Derek Jeter Hits the Field
Good sign that Derek Jeter has begun his offseason workout? Definitely if you’re a Yankees fan.
John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
Well, the Yankee captain is back to baseball activity. Might be the reason he’s smiling.
Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News informs us that Derek Jeter began offseason workouts which consisted of fielding some grounders and taking a few swings. The Yankees minor-league complex in Tampa was the location.
Tampa, huh? Nice and sunny with a high temp of 66 degrees today (according to weather.com, that is). That had to suck.
Last season was practically a wash for Jeter as his continued his recovery from a broken ankle suffered during Game 1 of the 2012 ALCS. He suffered a small crack in the same ankle and started 2013 on the disabled list. Upon his return in mid-July, Jeter played in one game and once again hit the DL with a quad strain.
A late July return saw the captain hit a home run in his first game back, but a week later, it was another DL stint. This time, a calf strain would sideline Jeter. He returned in late August, played in 12 more games before recurring issues with his ankle developed. It was decided that it would be best to shut down for the season.
In all, Jeter played in a grand total of 17 games last season, making 73 plate appearances. The last time Jeter played in less than 20 games in a season as a Yankee? 1995. He did play in 123 games in Columbus.
Entering 2014, Jeter sits 10th on the all-time hits list with 3,316. If he can collect 120 hits next season (and if he’s healthy, why wouldn’t he?), Jeter will move up to 6th, surpassing Paul Molitor (3,319), Carl Yastrzemski (3,419), Honus Wagner (3,420) and Cap Anson (3,435) in the process.
And Jeter will claim $12MM for 2014. Life as Derek Jeter is good.
Considering the circus that has recently surrounded the club (due to none of its own doing), this news is beyond being a breath of fresh air.