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Not to take away a fun discussion on NFBC Rules Changes, but I'm interested in everyone's thoughts on Derek Jeter for 2014. After seeing the great tribute to Mariano Rivera this year across Major League Baseball, do you think it's possible that we've also seen the last of Yankees' great Derek Jeter in a quieter way? Could it be that Jeter's ankle is so bad that he will never be able to play up to his standards again? Would he leave the game this way?

Folks on the East Coast probably have better opinions than I can offer. I'd be surprised if he left the game this way and maybe a full off-season will get him back to 90 percent of what he was before the injury. Who knows. Thoughts on this one?

Interesting observation here by Peter Gammons:

http://www.gammonsdaily.com/the-great-d ... instripes/

Jeter is a gamer and would like to go out on top, just like MO. If he is healthy next year, which I expect he will be, he will put up some of his best hitting numbers. After next year is anyones guess. You dont become a sure fire HOF player and one of the best ones ever, without drive, skill and yes health. I can see him only playing about 90 games at short and I can even see a full time switch to 3B next season. He'll DH 30-50 games next year probably. I hope Jeter gets to go out the way he wants, and on top of his game.

Outlaw wrote:Jeter is a gamer and would like to go out on top, just like MO. If he is healthy next year, which I expect he will be, he will put up some of his best hitting numbers. After next year is anyones guess. You dont become a sure fire HOF player and one of the best ones ever, without drive, skill and yes health. I can see him only playing about 90 games at short and I can even see a full time switch to 3B next season. He'll DH 30-50 games next year probably. I hope Jeter gets to go out the way he wants, and on top of his game.

Agreed. The only way Jeter retires is if his health is gone. Also, he will not play for another team. He will retire as a Yankee, but, health permitting, I think he thinks he has several more good years. When folks thought he was washed up after a bad year (for him), he came back with a vengeance. Remember, last season he led all of MLB in base hits. I hope everyone thinks he's done - I could use his batting average in the 20th round! Hopefully, the ankle injury will lead to some frank discussions between the Yankees and Jeter about moving him off shortstop. With ARod's suspension hopefully being upheld, 3B would be a good move, but I'm not sure Jeter wants to change positions. Should be interesting to see how this plays out, but I wouldn't write-off Jeter just yet. His power and speed are gone, but I think his batting average and runs still hold some real and fantasy value.

Besides, other aspects of his "game" are holding up real well (Minka Kelly, Hannah Davis).

Agreed. The only way Jeter retires is if his health is gone. Also, he will not play for another team. He will retire as a Yankee, but, health permitting, I think he thinks he has several more good years.

"several" ??
Really?
That's really optimistic.

Atlas wrote:Agreed. The only way Jeter retires is if his health is gone. Also, he will not play for another team. He will retire as a Yankee, but, health permitting, I think he thinks he has several more good years.

"several" ??
Really?
That's really optimistic.

I agree, but, note that I didn't say I think Jeter has several more good years. I said that I think Jeter thinks he has several more good years. Jeter is supremely confident in his own abilities. I am sure he feels that, with health, he still is a .300 hitter and, after all these years, who am I to doubt him?

Mike