Tag Archives: Derek Jeter

All-American Ball Players – A Tribute to The Players That Make Baseball Great

Posted on by Ryan Kantor

News recently hit the web that the Texas Rangers have agreed to trade Michael Young to the Philadelphia Phillies. I have long thought that Michael Young was one of the most underrated and under appreciated players in the league, and although he is finally passed his prime, he will always be one of my favorite players and an All-American Ball Player. This Michael Young news reminded me of old middle school thoughts of who would be on my “All-American Ball Players” team.

To be considered for the All-American Ball Players team you must:
A) Obviously… be an American B) Have never represented another country in competition (e.g., Mike Piazza played for the Italian National Team) C) To limit the player pool to a reasonable size, they must have played at least one game in 2000 or later and D) Be a class-act, team player who personifies the spirit that makes baseball America’s favorite pastime. Being on this team is a combination of the MVP Award, Roberto Clemente Award, and the Medal of Honor… except this one is totally meaningless.

Unlike the NHL which is mostly Canadian and Eastern European or the NBA which has become a star driven league that promotes superstars over teams and slam dunks over smart passing and defense, Major League Baseball, I believe, is not short of American, role model athletes. (Retired players are listed with the team they are most well-known for, while active players are listed with their most recent team.) Enjoy, and be sure to tell me who I left out.  

Catcher - Craig Biggio, Houston Astros: Although best known as a second baseman, Biggio was actually called up to the big leagues as a catcher in 1988. He won the Silver Slugger at the position in 1989 and played in the 1991 All-Star Game behind the plate. He did whatever the Astros needed of him though, moving to second base and making the 1992 All-Star game at his new position. Later, he’d move to Center Field to accommodate Jeff Kent, and then later to left field to welcome Carlos Beltran. He holds the NL record for most leadoff home runs with 50, but is better known for holding the modern-day record for hit batsmen with over 267. He never charged the mound. In addition to being a great player and teammate, Biggio won the 2007 Roberto Clemente award for sportsmanship and community involvement and is a lead spokesperson for the Sunshine Kids Foundation.

First Baseman – Todd Helton, Colorado Rockies: A Rockie lifer, Todd Helton is the face of a franchise if there ever was one. He is easily the greatest player in Colorado Rockies history, and was often forgotten on their bad teams of the late 90s. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Helton played quarterback for the Volunteers football team, and is just an All-American kind of guy. He earned five All-Star appearances, four Silver Sluggers (most of all MLB first basemen, three Gold Gloves, and two Roberto Clemente Awards. 

Second Baseman – Jeff Kent, San Francisco Giants: Jeff Kent is the type of “don’t fraternize with the opponent” tough guy every team needs. He got in a fracas with Barry Bonds, the biggest villain in modern day baseball, and told him via the media to own up the BALCO scandal. He also got in a public argument with baseball doo-dad, Milton Bradley. I think that’s all pretty awesome, though not nearly as awesome as his record for the most home runs all-time for a second baseman… or his ridiculous porn stache. Jeff Kent is the best second baseman of my lifetime, and was an iconic tough guy who fought through injuries and was a true gamer. 

Shortstop – Cal Ripken, Jr., Baltimore Orioles: This was the hardest position to pick, with Derek Jeter, David Eckstein, Jimmy Rollins, and Barry Larkin also receiving consideration. In the end, Cal Ripken Jr.’s workman-like reputation puts him over the top. Unlike Derek Jeter, who publicly mentioned his left-wing politics and who has been a stalwart in New York tabloids with dozens of women (not always to any fault of his own), Cal Ripken Jr. spent his whole career just going about his business…and going and going and going for two decades. His record consecutive games streak has a way of overshadowing his greatness during those games. He redefined the shortstop position with his 433 home runs, paving the way for other sluggers to play the position. He was so important to baseball and the fans, that in his last game Bill Clinton stopped by to say, “Cal, I just came by to see your last game … and to thank you for all you’ve meant to all of us who love the game of baseball.”

Third Baseman – Michael Young, Philadelphia Phillies: The quiet performer I mentioned from the outset earns this spot. The seven-time all-star has played for the Rangers his entire career. Traditionally a second sacker, he moved to shortstop to accommodate Alfonso Soriano. Years later, after becoming an elite shortstop and winning the 2008 Gold Glove, he moved again, this time to third base to accommodate Elvus Andrus. More recently, Adrian Beltre has pushed him to a utility/DH role, and now his days in Texas may be numbered. He was the hero of the 2008 All-Star Game and remains a role model of reliability.

