Jimmy Rollins and Derek Jeter are team leaders. Both are shortstops. Both are MVPs. Which one would you rather have? Jimmy Rollins ProsHits for average (about .280-...

MLB Shortstops: Jimmy Rollins or Derek Jeter?

by Joe (Contributor)

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Sports

February 21, 2008

Jimmy Rollins and Derek Jeter are team leaders.

Both are shortstops.

Both are MVPs.

Which one would you rather have?

Jimmy Rollins Pros

Hits for average (about .280-.320)

Hits for power (about 30-40 homers a season)

Switch-hitter

Steals bases (35-50 a year)

Gold Glove-caliber shortstop

Very low contract

Jimmy Rollins Cons

Low OBP for leadoff hitter

Derek Jeter Pros

Hits for high average (.300-.320 a year)

Plays balls out every night

Works pitchers during every at-bat

Derek Jeter Cons

Very limited range for a shortstop

Hits for very little power

Does not steal bases often

Plays balls out every night

Huge contract

My choice: Jimmy Rollins

Feel free to discuss and debate, but make a choice between these two players.

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11 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment

Michael Fitzpatrick about 1 year ago

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I would choose Rollins as well. He's younger, faster and has a much smaller contract, although he will probably get a huge contract soon if he keeps playing the way he has been. Jeter has had a great career but Rollins will be a great player for the next 10 years.

I would choose Rollins as well. He's younger, faster and has a much smaller contract, although he will probably get a huge contract soon if he keeps playing the way he has been. Jeter has had a great career but Rollins will be a great player for the next 10 years. Edit Comment Cancel

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Andrew Kneeland about 1 year ago

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If I were building a team today, I would choose Rollins ahead of Jeter. Like Martin said, a smaller contract, younger, and faster.

Give me Rollins.

If I were building a team today, I would choose Rollins ahead of Jeter. Like Martin said, a smaller contract, younger, and faster. Give me Rollins. Edit Comment Cancel

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John Fennelly about 1 year ago

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If the choice had to be made right now - of course Rollins

but in the grand scheme of things, Jeter

If the choice had to be made right now - of course Rollins but in the grand scheme of things, Jeter Edit Comment Cancel

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Michael Taylor about 1 year ago

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I lost you when you said both are MVPs. Jeter never won the award.

This is an easy choice, Rollins all they way. Bat control is about the only thing Jeter would have on Rollins.

I lost you when you said both are MVPs. Jeter never won the award. This is an easy choice, Rollins all they way. Bat control is about the only thing Jeter would have on Rollins. Edit Comment Cancel

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Joe about 1 year ago

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Oh yeah, you're right. He was a World Series MVP. My bad.

Oh yeah, you're right. He was a World Series MVP. My bad. Edit Comment Cancel

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Dan Siegel about 1 year ago

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Jimmy Rollins hit 30 homers last season. That is his career high. He hit 25 the year before.

Saying "...30-40 homers a season" is inaccurate. His seasonal average is 17 homeruns, certainly good, but not 30-40.

Jeter's seasonal average also happens to be 17.

Jimmy Rollins hit 30 homers last season. That is his career high. He hit 25 the year before. Saying "...30-40 homers a season" is inaccurate. His seasonal average is 17 homeruns, certainly good, but not 30-40. Jeter's seasonal average also happens to be 17. Edit Comment Cancel

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Joe about 1 year ago

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Gee, Dan, seeing how Jimmy's Home Run totals have gone up every year since he's been in the league, 30-40 homers isn't a stretch.

Gee, Dan, seeing how Jimmy's Home Run totals have gone up every year since he's been in the league, 30-40 homers isn't a stretch. Edit Comment Cancel

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Ben Cummings about 1 year ago

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If i had to pick between the two i'd have to say jimmy rollins. Jeter is a great player. He is way over paid though. Last year he chocked in the playoffs. However, Jimmy Rollins didn't do much against the Rockies either. Neither Rollins or Jeter would be my DEFENSIVE pick. Defensively I don't think there is anyone better than Tulowitzki of the Rockies. Offensively, I pick Jeter. All around I would have to say Rollins...for now

If i had to pick between the two i'd have to say jimmy rollins. Jeter is a great player. He is way over paid though. Last year he chocked in the playoffs. However, Jimmy Rollins didn't do much against the Rockies either. Neither Rollins or Jeter would be my DEFENSIVE pick. Defensively I don't think there is anyone better than Tulowitzki of the Rockies. Offensively, I pick Jeter. All around I would have to say Rollins...for now Edit Comment Cancel

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matt casale about 1 year ago

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I'm a big Yankee fan, and I get this question every time i'm watching a game with my philly faned family. Honestly he's the best clutch hitter I have seen, yes he didnt come up big last year vs the Indians, but as a team the Yanks didnt show up. He is not a power hitter, but he does what it takes to get the job done. But i do think that question comes at a time where Derek is starting to reach the "back end" pf his career. Yea hes only 32 but hes def hit hi prime, though he is the best ss in the Al. At the same time, J-roll is getting into the golden years of his career, so I can see why many would rather have him, and quite frankly if i was building a team i might pick him over DJ, cause he is young, but i think that is what he has. Hes young, and that makes him more appealable, but there is no doubt the Best ss reigns in New York, hes gonna have 4000 career hits, something j-roll will never have, hes gonna have at least 4 WS rings, one MVP, and numereous all star appearances, hes a guranteed HOF, something that for now j-roll isnt

I'm a big Yankee fan, and I get this question every time i'm watching a game with my philly faned family. Honestly he's the best clutch hitter I have seen, yes he didnt come up big last year vs the Indians, but as a team the Yanks didnt show up. He is not a power hitter, but he does what it takes to get the job done. But i do think that question comes at a time where Derek is starting to reach the "back end" pf his career. Yea hes only 32 but hes def hit hi prime, though he is the best ss in the Al. At the same time, J-roll is getting into the golden years of his career, so I can see why many would rather have him, and quite frankly if i was building a team i might pick him over DJ, cause he is young, but i think that is what he has. Hes young, and that makes him more appealable, but there is no doubt the Best ss reigns in New York, hes gonna have 4000 career hits, something j-roll will never have, hes gonna have at least 4 WS rings, one MVP, and numereous all star appearances, hes a guranteed HOF, something that for now j-roll isnt Edit Comment Cancel

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Joe about 1 year ago

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"but there is no doubt the Best ss reigns in New York" I couldn't agree more. Alex Rodriguez is the best SS in the league.

"but there is no doubt the Best ss reigns in New York" I couldn't agree more. Alex Rodriguez is the best SS in the league. Edit Comment Cancel

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AJ Hellman about 1 year ago

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"but there is no doubt the Best ss reigns in New York" i also couldnt agree more. Jose Reyes is the best SS in New York haha yes hes streaky n is not a high average hitter right now but he is the most important player on the Mets right now. Hits for decent power can give u 20 HRs in good year GREAT SPEED better than anybody else n has a cannon as an arm n don't forget he is only 25

"but there is no doubt the Best ss reigns in New York" i also couldnt agree more. Jose Reyes is the best SS in New York haha yes hes streaky n is not a high average hitter right now but he is the most important player on the Mets right now. Hits for decent power can give u 20 HRs in good year GREAT SPEED better than anybody else n has a cannon as an arm n don't forget he is only 25 Edit Comment Cancel

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