Derek Jeter: the New York Yankees Would Not Be the Same Without No. 2

Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees have been in negotiations for some time now, with disagreements on both ends.  Jeter is already an all-time Yankee great who feels like he deserves more than the Yankees have offered.

The Yanks offered Jeter a three-year, $45 million contract, which has led to a lot of headlines in the media.  Jeter believes that he has done a lot for this franchise and would like more years and more money. 

This is a concern for general manager Brian Cashman because he, along with the Yankee organization, has some questions about Jeter's current and future performance. 

Jeter is turning 37 in June and did not perform to his usual standards last season, batting a career-low of .270, leading many to believe that he is approaching the final breath of his productive career.  However, I find that hard to believe. 

Jeter would not want to come back, requesting more than three years at that, if he was not confident in his game and did not think he could recover after a disappointing season.

Co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner told the Associated Press this past Tuesday:

"As much as we want to keep everybody, we've already made these guys very, very rich, and I don't feel we owe anybody anything monetarily.  Some of these players make more than their bosses." 

Steinbrenner went on to say:

"Negotiating is always a process...I know he wants to stay.  It's going to come down to what's fair for everybody considering all circumstances."

This may be true but the Yankees must consider what this would to do the image of their franchise.  Right now Jeter is the centerpiece of this organization, loved by Yankee fans and respected by all.  If things don't work out and Jeter doesn't re-sign with New York, the Yankees would just not be the same.