New York Yankees’ Legend Derek Jeter is Not Worthy of 2014 All-Star Recognition
By John Shea
@real_johnshea
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The 33-man MLB All-Star rosters have been officially announced in both leagues, which means the annual onslaught of snub pieces from baseball writers across America is also underway. A ton of names have been tossed out as obviously worthy candidates of spots on either the American League or National League rosters in the 85th edition of the MLB All-Star Game, but one player in particular serves to illustrate the very foundation of why the fan-voting system is flawed.
New York Yankees legend and future Hall-of-Famer Derek Jeter is not worthy of a spot on the 2014 AL All-Star team — at least not via numbers alone. Jeter is one of the best shortstops of all time, he’s one of the best all-around players of this generation and he’s easily one of the most beloved players of the past 50 years, especially in New York. But the 40-year-old shortstop hasn’t exactly dazzled to the point of being legitimately worthy of a starting spot on this year’s AL squad.
The contention of excluding Jeter from what will be his 14th and final All-Star Game appearance might seem outrageously ignorant to some, considering what he’s accomplished throughout his illustrious career, but it’s not foolish to state that other AL shortstops are indeed more deserving this time around.
Jeter’s numbers are predictably well below his career averages in 2014; he owns a .273 batting average with 12 extra-base hits and 23 RBIs in 308 at bats and his .651 OPS is the lowest figure of his career, excluding 2013, and fourth-worst among qualifying players at his position in the AL. His numbers are noticeably inefficient in comparison to the Kansas City Royals‘ Alcides Escobar, who leads all AL shortstops in doubles (24), stolen bases (21), batting average (.291) and OPS (.732).
Escobar is a seemingly unnamed All-Star snub. Alexei Ramirez of the Chicago White Sox is currently the only other shortstop listed on the AL roster, although that could change in the coming days. Escobar, a sixth-year player who has never earned All-Star honors, will perhaps someday receive the nod he deserves. It just won’t happen in interference of Jeter’s anointed placement as a baseball god with mediocre numbers. After all, the fans have spoken. They want Jeter.
As the countdown to retirement dwindles with each passing day, Jeter’s farewell tour becomes more prominent. Each day represents one fewer chance for Yankees manager Joe Girardi to slot his name in the No. 2 hole of the lineup card.
It’s unknown exactly to what extent Jeter is feeling the emotional pull of his final season in a big league uniform, and maybe that’s why there is absolute purpose in him suiting up for the Midsummer Classic. But baseball is a game that has always been dominated by numbers, and Jeter’s numbers just aren’t good enough for him to be considered an All-Star in 2014.
Tampa Bay Rays: 5 Players They Could Still Trade
With the Tampa Bay Rays heading into a transitional season, here are five players they should still look to trade. Read More
Assessing the SF Giants' 2015 25-Man Roster
The San Francisco Giants aren't as dangerous on paper as they were a season ago. Read More
Going Home To Blue Jays May Be What Axford Needs
It has been a long time since John Axford has been great. With a need for bullpen help, the Toronto Blue Jays should take a chance on him. Read More
Shields Would Be Best Ace Add For Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly interested in adding an ace, and signing James Shields would be the best way for them to do so. Read More
Power Ranking NL Central Starting Catchers
The NL Central boasts the best catchers in all of baseball. Here is how they rank heading into the 2015 season. Read More
Tigers' Alex Avila Will Benefit From Platoon Role
Here is why Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila may benefit immensely from a strict platoon with James McCann in 2015. Read More
Former Players Could Haunt Royals In 2015
The Kansas City Royals made significant moves at the end of 2014, but the Chicago White Sox changed their team in a much bigger way. The Royals will now see far more of two well-liked former players. Read More
Randy Johnson's HOF Journey No Tall Tale
Will he be a Seattle Mariner or an Arizona Diamondback in the Hall of Fame? Either way, Randy Johnson's legacy will be remembered in Seattle long before it is forgotten. Read More
Keyvius Sampson Great Fit For Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds have lost a lot of organizational depth this winter. By adding Keyvius Sampson, they have a pitcher who has the talent to quickly surprise. Read More
5 Players Phillies Need to Trade For Now
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. should be working the phones in frigid Philadelphia to warm the hearts of fans by acquiring these five rebuilding pieces. Read More
10 MLB Teams That Will Slide Backwards In 2015
Teams surprise every year, but here is a look at 10 teams that will take a step backwards in 2015. Read More
5 Players SF Giants Need to Trade For
The San Francisco Giants are seemingly prepared to enter the 2015 season without acquiring additional difference-makers this offseason. Read More