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| 1997 Flair Derek Jeter Hot Gloves |
Although I am a Jeter fan and appreciate everything he's done for the franchise, I'm a Yankees fan first. The truth of the matter is that the 36 year old shortstop had his worst statistical season of his illustrious 15 year career. In 157 games last season, Jeter hit .270 with 10 HR's, 67 RBI's and 18 SB's. For a bit of a shortstop reference point, Ian Desmond of the Washington Nationals hit .269 with 10 HR's, 65 RBI's, 17 SB's and made a whopping $400,000. Ok, whopping to you or me, but the Yankees have reportedly offered Jeter $45,000,000 over three years.
There's no questioning the intangibles Jeter brings to the Yankee lineup and clubhouse, and those should be worth something. Are those intangibles worth more than $14,600,000 a year? Not likely, but here's the thing. This is the New York Yankees and Jeter will continue to be a productive player. I don't think he's going to have as poor of a season as he had last year. Actually, I think he'll bounce back with a very respectable .288 BA, 12 HR's, 85 RBI's and 15 SB's. Those are very productive offensive numbers for almost any shortstop in the MLB today. Despite the best efforts of the AL Gold Glove, Jeter's defense is a liability in the field and will need to be addressed over the longevity of any contract he agrees to with the Yanks. The truth of the matter is, the Yankees offered Jeter far more than he's worth on the field and took into account what he means to the team off the field. I think he and the Yankees will eventually agree on a three year deal worth about $60,000,000. To date, Jeter has earned $182,830,000 from MLB contracts alone. I think another $45 or $60 million is fine.
So what do you think? Is the reported offer by the Yankees insulting, spot on or too much?
- Fun Facts: Here's a list of the top 35 MLB earners of all-time: (click here).
I think the Yanks are offering too much. Jeter should take the money. Where else would he get anything close to $15 million a year?>
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard about the 6 years/$150 million he wanted, I started cracking up. Jeter needs a reality check.
Do I think the Yankees are offering too much? Yes and no...
ReplyDeleteFirst, I'll explain my "yes" response... There's no way a player should be getting 15m if he's producing Jeter's 2010 stats at Jeter's age.
On the other hand... Jeter has brought millions to the Yankee's organization through jerseys, t-shirts, bobble heads, etc... and he'll continue bring in money if he stays. So with that being said... the Yankees are paying for more than just his on the field performance.
In the end... I think Jeter will take the 15m. It's a fair amount and both sides know it.