Outfield – Ken Griffey Jr., Seattle Mariners: One of the most popular baseball players of the 90s, he hit 40 home runs in just 111 1994 games. His energy and fan following helped baseball recovery from the frustrating 1994 lockout, and while I was always bothered by his home run stare (which he was able to employ so often), there’s no doubting his greatness or importance to baseball. 

Outfield – Paul O’Neill, New York Yankees: A consummate winner, O’Niell had over 130 hits on five different World Series teams. Unfortunately, his career year came in the strike shortened season of 1994, when he won the batting title, but his legendary years came in the seasons following when the Yankees won four World Series titles. He is affectionately known as the heart and soul of the Yankees 1990s dynasty. Today, the Yankee legend spends about a quarter of his time with various charities. 

Outfield – Jim Edmonds, St. Louis Cardinals: It was a common debate, Andruw Jones or Jim Edmonds  in center field? Most would say Andruw Jones, but I always took Edmonds’ side, and his eight Gold Gloves are a sign that it was a reasonable notion. He was a frequenter to Baseball Tonight’s Web Gems segment and made the over the shoulder catch as good as any (including Willie Mays). He wasn’t just about defense though, you can add 393 career home runs and a .376 career OBP to his eight Gold Gloves. He was one of the favorite outfielders of my childhood as his ability to give up the body and make amazing acrobatic plays fostered my love of baseball.

Designated Hitter – Frank Thomas, Chicago White Sox: One of the classic power hitters of the 90s, Frank Thomas, unlike the others, was never suspected of taking steroids, and in fact helped with the steroid investigation voluntarily. After playing collegiate baseball in the SEC as an Auburn Tiger, he was drafted 7th overall by the White Sox and spent the first 16 years of his career there. Affectionately dubbed, “The Big Hurt” for the hurt he put into the baseballs he would crush, Frank Thomas was one of the most feared hitters in baseball for years. A member of the 500 home run club, The Big Hurt, was a franchise cornerstone for the White Sox and likely the greatest DH of all-time. I still remember putting on my Back Yard Baseball team on my old Gameboy.

Starting Pitcher – John Smoltz, Atlanta Braves: John Smoltz was one of the best starting pitchers and one of the best closers of the 1990s. His love for golf is well-known, but is appreciation for America’s heroes is a little less well know. Along with Fred McGriff and Greg Maddux (honorable mentions) Smoltz has done charity work for military families in need. John Smoltz, along with Chipper Jones, is one of the most appreciated athletes in Atlanta.

Starting Pitcher – Mike Mussina, New York Yankees: Mussina was a fireballer for the Orioles, before the Stanford economics graduate signed a 6-year pact with the New York Yankees. With the Yankees, his velocity gradually dipped, but he was able to reinvent himself as a Maddux-esque control pitcher. He won seven Gold Gloves and called it a career after finally earning a 20 win season in 2008. His successful career has a tragic irony. He was within one out of a perfect game against Boston, until Carl Everett broke it up, and despite being a key player on some very good teams, the Yankees didn’t win the World Series until the year after he retired. He earned six top five finishes in Cy Young voting, but never won. In that vein, he is the #2 starting pitching on my All-American Ball Player team.

Starting Pitcher – Andy Pettitte, New York Yankees: The winningest pitcher in postseason history has spent nearly his entire career with the New York Yankees. He left New York after 2003 to play for the then National League Houston Astros. Against the weaker competition, Pettitte showed how great he really is by dominating batters across 222.1 innings with a 2.39 ERA in 2005. After the three-year hiatus, he returned to New York in 2007 and in 2009 closed out the ALDS, ALCS, and World Series, putting the Yankees back on top of the baseball universe. One of the most beloved pitchers in Yankee history. He has tried to retire to spend more time with his family, but his burning love for the game and for competition keeps bringing him back. Baseball will welcome him as long as he’ll keep coming back.

Starting Pitcher – Jamie Moyer, Seattle Mariners: He is now 50 years old, and the oldest starting pitcher to ever win a game. A crusty, veteran, seemingly since being a rookie, it was always amazing how he was so effective while pitching in the low 80s. There’s something intrinsically American about finding a way to succeed, despite being disadvantaged by something beyond your control. For Moyer, it was his velocity that was notably slower than his teammates and opponents. He pitched over 4,000 career innings, finding a way to win games for years upon years. He and his wife, Karen, are philanthropists with their work done through the Moyer Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children in severe distress.

