Derek Jeter's famous relay throw: Am I the only one who thinks it's overrated?

Question

Every time I see that, it looks like a fairly routine play. He flips the ball to the catcher. What's the big deal? On a regular night, that play doesn't even make "Web Gems".

Answer 1

What you're not seeing is how could he have known to be in that spot at that time and make that play. Jeremy Giambi didn't slide on the play because he thought there was no way there would be a play.

Jeter was there because of a preternatural sense of the game, that's why he made the play, and if he didn't make the play, the Yankees lose the series.

I agree that Jeter is overrated, but if you don't see what's great about that play, you don't know baseball.

Answer 2

Yeah, I think the play is overrated too. Actually Anon I see shortstops cover that relay all the time. Omar Vizquel did it in the same post season as Jeter, a couple days before actually. The only difference is that the right fielder usually makes a good throw to the cut-off man and you don't notice the shortstop there backing up.
I also say it's overrated because if Jeremy Giambi had slid he probably would have been safe and no one would even care that Jeter did it.

Answer 3

I still think that the Oakland player was safe, and that Posada tagged him after he touched the plate. Also that play where he dove into the stands - he caught the ball then dove into the seats. He only did it to make the fans ooh and ahh. Do you think if anyone else does it that they would show it as many times as they did when Jeter did it? Of course not. That is unless Jeter does it again. He is sooooooooooooo overrated. Anyone else noticed they haven't done crap in the postseason since A-Rod arrived?

Answer 4

Dude, I'm a Mets fan, but that was an outstanding play. It was unbelievable because of the baseball instincts necessary to make it, not because of the athletic ability necessary. How often to you see a shortstop playing thirty feet up the first base line? Never. He put himself in position to make the play. Nobody else would have been there.

And Keith has clearly never watched Jeter play for any extended period of time. He consistently makes plays in the hole that nobody else in baseball would make. Just because you hate the Yankees doesn't mean that you should close your eyes and pretend all of their players suck.

Answer 5

I think the same thing as well. He is a very good player though. His catch down third base was the only play he's ever done that was web gem worthy. He needs to move to 2nd so the best SS in baseball can get back into form.

Answer 6

When people make good plays in clutch situations, they get credit. That was a good play in a clutch situation, and he got credit. And so what if it wouldn't have made "Web Gems"? There are only five web gems a night for Pete's Sake! There are a lot more than five great plays every day. "Web Gems" are overrated...

Answer 7

My revulsion of the Yankees matches most anyones, but given the circumstances and the actual physics involved - that play Jeter made was terrific.

Answer 8

of course derek jeter is overrated. he plays for the yankees, which automatically makes him an overrated played by espn standards.

Answer 9

Derek Jeter is famous?

Answer 10

Derek's natural baseball ability is unmatched. If you think his plays and abilities are overrated you are free to have your opion. I happen to think he is overall one of the best and has the playoff experience to back it up. 1996-2005.