Captain November

Not sure where I stand on the Yankee's "versus" Derek Jeter.. Truth be known, I hate both equally (hate may be a bit harsh here as I don't "hate" anyone, so maybe I go with "strongly dislike?").

On one hand, nothing would please me more than seeing the Yankee's bring back "Jete's", paying him a ridiculous amount of money (which would help tie up their payroll a little) and roll an average hitter, average fielder out there every day for the next 3 years instead of going out and bringing in a super star shortstop that would help make the Yankee's scary good (imagine if the Yankee's emptied their farm system and traded for Hanley Ramirez?? How about Montero, Banuelos, Culver and Joba Chamberlain, think the Marlins would jump on that?).

I admit though, I'd seriously enjoy watching the Yankee's part ways with Jeter and let him go elsewhere (even if it made them stronger). Wouldn't that be a blow to his huge ego? Can't imagine him getting over $10 million a year elsewhere (even that would be over paying for him). Do you know what the other top shortstops in the league are paid? I'll give you a hint... A LOT less than Jeter.... This past year Hanley Ramirez made $7 million, Troy Tulowitzki $3.5 million, Jose Reyes, $9.4 million, Jimmy Rollins, $8.5 million. The only reason Jeter makes what he does is because he's on the Yankee's. After the season he had last year (Marco Scutaro had a better year than him.....) and the fact he's 37, he should be getting offers in the 3 year, $5 million range!

The other day, Jeter's agent brought up how he's baffled the Yankee's are mistreating a " Yankee Legend" and how they should treat him like their past legends. Fine, treat him like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle, I'm cool with that:

Babe Ruth's Salary Cut

I thought this was a great article by Craig Calcaterra at NBC Sports, he lays out the reasons the Yankee's are being more than fair with Jeter and why it would be ridiculous to pay him any more than they've offered - "It's Time People Got Real About What Derek Jeter Means To The Yankee Brand"

At the end of the day, I'm sure the Yankee's and Jeter will come to an agreement, which I feel benefits fans of teams competing against the Yankee's, but wouldn't it be fun to watch Jeter playing shortstop for the Pirates, making $2 million a year and stumbling towards 3,000 hits??

Ah, to dream!

Bill