It's really time the sabremetric nonsense about Derek Jeter's purported fieleding deficiencies should be shut down. Have the nerds actually WATCHED Jeter on a daily basis? Have they noticed his racing to the grass with his back to the diamond catching pop flies like Willie Mays' famous one at the Polo Grounds? (And Jeter does this regularly). Have they noticed him charging softly-hit groundballs and firing to first in one motion? (More of his regularity.) Have they noticed how he always instinctively throws to the right base for a force-out (third? second?)? How he takes the cut-off throw from the outfield and instinctively throws to the right base to nail a runner (most famously against the Mets in 2000)? How masterfully he pivots on double-play balls thrown to him, or how masterfully he throws to the second- baseman on double- play balls? And let's leave out all the other unmeasured "intangibles" he conveys on the field and in the dugout. I'm not sure that Ozzie Smith had all of the above in mind when he was asked to pick the best shortstop several years ago -- Jeter, Graciaparra, or A-Rod. He replied, "Jeter; because he knows how to win."

so i guess you know more than all the MLB scouts who have said time and time again that jeter is not a good defensive shortstop....please don't be offended... i am not saying he is not a good player... he is.... but the fact is that he can not go to his left....never could....and he is slowing down right before our eyes... have you watched all the other shortstops as much as you have watched jeter? i bet you have not... how could you and why would you? so how can you then compare? you are obviously a yankee fan and a jeter fan and it's okay to think he is the greatest...but those in the game think otherwise...

hey, i think Jeter is great. He's a leader and a winner. But he's still not a great fielder.

He 'instinctively' throws to the right base for a force out or after taking the cutoff throw? Good lord, I would hope so...he's a freaking professional baseball player!! My 13 year old sister throws to the right base in little league too, you know. That's really not something to get too excited about.

Exactly....who did Phil Rizzuto admire AND say is the best short stop he ever saw? And who was Francona looking forward to managing in the All Star Game? (Hint..DJ)