I also wonder if the possibility for injury goes up if Jeter moves to CF, given that he'll be 32 (his 2006 baseball-age), in which case I say don't do it. I'm not saying he's not a good enough athlete to do it - but I'm guessing that being a CF requires a comfort zone that I imagine takes some time to get.

Still, it is an interesting idea . . .

Regardless, he's a competent shortstop.

There was a good article in the Star Ledger about Mark Newman's report on the farm system. (via Off the Façade)

http://tinyurl.com/brgt7

I don't think it is a coincidence that Jeter's fielding stats have improved since Rodriguez joined the team. With a legitimate Gold Glove SS playing third base to his right, and Jeter's strength being going to his right, he can play closer to second, thus closing the gap up the middle (to his left), which is where the hole in his range existed. We're all far too familiar with announcers saying "base hit up the middle" and "past a diving Jeter," but with Rodriguez covering more ground around third and Jeter moving over a tad, that's been less of a problem this season and last.

This all points to the shortcomings of fielding stats. Fielding territory overlaps and ones defensive stats can be skewed by the ability of one's defensive neighbors. I'm not completely convinced that Jeter is playing a better shortstop than he was in 2003, just that he's in better position to make use of his particular abilities at the position.

Now, all of that said, I don't know for sure that Jeter actually is positioning himself closer to the bag. I'd love for someone with press access to ask him about it, or for someone to compare some video on where he played a given batter in 2003 compared to '04 and this year.

Also, Jeter has played beside many strong defensive third basemen (Boggs, Brosius, Ventura, Boone), all of whom have posted higher Range Factors while playing next to Jeter than Rodriguez did last year. So maybe everything I just said was bunk. Then again, it seems far too plausable, doesn't it?

Same thing with Cox. He'll be pushed up next year though for now, I'd just shut that guy down - with the CWS, he's got a good amount of mileage on his arm. http://tinyurl.com/bmk5x

Also, with Duncan, it'll be interesting ot see what he does in the AFL in a different park. Keep in mind that the kid is only 19 and in AA. He's still damn good - wait & see.

I've been advocating the Yount-switch for 2 years, but Shaun P makes a great point (Jeter would be 32) considering that Yount did it when he was 29.