Starting Pitcher – Brad Radke, Minnesota, Twins: Born in Wisconsin, Radke was drafted my the Twins and stayed for his entire career. He surpassed 200 innings in nine of 12 seasons and was a cornerstone of the Twins franchise for over a decade. His quiet contributions go unnoticed as he was often on weak teams (he won 20 games on a 68 win team) or being overshadowed by Kirby Puckett or Torii Hunter. Towards the end of his career he was pitching–successfully–through serious shoulder injuries, which would eventually lead to his retirement. To see how much he really meant to his team, see this Twins fan’s blog.

Closer – Trevor Hoffman, San Diego Padres: Stepping out of the bullpen to AC/DC’s Hell’s Bells and throwing his patented change-up became the stuff of legends. Along with Mariano and Eckersley, he defined the modern-day closer’s role. (Watch his entrance video, if you don’t get chills you’re obviously a communist.) Hoffman played nearly his entire career for the Padres, for who he now serves in a front office role. Although he blew saves in some of his most visible games (e.g., 2006 All-Star game, 2007 one-game play-off vs. Rockies, and Game 3 of 1998 World Series) he is still one of the most iconic and successful closers of all-time.

I just couldn’t stomach leaving some of these cornerstones to mere honorable mentions, so here is the five man bench of the All-American Ball Players team:

Bench – Paul Konerko, Chicago White Sox: Paul Konerko quietly goes about his business, being the leader and star of the White Sox for the better part of a decade. He has hit 422 home runs and at 36, has a chance to join the elite 500 home run club. He has been with the White Sox since 1999, and is such a fixture you probably didn’t even know he played for the Dodgers and Reds for the first three years of his career.

Bench - Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves: The face of the franchise and the most popular athlete in Atlanta for over a decade, his final season truly showed just how much of a legend he really is. Receiving applause from road crowds, even fans of the rival Mets, he is one of the most well-respected players in the game. He played his entire career for the Atlanta Braves and close to his whole career under the management of Bobby Cox. People forget how great his 1999 season really was. He hit .319 with a .440 OBP. He added 45 home runs, 110 RBI, and 25 steals and won the NL MVP and a Silver Slugger Award. The guy is a Hall of Famer, and a baseball stalwart. It’s sad to see him go…plus he called me his “buddy” when I got his autograph nine years ago.

Bench – Derek Jeter, New York Yankees: No explanation needed for the most iconic player in the game today, just well wishes for an injured ankle on the mend.

Bench – David Eckstein, Anaheim Angels: After not receiving a college baseball scholarship, Eckstein walked on to the Florida Gators and eventually played in the College World Series. After being drafted by the Red Sox in the 19th round, he was cut and picked up by the Angels. To build arm strength he practiced with the pitchers and eventually became a very solid defensive shortstop. He’d win a World Series with the Angels before moving to St. Louis where he was a World Series MVP on another Championship team. As a prize for winning that MVP award, he received a yellow Corvette, which he gave to his supportive brother. Of course, Eckstein is well-known for being one of the league’s shortest players, standing somewhere between 5″6-5″8. Eckstein is the classic story of determination and achieving one’s dreams despite all odds. His story of incredible work ethic and determination is a great example of the American dream. As a child, he was always my favorite “non-Yankee” and a true role model as I was often the smallest kid on the basketball court.

Bench – Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves: Born in Athens, GA, attended high school in the Atlanta suburbs, and has since been drafted by and stayed with his hometown team his entire career. He also played for the American team in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Despite betraying my fantasy team last year, it’s hard to deny Brian McCann’s long stroke and nasty beard a spot on my All-American Ball Player team.

Honorable Mentions: Curtis Granderson, Sean Casey, Chris Davis, Mark Teixeira, Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman, Barry Larkin, Jimmy Rollins, Tino Martinez, Jim Thome, Jeff Francoeur, Torri Hunter, David DeJesus, Brett Gardner, Shawn Green, Jason Kendall, Ryan Braun, Fred McGriff, David Robertson, Tim Wakefield, Clayton Kershaw, Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Roy Halladay, and Roy Oswalt.

These are the players are why I love baseball, and why baseball is America’s favorite pastime. I’m sure I’ve forgotten some deserving players, but I can’t include everyone. Please share your memories of these great players and who you think got snubbed.

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Andy Pettitte To Rejoin 2012 Yanks For An Encore

Posted on by Ryan Kantor

Some unexpected news came out of Yankees camp this week when retired Yankee legend, Andy Pettitte, got the “itch” for pitching and decided to come out of retirement to rejoin the already improved 2012 New York Yankees.

