotiations additionally influenced by public relations and legacy.
Data Source: Fangraphs
What is wrong with your son, doc?
66 Comments
Doyle Cleveland Alexander July 20, 2010 17:32
And do you think the Yankees would score more runs if Jeter had a higher OBP or fewer runs??
Do you think if Jeter was hitting with his career OPS and the same # of opportunities he has had, he would have more RBI’s or fewer RBI’s?
Obviously he would drive in more runs if his OPS were higher; I’m pretty sure I took pains to acknowledge the importance of OBP and OPS. To arrive at the conclusion that I meant to say his low OBP and OPS are immaterial because his RBI production remains high relative to other AL shortstops requires, I think, a deliberate misreading of what I wrote.
My intention was to temper the falling-sky tone of the original article with some reasons to be upbeat, not only about the prospects of Jeter turning it on in the remainder of the year (his career OPS in the second half is 29 points higher than his first half, incidentally) but also about his production so far. With Gonzalez out of the picture, Jeter leads all AL shortstops in OPS, TB, HR, RBI and runs scored.
See for yourself. Anyone on this list you’d swap one-for-one with Jeter?
Columbian Drug Lord July 20, 2010 17:34
Doyle – no one is disputing Jeter is still better than most other SS. The point is that his production has fallen off a cliff. You’re making an argument that has nothing to do with the original article.
leftylarry July 20, 2010 20:26
DR. Jeter is a PHD, not a Medical Dr.I believe he’s a drug counselor.
LOL quote of the day July 21, 2010 10:54
“I am merely saying that there *IS* some genuine cause for concern here. And if he finishes the season with these types of numbers, I have no idea what the Yankees should do about that.”
You have no idea what they should do? Hmm here’s a clue. re-sign him for whatever it takes. stick him at short, and GO!!!!
It’s not that difficult.
LOL quote of the day July 21, 2010 10:55
And why is this cause for concern? give me a break.
Cause for concern is Curtis Granderson sucking it up and seeing all the kids we gave away playing well. That’s something to be concerned about, not Derek Jeter.
Steve July 21, 2010 11:07
You have no idea what they should do? Hmm here’s a clue. re-sign him for whatever it takes. stick him at short, and GO!!!!
yes, good idea.
OF COURSE they should re-sign him, no one is saying otherwise. What I meant was that I have no idea how LONG and for HOW MUCH. Your idea of giving him a blank check is too stupid to bother addressing.
Steve July 21, 2010 11:10
Cause for concern is Curtis Granderson sucking it up and seeing all the kids we gave away playing well. That’s something to be concerned about, not Derek Jeter.
Why can’t they BOTH be areas to be concerned about?
Another stupid strawman.
Amin July 21, 2010 11:32
As much as we all like Jeter, my favorite Yankee, forgetting sentimentality, there are probably better alternatives for 2011 such as Nunez, within the system. Jeter seems to have lost a step in the field this year, after a terrific 2009, to go along with his lack of production and poor plate discipline. I don’t mean that we shouldn’t re-sign Jeter, but he might see less playing time (like Posada) in 2011 and we should sign him for only a couple of years.
And yes Granderson has been a huge disappointment which will push the Yankees to loo a the free agency market for a corner outfielder this winter. BTW, Montero has really gotten hot at SWB.
LOL July 22, 2010 10:31
“Your idea of giving him a blank check is too stupid to bother addressing.”
Why? How will this effect the yankees in any way? for argument sake lets say they give Jeter 3 years 90 million. Oh no!!!! Will they not get someone now? NO.
Now that a little far fetched. Lets say they gove him 4 years 80 million, how is this reason for concern? who cares, Jeter will be here, who cares how many years or how much?
There is no salary cap and it the YANKEES!!!!! Do you honestly think paying jeter a huge amount will hamper this team from getting the guys they need to win?
Derek Jeter has a career to prove you wrong, and to prove why half a season is nothing to cause concern. I’ll be concerned if it’s another year of it. How much longer can you save the move jeter to LF article? you must be dying to post it. Get bent you fool.
Steve July 22, 2010 10:37
Do you honestly think paying jeter a huge amount will hamper this team from getting the guys they need to win?
Yes (to a point). Have you even been following the team for the last 2-3 years?
Greg July 22, 2010 16:48
You’re all dumb. As they say as Jeter goes so does the Yanks. The Yankees will sign him for some ridiculous contract thats 20+ million. Don’t worry he’s not going anywhere. I still would rather have him than scutaro on my fantasy team.
FancyPants July 23, 2010 09:14
If you look at how close players’ 2010 OPS is to their career OPS, Jeter, Granderson, and A-Rod are having equally bad years. Jeter’s OPS is 85.3 percent of his career number, Granderson’s OPS is 85.5 percent of his career number, and A-Rod’s is 86.1 percent of his career number. Tex is a little better, hitting 91.3 percent of his career OPS. That’s four guys hitting a good deal below their career numbers, which makes the team’s offensive numbers all the more impressive. Of course, Swish and Cano are having career years.
Enough July 23, 2010 10:27
Yeah i have been watching, who have we not got, that we needed, because we didnt want to spend the money?
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