MLB Rumors: Ten Places Derek Jeter Could Play
Derek Jeter is currently a free agent. He's one of the greatest New York Yankees of all-time, so just the words "Jeter" and "free agent" in the same sentence is an interesting pairing. Though Jeter appears to be staying put, it's shocking that he wasn't offered a deal before this.
This shows just how crazy things have gotten with money in the Bronx and just how out of control the spending has gotten. The Yankees have been so free with their spending on free agents that Jeter seemingly was lost in the fold when it came to a contract offer. Now, it is expected that the Yankees will act upon the expired contract of their star shortstop.
Here are 10 destinations for Derek Jeter that are possible, but highly unlikely.
10. San Francisco Giants
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The San Francisco Giants are fresh off of a World Series victory and could be looking to fill voids in the middle of their infield. Jeter would be a decent fit with the champions, as his veteran presence and leadership would further add to the Giants' aging core.
The Giants haven't had this type of attraction since Barry Bonds. This would make for many headlines in the Bay Area and across the sports world. They, like many other teams, would get practical use out of Jeter's abilities.
He would be a good fit to the top of this order, which may need some work either way. The production out of the top of the lineup troubled the Giants in the playoffs, particularly in the leadoff spot. Jeter is a versatile hitter that can fill in any holes.
9. New York Mets
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What if Derek Jeter were to remain in the same city but switch uniforms? That's right, Jeter as a New York Met. What a coincidence this would be. As for Jeter, he would be seen as a major turncoat.
Jose Reyes has been inconsistent at shortstop for the Mets. He's been plagued by many injuries and has had back-to-back poor seasons in New York. He's been hitting all around the order and can no longer find his niche on this team. It may be time for a change. Though his injuries have hindered his performance, even when he's been in the lineup, he hasn't produced.
In 2007, Reyes was widely regarded as one of the top leadoff men in the game. A lot has changed since then and so have the Mets, drastically in fact. At this point Jeter would be an ideal fit for this team with dwindling hopes.
8. Atlanta Braves
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The Atlanta Braves would be an option as well. This is another team in need of a true shortstop and, more importantly, a team leader. This team is expected to undergo its share of changes this offseason and it would definitely welcome Jeter.
These Braves are thin in the middle infield and are unsure of Alex Gonzalez's 2011 status for now, though it appears he will return. A move to Atlanta for Jeter would make for an even deeper NL East and more interesting rivalries from within the division.
7. Cleveland Indians
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The Indians are a team that has been in rebuilding mode for quite a few years. They just lost Jhonny Peralta to their division rival Detroit Tigers and are looking for production out of this position.
Asdrubal Cabrera is not yet proven but still is a solid insertion for them without Peralta. Jeter would be a major upgrade over both of them though.
6. San Diego Padres
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The Padres appear to be getting a bit old at this position and need an upgrade. They went from worst in 2009 to nearly first this past season and are back on the rise for now. Many questions still surround their ability to move Adrian Gonzalez, but once they turned their fortunes, it was obvious that Gonzalez would stay put.
Jeter changing coasts and heading to San Diego would make things very interesting out west. The Padres currently do not boast a big-name star other than Gonzalez. Apparently that's just the way they prefer to do things too. Throughout their history they've been able to get it done without the marquee names, with the exception of Tony Gwynn of course.
5. Cincinnati Reds
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Cincinnati is certainly a team that is on the rise but is still missing veteran leadership. That's something that Jeter brings to the table. Even at shortstop with Orlando Cabrera, they could use an upgrade and Jeter would fit in with this lineup that erupted at the plate in 2010.
For the first time in a while, the Reds are among the NL's best and may actually have the money to make a splash in free-agency. This would be a good move for both sides. The Reds would benefit from what Jeter would mean to the organization.
4. Los Angeles Angels
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Los Angeles presents an appealing destination for Derek Jeter. In this instance, he would remain in a major city and be filling a void for a good team. The Angels suffered through a poor 2010 but are certainly a team that is still heading in the right direction.
The Angels are an organization in need of a big-name acquisition. They lost the AL West in 2010, a division that they held on to for so long and now will be looking to regain it in 2011. Jeter could be instrumental in this process and help them out mightily.
3. St. Louis Cardinals
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How good would a lineup with Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday and Derek Jeter be? The Cardinals did not produce as they were expected to this season, but they still are positive in looking toward the future.
The Cardinals are looking for another veteran, preferably a shortstop that can supply a bat and glove. Jeter has done all of these things for the past decade-and-a-half in New York and he would be a good fit for Tony LaRussa's St. Louis Cardinals.
2. Tampa Bay Rays
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Judging from the above picture, David Price needs some help down in Florida. The Rays disappointed mightily in the playoffs. They were expected to deliver this fall but didn't. The Rays need a presence like Jeter to get them back on the right track.
Their situation currently in the infield is vague, at least in the middle. In parting with a few players that are likely to become free-agents, like Carl Crawford and Rafael Soriano, the Rays are going to have some money available. Stealing Jeter from the Yankees would definitely be highway robbery for Tampa Bay.
1. Boston Red Sox
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What greater irony would there ever be than Derek Jeter signing with the Boston Red Sox. This would be 1,000-times more magnified than what Brett Favre did to the Green Bay Packers. It would make for some of the most interesting television of all-time to boot.
The Red Sox haven't had that production out of the shortstop position and would deliver that with Jeter. Not to mention that Jeter on the Red Sox would be the ultimate slap in the face to the Yankee organization. That would be the world completely out of order. It's something that will never happen, but would be a sight to see.
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