Pettitte said it was the Yankees or nothing, when explaining his decision to return to his old team. Despite New York’s already loaded pitching staff, they couldn’t say no to bringing another strong pitcher into the fray, especially one that has such a special relationship with the team. Now that Andy Pettitte is back, it simply feels like they should win the World Series, as was the feeling during many of his previous years with New York.

In 2009, Pettitte was a playoff hero. He won the clinching games in the ALDS (vs. Minnesota), the ALCS (vs. Los Angeles), and the World Series (vs. Philadelphia). In 2010, Andy was an All-Star, but battled injuries that limited him to just 129 innings. Likely prompted by those injuries, he retired after 2010 and hasn’t pitched since the 2010 ALCS vs. Texas. Now completely healthy, he can help a Yankees team that boasts the deepest rotation in baseball.

Sabathia and Kuroda still headline the Yankee rotation, but with most expecting a mild regression from Ivan Nova, newcomer Michael Pineda struggling with his velocity in Spring Training (throwing around 88-92 mph compared to the 94-96 mph he was throwing last year early in camp), Garcia injured, and Hughes working to bounce back from a sub-par season (I think Hughes can break through if given the opportunity this season) Pettitte can be of much more than sentimental value.

He gives the Yankees seven, that’s right, seven capable starters for 2012. It appears that GM Brian Cashman saw the team’s weakness and made a big point to fix it. This is the deepest rotation I can remember dating back to the 2005 Chicago White Sox. At the risk of jinxing the Yankees, I don’t see any way they’re unable to put together a reliable five-man rotation with their current roster.

So how does this affect the rest of the rotation? Garcia was likely headed to the bullpen before this news broke. Now that’s almost certain and he could potentially be traded, though it may not come right away, as Pettitte won’t be ready for the start of the reason.    Michael Pineda has struggled this Spring and while we hope he picks up steam in the new few weeks, if he flops out of the gate this gives him an opportunity to get a little more seasoning in the minors. If not, Hughes will be the odd-man out and that I think is unfortunate. Hughes is having a strong Spring, he finished last year better than the way he started it, and I fear the Yankee brass will move him around the way they did Joba Chamberlain and wreck his still promising career. I hope they can find a way to keep Hughes in the rotation if he is pitching well. I’d love to see another 18 wins come from Phil Hughes this year.

Regardless of how it all plays out, I believe I speak for almost all Yankee fans when I say Andy Pettitte is always welcome, and we’re glad to have him. He’s in a select group of beloved Yankees with Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera. With fingers crossed, I must mention that MLB’s all-time postseason win leader now has an opportunity to go out a champ with his sixth ring as proof that this comeback was no Michael Jordan effort.

For thoughts and reaction on the signing, check out MLBTradeRumors.com.

Yankee Hero, Andy Pettitte, is back after sitting out 2011.

As always, please subscribe to this blog by clicking the “Follow” button at the top of the right sidebar. If you don’t have a WordPress account, you’ll have to enter your email address. You can share your opinions in the comment section below or by tweeting to @Ryan_Kantor. Thanks for reading! 

Hiroki Kuroda and Michael Pineda To Don Pinstripes

Posted on by Ryan Kantor

It appears that Yankee GM, Brian Cashman, was just taking his time. Yankee fans watched the Angels sign Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson. They watched Mark Buehrle sign with the revamped Miami Marlins and the Rangers win exclusive rights to negotiate with Japanese pitcher, Yu Darvish. Rumors surfaced that the Yankees would add Jair Jurrjens to their shaky, pinstriped rotation in exchange for young shortstop Eduardo Nunez, but nothing came to fruition.

After resigning to the fact that the Yankees may not make a major move this off-season, Yankee fans were hit with two huge moves that may transform a lousy rotation into a deep, World Series caliber group. One that could even be called the strength of the team.

After months of hearing that Hiroki Kuroda was uncomfortable moving to New York and would either remain in Los Angeles or head back to his native Japan, the AP has reported that the two parties have struck a 1-year, $10 million pact. Kuroda is 36 years of age, but his age is not a concern to me and evidently not too big of a concern to Brian Cashman. Last season Kuroda posted MLB career bests in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts, and ERA–finishing the year with 13 wins, 202 IP, 161 Ks, and a 3.07 ERA. Barring unforeseen injury I don’t think a 17 win, 3.60 ERA season is an unreasonable expectation.

