Last night on ESPN, Jon Miller made a comment about Jeter's defense, and I see it from fans on here, too, who believe he's a great shortstop. However, outside of the occasional great play, the facts just don't support it.
With the exception of 1997 and 2004, Jeter always ranks at the bottom of the range factor rankings, and he had a -75 in 2002, which is incredibly bad. He might have a decent fielding percentage, but he doesn't get to nearly as many balls as do better shortstops. Tejada, Crosby, Guzman, Vizquel - all of these guys dwarf Jeter defensively, but don't get credit.
It's frustrating that so many people just don't get it, and continue to think that Jeter is a star in the field. Why is that?
2006-08-21 04:59:17 · 11 answers · asked by Craig S 7 in Sports ➔ Baseball
Pete - Okay, check any other defensive measure - Dewan's Zone Ratings, the new Relative Range Factors, etc. - Jeter doesn't do well in any of them.
And if you think Jon Miller knows baseball, then you need to think again. Like most talking heads, he hasn't ever looked at any statistical studies of fielding. Your eyes are deceiving you if you think Jeter is that good.
2006-08-21 06:47:23 · update #1
BaseballFan - I actually think Jeter is a great player, and an MVP candidate. However, I think his defensive play, while decent, is vastly overrated.
2006-08-21 06:48:15 · update #2
ynke#7Mick - I'm not the idiot. Idiots are guys like your idol, Mr. Mantle, who drink away their God-given talent.
2006-08-21 06:49:05 · update #3
Carlos - I include those guys as better fielders, which they are, not better players. I'd take Jeter's hitting over them any day, as should any sane fan.
2006-08-21 06:49:49 · update #4
Rulan - I'm only talking about his fielding, which I think is overvalued. I can't possibly question his hitting and leadership ability. I also picked his flip to Posada a few years ago as the best defensive play I've ever seen, so I'm not just out to slam the guy.
2006-08-21 06:57:02 · update #5
First things first: Jon Miller is the most biased national televisor in sports. He spent TEN MINUTES gawking at David Ortíz's home run.
Secondly, Derek Jeter has how many Gold Gloves? Even if you don't watch the games and see just how valuable he is to the team, offensively and defensively, he has the awards to back it up. I don't see any other American League shortstop piling up any defensive awards.
No matter what team you root for, you just can't discredit Jeter.
2006-08-21 05:35:22 · answer #1 · answered by Baseball Fanatic 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look, fielding stats do not stop at the end of the regualr season. I think the terrific plays Jeter has made in the post-season have to count for something.
If you look at the two Gold Gloves Jeter got, he's damned good:
2005--2nd best range factor among all AL "regular" shortstops, 3rd best fielding pct. Probably deserving of the award or at least a top 3 guy.
2004--Totally agree, Tejada was head and shoulders the best SS in the AL.
But Vizquel not getting credit? Are you serious? He's won 10 Gold Gloves! Somebody is giving him credit.
Crosby--his day will come
Guzman--he sucks. His stats were as bad as Jeter's were earlier in his career. I cannot see any year where he even ranked top 5 in AL SS.
2006-08-21 06:53:00 · answer #2 · answered by fugutastic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Crosby and Vizquel are great...Guzman is overrated.
It's a joke that you say that Tejada is better than Jeter in the field. That's ridiculous. Tejada is the one that makes the occasional great play.
Range Factor? That's a subjective stat...there's a reason nobody pays attention to it.
Jeter makes plays that would get past other short stops look easy. People that know baseball know this. That's why people on Baseball Tonight get paid to tell you that. Listen to Jon Miller. He knows more than you.
2006-08-21 05:33:25 · answer #3 · answered by Pete 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is true that he can't throw off one foot and he doesn't dive at all that much, but whenever a ball is hit to him, its always a clean pick-up and throw unlike ****** at 3rd base. Also, whenever there's a pop-fly (with exception of the play with ******), he's always there to make the catch. The one where he dove into the stands and got jacked up, i haven't seen Tejada or Crosby or Vizquel do any of that stuff. Plus, the people you list here are ridiculous. Vizquel is a good hitter, but no one knows about him cuz he plays in San Francisco. Same thing with Crosby. I haven't heard his name once this entire year. Most of it has to deal with him being on a great team right now.
He's not a star on the field, but he is good.
2006-08-21 05:34:14 · answer #4 · answered by c-money 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you serious? How many players do you see consistantly end a season with a 300 batting average, win golden glove after golden glove AND do it on the stage that is the New York Yankees?
2006-08-21 06:50:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because he occasionally makes a good play-but the collision with a-rod shows that he stinks in the field. he has the air of a superstar, and is a team leader. since hes good, is fast, and can hit people are just like, oh, he must have the last part of a great player.
2006-08-21 05:06:53 · answer #6 · answered by Spearfish 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
eric v answered correctly.plus he does have a bunch of world series title to help out that notion.the other players are great but greatness has to do with winning.just ask barry bonds.7 time m.v.p. no world series wins.the fans just dont accept it.
2006-08-21 05:17:37 · answer #7 · answered by antho c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to say that I bet a few women are fans of his because he is a hottie. ..At least that is my reasoning ....
2006-08-21 05:09:25 · answer #8 · answered by Why do you ask? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not the best
2006-08-21 05:13:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
CAPTIAN,ALL STAR,GOLDEN GLOVES,CLUBHOUSE LEADER. gee I dont get it either IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!
2006-08-21 06:35:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