Add new comment

The attributes of a good defensive corner outfielder would be "decent range on balls in the air (speedy enough to get to them when there's time to move), decent enough arm, good body control (able to adjust while the ball is in flight creatively). That's Jeter. The problem is that Jeter played SS...where you need good range when there ISN'T time to get up to speed and move. There's a difference between athletic speed (Jeter was a great baserunner and obviously had this skill) and fast-twitch speed (Jeter was a high percentage base stealer, but not a prolific one, and he had extremely bad range on grounders because he did not have fast-twitch speed).
I think the "positional advantage" you get from having his bat at short is cancelled entirely by the bad defense. WAR agrees - his typical position adjustment is like +13 runs...his typical defensive score is like -13 runs. QED. :) (I'm oversimplifying, but I think this makes my point). So...to me...Jeter is a left fielder. Would I rather have the greatest DH who ever lived and a mediocre SS who could actually play SS...or would I rather have an above average but not historically great left fielder and a solid DH?
I'll take the historically great player thanks kindly. Edgar >>>>>> Jeter