In the same day that Yankee fans heard Kuroda would don pinstripes, they also learned that star prospect, Jesus Montero, was traded. The reaction went something like this, “Oh no, they gave away another star prospect. We always do this! This is terrible… Wow, we got Michael Pineda. Hmmm, he’s pretty young, huh (22)? Wow, with Kuroda AND Pineda our rotation is pretty good now. I think I like this deal. Wow, we may win the World Series!”

Moving catcher Jesus Montero stings, but I’m not totally heart-broken for a few reasons. First, The Yankees already re-signed Russell Martin, meaning Montero wouldn’t have played much behind the plate this year. It also hinted at the possibility that the Yankees didn’t feel comfortable with Montero’s defense behind the plate. He’s much less impressive as a DH prospect than a catching prospect.
Second, the Yankees are loaded with good catching prospects. Austin Romine is lauded as a well-rounded catching prospect that can hit (although not as well as Montero) and field. The younger Gary Sanchez gives the Yankees minor league depth at the catcher position, as a top 30 overall prospect according to Baseball America. Trading from a position of depth (likely the most minor league catching depth in baseball) to solve an immediate problem without getting older makes sense.
Prior to Transactions
  1. CC Sabathia
  2. Ivan Nova
  3. Freddy Garcia
  4. Phil Hughes
  5. AJ Burnett
After Transactions
  1. CC Sabathia
  2. Michael Pineda
  3. Hiroki Kuroda
  4. Ivan Nova
  5. Garcia/Hughes

With Posada retiring and Montero now on his way to the Pacific Northwest, the Yankees may have created a hole at the DH slot. This may have been intentional though, as they now can give Eduardo Nunez plenty of playing time on the left side of the infield while keeping Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter well rested. The rotation looks fantastic, with two potentially dominant pitchers at the top of the rotation and an incredible amount of depth. The Yankees still need to add a lefty in the bullpen to help Boone Logan, but suddenly baseball season can’t start soon enough. The Mariners and Yankees, after failing to consummate a Cliff Lee deal, reunited to strike a seemingly win-win trade. The Evil Empire is back.

As always, please subscribe to this blog by clicking the “Follow” button at the top of the right sidebar. If you don’t have a WordPress account, you’ll have to enter your email address. You can share your opinions in the comment section below or by tweeting to @Ryan_Kantor. Thanks for reading! 

99 Yankee Wins Not Enough For A Trip To The ALCS

Posted on by Ryan Kantor

Dating back to 2001, the Yankees were 0-5 in playoff elimination games on the road. Of course, this streak came to an end in Detroit when the Yankees beat the Tigers 10-1 on Tuesday, but it was all for not, as the team with the best record in the AL lost game 5 at home 2-3, sending the Tigers to Texas for the ALCS.

Consistent with Yankee tradition, one no name, middle-of-the-road player killed the Yankees in the ALDS. Howie Kendrick played this role beautifully back in the days of the Angels consistently killing the Yankees. In the this year’s ALDS Don Kelly fit into that slot hitting first inning home run in game 5, and generally playing out of his mind at the plate and in the field.

After giving up two solo home runs in the first two innings Ivan Nova departed with forearm tightness leaving Joe Girardi to try to keep the game within reach with a patch work effort from the bullpen. Despite succeeding in that effort, allowing just one more run, they mustered only two runs the whole game as the offense disappeared, especially with runners in scoring position. It always seems that offense disappears in the postseason. Maybe we’ll invest in some pitching instead of spending $31 on a 36 year old 3B and another 17 on a SS with warning track power. Then again, it wasn’t really pitching that was our problem.

This is a tough one to swallow. Luckily I have a great Clemson football team to hang my hat on. That, and the Red Sox collapse. Nonetheless, this hurts.

Yankees are a veteran team, and I wonder if they can bounce back. I wonder if we’ve seen the last of Posada and Swisher in pinstripes. What will our rotation look like next year? CC-AJ-Hughes-Nova-Betances? Will a big free agent be in the mix?

I will say this. With all the talk of adding an extra wild card to each league, can we instead consider simply make the first round best of seven instead of five? It’s more than silly that a 162 games season ends with just three losses.

What do you think of making the league division series best of seven? What does this offseason have in store for New York?

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The Underrated Yankees

Posted on by Ryan Kantor

When Colon, Chamberlain, and Jeter went down with injuries it felt daunting. Add to that the knowledge that The Yankees had let a Red Sox team that started 2-10 take the AL East lead, and it feels like a lost season. I was ready to start trading for prospects.

