Derek Jeter: Does He Have Any Leverage in Public War with Yankees?
Derek Jeter isn't budging on his contract demands, and the New York Yankees don't appear to be willing to cave anytime soon.
It's no surprise that the "Captain's" contract talks have gone public, but few expected negotiations to go public this early in the process.
Despite coming off the worst season of his career, Jeter still has more value than any other shortstop that the Yankees would be able to land in the offseason.
But does Hank Steinbrenner really want to break the bank to retain a player on the downside of his career?
Apparently not.
Steinbrenner told the Associated Press he wants to keep Jeter at a reasonable price and added that he doesn't feel like the Yankees owe him anything.
As the negotiations continue to go public, let's take a look at exactly how much leverage Derek Jeter has in his quest to get paid one final time.
5) Yes: Don't Write Off His Career Yet
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Jeter had his worst season in 2010, hitting a career-low .270 while showing a decline in both power and speed.
Although he will turn 37 next June, it seems a little too early to close the book on his career.
Don't be surprised if he puts up better numbers next season, regardless of where he ends up.
5) No: You Can't Cheat Father Time
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Even if Jeter does bounce back next season, there is no doubt his time as a valuable commodity is running out.
Depending on how his body holds up, he could end up being used in a platoon situation before his career comes to a close.
Is a platoon player really worth $15 million?
4) Yes: He Still Can Pick It
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Jeter's offensive output declined noticeably last season, but his defensive skills remain well above average.
In fact, he took home his fifth Gold Glove Award while anchoring the Yankees' defense up the middle.
With a powerful lineup capable of generating runs at will, the Yankees' biggest void remains in the field.
Jeter doesn't need to hit for average or power to make a huge impact as his career winds down.
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4) No: He Shouldn't be Compensated for Career Achievements
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Sure, the Yankees owe Jeter a place in Monument Park and every chance to show he can still play.
But when you put aside the Derek Jeter mystique and look at the age and the numbers, there is simply no way to justify a six-year deal worth around $15 million.
By caving in to his demands, Brian Cashman would be rewarding him for what he has already done instead of what he has yet to do.
Overspending to retain Jeter would be a foolish move.
3) Yes: The Yankees Need a Shortstop
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It would be easier to let Jeter walk if there were better options on the market.
Alex Gonzalez would have been a nice fit, but the Braves exercised their club option on him in early November.
That leaves Juan Uribe, Orlando Cabrera and Miguel Tejada as the best available shortstops.
Yikes.
Re-signing Jeter clearly would be the best bet for the Yankees.
Now, if only they can agree on the time and money...
3) No: Yankees Won't Have Tolerance for a Player Who Can't Produce
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Assuming Jeter stays in New York, he won't stay on the field unless he can produce.
The Yankees have titles to win, and there is no way the legacy of the "Captain" will stand in the way of the ultimate goal.
With that in mind, Cashman and Steinbrenner probably know he won't be fit to serve as an everyday player for much longer.
By trying to keep things short, the Yankees are actually doing Derek Jeter's legacy a favor.
There's nothing worse than a star who hangs on too long.
2) Yes: The Yankees Can Afford Him
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There's something terribly ironic about Hank Steinbrenner crying poor.
No matter what the new boss wants to say, the Yankees have plenty of money and aren't afraid to throw it around.
As history has shown countless times, New York isn't afraid to overpay for decent talent.
The notion that the blue and white purse-strings have suddenly become tighter won't play well in the New York media.
Advantage, Jeter.
2) No: Cliff Lee and Mariano Rivera Are More Important
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Before the Texas Rangers rolled into the World Series, it seemed like the Yankees' signing of Cliff Lee was merely a formality.
But now that the Rangers have a stable ownership group in place, the race for Lee has tightened considerably.
The Yankees will need to pull out all the stops to sign the lefty.
Then there is the matter of Mariano Rivera.
Even though Mo had some rocky moments late in 2010, he remains the most attractive option to anchor the back-end of the bullpen.
Get ready for those two pitchers to get paid.
1) Yes: The Captain
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Although he wasn't always the best player, Derek Jeter has been the face of the latest Yankees' throughout his Hall of Fame career.
With that in mind, the Yankees would face a considerable public backlash if they let him walk away.
Meanwhile, his successor would face constant scrutiny and criticism playing in the pressure-cooker in the Bronx.
Jeter's legacy ensures that he will always have at least a little leverage, no matter how much his skills decline.
1) No: The Market for Derek Jeter Isn't There
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Brian Cashman has encouraged Jeter to test the free agent market after the Yankees declined to offer him arbitration.
Basically, the Yankees aren't scared of losing him on the open market.
The crop of shortstops is historically weak heading into 2011, but Jeter has little value unless he lowers his asking price considerably.
Aside from adding a brand name, there is no reason for teams looking for help up the middle to meet Jeter's demands.
Instead, signing a player like Uribe or Cabrera would fill a void without risking no return on investment.
It's all about getting the most bang for the buck.
The Verdict
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Before you start to imagine Jeter celebrating in a Red Sox uniform after claiming a World Series title, put down Page Six and think about the landscape of the Yankees.
New York needs a shortstop and has put a fairly lucrative offer on the table.
Once Jeter begins to test the open market, he isn't likely to find any team willing to offer a six-year deal that would keep him under contract until age 43.
Not even the Detroit Tigers are that crazy.
In reality, neither side has a great deal of leverage.
Once the disagreements come to an end, you can expect the "Captain" to sport the Yankee pinstripes again in April.
Don't even think about him recording his 3,000 career hit in another uniform.
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