Olde Man’s Tavern: Derek’s Place

Within the world of baseball, no single organization brings forth such polarization than the New York Yankees. The Yankees are America’s truest version of the “love ’em or hate ’em” franchise. Not the Dallas Cowboys. Not the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not the New England Patriots. Not the Los Angeles Lakers. Not even the rival Boston Red Sox. It’s the New York Yankees. Same goes with the fanbase. Ask Cliff Lee’s wife.

This week, the Tavern will travel 894 miles back to New York City from Atlanta. We had visited Citi Field a couple of weeks ago and simply couldn’t resist the chance to head back to the “city that never sleeps”. Plus, I’m still craving some New York style pizza.

But there is a potentially worrisome situation on the horizon for the Yankees organization and its fans. The free agent negotiations between the Yankees and shortstop Derek Jeter. These negotiations have all the markings of creating a fireworks display not seen at any sporting event or a Fourth of July celebration. Yes, an eruption between the two sides are extremely possible. In fact, they are already starting to emerge.

Back to all of that in a bit. Honest, we’ll get back there. It won’t take long.

One aspect of Jeter, the sixth overall selection in the 1992 draft, that I honestly believe cannot be overlooked, overstated or over anything is his aura. For those that have become Yankees fans only since Jeter arrived on the scene in the Big Apple, Jeter truly is among an elite group. This isn’t a history lesson. Merely adding more to the “backdrop”.

Few players have donned the pinstripes and received the adoration that Jeter has experienced. The obvious names come to mind: Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, Berra, DiMaggio, Ford, Stengel, Munson, and even Jackson. Visit Monument Park and you’ll see those that achieved such. One day, a plaque of Jeter will be among the others. Well deserved. All you have to do is watch any type of gesture (sincere or symbolic) and Jeter, the Yankee captain, is front and center. Jeter loves New York and New York returns the love.

Again, love him or hate him.

Time passes, people age, skills diminish, but that aura…continues.

Back to the deal about the fireworks.

Hal Steinbrenner, the managing general partner of the Yankees, appeared on WFAN and ESPN 1050 a couple of days ago. While rumors are already running that the Yankees will be in hot pursuit of Cliff Lee, the talk turned to Jeter and Mariano Rivera. Hal stated that the two were, in fact, “career Yankees”. But Hal also produced a “flint”…

"“There’s always the possibility that things could get messy.”"

The New York Daily News reports that the Yankees obviously want Jeter to return…but a contract would “will have to make financial sense for the organization”. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past handful of decades is that the way the Yankees conduct their “business” is far from the way most other teams do. It’s not that much different than when George was around, but it is a little different…or is it?

The “spark” was then produced by Jeter’s agent, Casey Close. Considering he helped Jeter attain a ten-year, $189 million dollar deal a decade ago, Close seriously deserves our attention on the matter. He’s the agent for the most popular Yankee most of us have ever witnessed.

"“While it is not our intent to negotiate the terms of Derek’s free-agent contract in a public forum,” Casey Close told FanHouse, “we do agree with Hal’s and Brian (Cashman, the GM)’s recent comments that this contract is about business and winning championships.“Clearly, baseball is a business, and Derek’s impact on the sport’s most valuable franchise cannot be overstated. Moreover, no athlete embodies the spirit of a champion more than Derek Jeter.”"

He’s right. No one player brings more “value” to the Yankee trademark than Jeter.

But here’s a little something to tuck into the back of your mind. It may already be there, but just in case…

For the past couple of years, baseball “experts” have remarked about Jeter and his declining skills. A step slower. Not quite the range he once possessed. You still see the now famous “backhand, jump and throw” highlight. And now Jeter is coming off a 2010 season that was his worst offensively. Not “since (name any season in which he’s played)”… Ever. Is the bat starting to go, too?

Call it making something out of nothing in regards to any of those comments. There’s is always a chance of talks getting “messy”, but this isn’t your typical player. This is Mr. November. The Yankees captain. Captain Clutch. This is Derek Jeter. Derek Freakin’ Jeter! Don’t you understand?

Sure the Yankee front office could bring up the negatives.

“Derek Jeter‘s been a great ambassador and player for the Yankees, but…”
“…he’s 36.”
“…his skills have eroded.”
“…he’s coming off his worst season at the plate.”

But he still commands the respect. Every bit of it.

Jon Heyman of SI.com produced an interesting tweet about the Jeter “talks”.

"jeter could take awhile. #yanks may be thinking 2-3 yrs. but industry sources suggest he could ask to stay ’til hes 42 (6 yrs), a la arod."

The Yankees envision two or three years while the Jeter camp looks for six? Jeter would be signed until he’s 42. Already sounds like the turbulence has started. I seriously can’t generate enough brain cells to wrap around that. Could Hal and Hank seriously consider not signing Jeter to “retirement” and Alex Rodriguez is already locked up for that term?

Ponder that thought for a minute or do you really need to take that long. Imagine that press conference if it ever happened.

“You don’t have Jeter, but hell, you got A-Rod. What more could you want?”

Not exactly a decent form of “compensation”…in anyone’s eyes. Not quite the leader…massive understatement. Not quite the respect. But he’s you new Yankee capta…….

STOP!!

There’s no stinkin’ way! This is all insane, right? I mean, Derek Jeter only belongs in a Yankee uniform. Doesn’t he? Even at my somewhat advanced age, I realize this. Being a lifetime Reds fan, it still brings painful memories seeing Pete Rose adorned in any Phillies and/or Expos apparel. This isn’t on that same level (since I’m not a Yankees fan), but some form of decorum must remain. Imagine Jeter wearing any other uniform. Yes, mentally. Almost seems wrong. It is wrong.

Hal. Hank. Brain. Listen here. Let Jeter have his six years (if what we’ve read and heard is correct), but find the financial wherewithal to properly do such. I highly doubt that money would be a major hiccup. Jeter has made over $200 million during his Yankee career…and that’s just from the team. Who knows the bucks he’s pocketed with Gillette and his other endorsements. It’s not totally dependent on the number of zeroes. It’s the job security he desires and deserves.

So, exactly where will Derek’s Place be in 2011?

In New York City at new Yankee Stadium. It always has and always should be there.