Then, during Sunday night’s broadcast of the Yankees @ Cubs game it was mentioned that the Yankees had the 3rd best record in baseball. How could that be? Everything seems so bad. Jeter is garbage now (on top of being placed on the DL), A-rod has fallen back to humanity, Soriano was a bust (thanks a lot Hank), Swisher has struggled, Hughes has been out all year, Posada has had a dramatic decline, how could we have the 3rd best record in baseball?

After thanking Curtis Granderson and his league leading 21 homeruns for being the Yankees’ team MVP (and my fantasy team MVP), I wonder how this is possible. Are we really one of the three best teams in baseball? The more I look at it, the more I think so.

Losing Colon, Chamberlain, and Jeter stinks…but they kind of do too. Jeter has contributed very little, Chamberlain continues to amaze everyone with his ability to spin his head around and watch homeruns fly out without straining his neck, and Colon, as good as he’s been, only has 5 wins and he’s really been a bonus more than someone we rely on anyway.

It amazes me that the Yankees are able to do this every year. I thought eventually we’d have to totally rebuild. Our team is so old now. I expected a weak year (90 wins tops), no playoffs, and a focus on youth, but we continue to find at least mild success.

Yankees are now 6-1 (after tonight’s win at Cincinnati) without Derek Jeter. We seem to keep finding a way. I was going to end this blog post with the question: Will the Yankees eventually have to go through a tough rebuilding mode to return as an elite team, but since we’re a top 3 team in baseball I guess we remain an elite team. So I’ll just make a testy remark, The New York Yankees may be the most underrated team in baseball.

Note to MLB GMs: The Little Moves Matter

Posted on by Ryan Kantor

The Yankees just spent $51 million on Derek Jeter. Yankee fans seem pretty happy that our Captain is back and a PR disaster was averted. I’m fairly pleased myself…I guess.

The Yankees are now trying to sign Cliff Lee whose contract is expected to be in the $150-175 million range.

What bothers me is we don’t hedge our bets. Pettitte is going to retire and Vazquez signed with the Marlins so we’ll only have 3 starters back from last year plus Ivan Nova. We’ll be desperate for starting pitching and be in a position where we have to over pay for Cliff Lee. Lee will be 32 when next season begins. If expectations are correct and he gets 6 or 7 years at about $25 million per year, we’ll be paying a 38 or 39 year old Cliff Lee $25 million. Does that sound appealing?

Meanwhile, the Dodgers signed a much less glamorous pitcher to a cheap 1 year $5 million contract. Jon Garland certainly isn’t the pitcher Cliff Lee is, but he would have been a great addition to our rotation and at that cost we’d be able to sign Cliff Lee too…and we wouldn’t be so desperate. I’m frustrated with the Yankees’ focus on giant free agent purchases when sometimes signing guys like Marcus Thames can make a difference too.

Jeter the Villian?

Posted on by Ryan Kantor

Rumors run amuck, but from what I’ve sorted out, the Yankees have offered Derek Jeter a three-year $45 million contract. For the record, Derek Jeter is 36 years old and coming off a .270, 10HR season. Derek Jeter and co. have reportedly countered with six years, $150 million. That’s $25 million per year for six years! He’d be 42 at the end of that contract.

Adam Dunn–who at this point is clearly a better baseball player than Derek Jeter–is seeking a four year, $60 million deal. That’s one year less and $10 million less per year. While Dunn’s request is a lot of money, it highlights the absurdity of Jeter’s request.

Jeter’s camp seems to believe he should get paid for his past contributions rather than what he will do over the duration of the new contract. I wonder if they realize that the New York Yankees have paid Derek Jeter over $20 million for the last five years. Brian Cashman rightly told them to test the market. I would be totally shocked and astounded if anybody can top the Yankees’ $45 million offer, and I fully expect Camp Jeter to come back and take something very close to that offer.

I imagine the Red Sox and Giants would consider offering Jeter a contract, but I doubt either could top the Yankees’ offer. The Red Sox would love to spite the Yankees, but would hate to overpay simply for that reason. The Giants simply don’t have the money to match the Yankees. Hank Steinbrenner hit the nail on the head when he said the Yankees don’t “owe anybody anything monetarily“, and If Jeter isn’t careful he may lose his spot as the most revered man in sports.

Lastly, I have to give a big kudos to Brian Cashman for making a very solid offer and refusing to be pushed around.

It’ll be interesting to see how this unfolds. What’s you’re take?