Derek Jeter: 5 Teams He Would Be Perfect For
With Derek Jeter’s contract expiring and management questioning his worth after his subpar postseason, many have begun speculating which team Jeter will play for next season.
Jeter finished the 2010 campaign with a .270 batting average, .340 on base percentage, and .370 slugging percentage, all of which well below his career averages.
He scored 111 runs, stole 18 bases, connected on 10 homers, and drove in 67 runs.
This decline in production has led many to question how much he deserves to get paid, where he deserves to hit in a lineup and which position he should play on the field.
However, he remains one of the leading figures in all of sports, and Jeter will bring revenue and a strong veteran presence to whichever team he plays for in 2011.
Detroit Tigers: Why They'd Want Him
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After missing out on the playoffs after going .500 on the season, the Detroit Tigers need more star power to keep their fan base interested.
They already have a solid pitching foundation led by Justin Verlander.
Skipper Jim Leyland is a respected baseball mind that Jeter should enjoy playing for.
Detroit Tigers: Why Jeter Would Like the Move
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The move would make sense for Jeter because the Tigers could use an upgrade at several spots, including shortstop. Jeter would also be able to be a designated hitter for the squad on "rest" days.
If needed, Detroit could put him in left field as they have center and right field locked up with Austin Jackson and Brennan Boesch respectively.
Jeter would be an ideal fit behind leadoff man Austin Jackson in the lineup. Jackson proved he can get on base at high level. With the threat to steal, Jeter would be able to work the pitcher and could excel behind such a young, talented leadoff man.
Jackson and Jeter in front of Miguel Cabrera in the lineup would be scary for opposing pitchers.
St. Louis Cardinals: Why They'd Want Him
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The Cardinals are still one of the better teams in the majors, despite playing themselves out of a division title lost to the Cincinnati Reds.
The Cardinals could make a major splash by signing Derek Jeter. Adding to their exceptional veterans, Jeter would provide the missing link at the shortstop position.
With Tony LaRussa on board, the Cardinals would be a scary team to face off against because of their star power.
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St. Louis Cardinals: Why Jeter Would Like the Move
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With Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, and Matt Holliday, the Cardinals would take away the national media attention from the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees.
The Cardinals found a gem in the outfield last season with John Jay.
The mix of young talent, veteran leadership and a fantastic pitching staff would make it easy for the Cardinals to jump back to the top of the National League.
Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday would be a lethal combination of intelligent hitters who can work a count and make it a difficult outing for opposing pitchers.
After a disappointing 2010 campaign, the Cardinals would make a major splash by going after one of the most respected baseball players in history.
Boston Red Sox: Why They'd Want Him
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Highly unlikely, but Jeter to the Sox would be one of the most Earth-shattering events in sports history.
Jeter would instantly become a LeBron James-esque villain to most of the baseball community if this move were to happen.
Jeter would be able to stick it to the "Evil Empire" for disrespecting him in the offseason by going to their most hated rival.
Boston Red Sox: Why Jeter Would Like the Move
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The sheer shock of the move would add so much intensity to the sport of baseball and the Yankees/Sox rivalry.
It would fuel Derek Jeter to excel because he would have even more motivation to perform at the highest possible level so he wouldn’t become complacent by any means.
Dustin Pedroia and Derek Jeter would be one of the better one-two punches among contact hitters in the league. David Ortiz has been up and down in recent years, but one would have to believe he too would feel some sort of rejuvenation.
After missing the playoffs, the Red Sox clearly need to make a move in the offseason. No move would have a bigger impact than the signing of Derek Jeter.
New York Mets: Why They'd Want Him
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With a new General Manager in place, the Mets are hoping to turn the organization around.
There would be no better man to do that than the classy Derek Jeter, who would bring instant respectability back to the Mets.
Although Jose Reyes plays shortstop, the Mets have needs at first base and in the outfield. Jeter and Reyes could rotate short or Reyes could move to the right side of the field. Jeter could even go into the outfield if he was willing.
Regardless, Reyes, Jeter and David Wright to open the lineup would be amazing in the National League.
New York Mets: Why Jeter Would Like the Move
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The Mets need to continue to make monster moves in the Majors after removing the ineffective combination of Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel.
Jeter would still be able to feel comfortable by staying in New York. He could continue his regular pregame routine and stay close to his family. This could be the biggest deciding factor for Jeter if he were to ever switch teams. Comfortability and routine is important to Jeter, like it is for most people.
Jeter would continue to feel the love from New Yorkers and be an important factor in reviving one of the biggest organizations in baseball.
New York Yankees: Why They'd Want Him
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The one team Derek Jeter should ever be on.
The Yankees are his home, the only place he knows, and the only team that truly deserves his services.
Jeter grew up a Yankee fan and wanted to play for this team. His is living his dream of being a staple in the organization. The captain of the team and face of the franchise, Jeter has seen as much success as any other player since coming through the ranks of the Yankees farm system.
The Yankees need to pay Jeter what he’s worth and let him continue to play shortstop.
The heart and soul of the Yankees, it is nearly impossible to picture him playing elsewhere.
New York Yankees: Why Jeter Would Stay
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It only makes sense for the Yankees to bring back Jeter as he will more than make up for the money they give him in revenue. Jeter is still the most marketable player in baseball. His association with the Yankees will only continue to enhance the marketing dominance the organization holds over sports.
The Yankees will still have arguably the best lineup in the league with Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano among the other veterans.
The Yankees need his leadership and composure, which is often overlooked.
Simply put, Derek Jeter needs to retire a Yankee. It would be a complete shock not to see that happen.
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