Hey, so, remember when we all thought was pretty much done after 2010 and a weak start in 2011? Well, for at least the time being, Jeter is proving us wrong. Going into yesterday’s game against the Rangers, Jeter was hitting .319/.361/.423/.784/110 OPS+. He was also sporting a .344 wOBA and a 113 wRC+ while leading the American League in total hits. Oh and he’s 38 years old. The last time someone that age (or older) led the American League in hits was Paul Molitor in 1996 with 225 at age 39. That year, Molitor played most of his games (143) at DH; he played the other 17 at first base. Jeter is a shortstop. Whatever we may think of his fielding ability–or lack thereof–the fact that he’s as old as he is and still physically able to play shortstop day-in and day-out is remarkable. How remarkable is it? I went to the Play Index at Baseball Reference and entered a search for players who had 85% of their games at shortstop from age 38 on and only 11 players showed up. They were:
Honus Wagner, 1912
Derek Jeter, 2012
Bill Dahlen, 1908
Ozzie Smith, 1908
Bobby Wallace, 1912
, 2005
Barry Larkin, 2002
Rabbit Maranville, 1930
Dave Bancroft, 1928
Bones Ely, 1901
Only two of them, Wagner and Jeter, have been “above average” offensive contributors by OPS+. If we don’t adjust for position, Wagner and Jeter are the only ones to have an OPS+ of 100 or better. Wagner’s season was ridiculous, at .324/.395/.496. That led to a robust 144 OPS+. And though Jeter is 16 points ahead of the third place finisher, he’s a full 34 points behind Wagner. Obviously, this speaks to just how good a hitter Wagner was. But just as importantly, it reminds us of how great Derek Jeter is. He’s not only producing at a rate above league average, but he’s doing it at an up the middle position, just under two years shy of his 40th birthday. If we compare Jeter and his .784 OPS to the average AL shortstop and his .671 OPS, Jeter looks even better. His roughly position adjusted OPS+ goes to 116. So Jeter is hitting 10% better than the overall league average and 16% better than the average AL shortstop. Again, he’s 38. Thirty-eight.
Taking Jeter’s age into account is a bit of a double-edged sword. Is this the proverbial dead cat bounce or just the delaying of the inevitable? Right now, I don’t care. Despite my previous reservations about him and his performance, I’m thoroughly enjoying his 2012 season. Keep it up, Derek. Keep it up.
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17 Responses to Jeter in rare territory
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TIQ IQ
If this is a dead cat bounce, that cat must be made of rubber. We said 2009 was the bounce, we said the second half of 2011 was the bounce, and now it’s his 2012 season. I say we just put that damn cat to bed and just watch and see because it’s looking likely that 2010 was just a bad year and we have no clue what to expect from Jeter.
OK, I was pretty harsh on Jeter at contract time, so I’ll join the crowd willing to appreciate how good he’s been now.
I don’t remember that because we didn’t all think he was done like you did. Own it but don’t drag everyone into your mistake.
“rare” territory?
Fixed.
I’m sooooooooooooo sick and tired of everyone criticizing Jeter or ANY player over 30 yrs. of age. WE ALL are not as great as we were, but the most important thing is our attitude and what we do with our remaining talent. Remember the wear and tear these athletes put on their bodes. I’m not talking about the druggies. The legitimate players. RESPECT PEOPLE. I NEVER GAVE UP ON JETER ! God Bless him and let him continue as LONG AS HE WANTS !
I wish Joe Torre was the manager of the Yankees. Giraldi is useless. He leaves pitchers in too long knowing they don’t have their stuff. We can’t always come from behind !!. HE’S TOO LAID BACK. and whats up with his sidekick? They don’t talk to each other. The manager needs to pump up his team and give them the fire they seem to have lost. Only Jeter, Chavez, remember what to do with the ball. Wakeup Owners !
Joe Torre abuses the hell out of relievers until they are useless. Handling pitching was his very big weakness. Joe may overmanage sometimes but his handling of the pitching staff is worlds better than Torre
You thing Girrardi is too mellow and long for Torre? Both are great but I don’t think we watch the same team. Girrardi is exceptional with the pitching staff.
This team your knocking is running away with the tough AL east in spite of tons of injuries and a much more tight-fisted ownership
Well sed moli123 I fully agree this team doesn’t look like they care to much besides jeter and a couple others
Amazzzzing!!!!! HOF Material for sure on the first ballet.
AND THE PRIDE OF THE YANKEE’S JUST KEEP’S GOING AND GOING AND GOING AND WELL YOU GET THE IDEA!
Ozzie Smith played in 1908?? Wow!! As Bob Dylan sang “Ah but I was so much older then; I’m younger than that now.” The sentiment actually does apply to Derek. HOF 1st ballo!
Go Derek!
there was an Ozzie Smith playing shortstop in 1908?
Remember that Derek has an outstanding work ethic. He is the ultimate professional and role model. We may all agree that he is a first ballot HOF, but he is so much more to this team. But after him, I am hard pressed to find anyone else on the Yanks who consistently demonstrates that strong a leadership ability. Derek is a great role model for his team mates. I wish Robbie C would play with DJ’s dedication and work ethic. Robbie is about as gifted a natural ball player mlb has ever seen but he plays to about 1/2 to 3/4 of his potential.
When has Robbie showed a lack of dedication or work ethic? Does he do that when working w/Long a lot? Does he do that when taking young players down to the DR with him so they can work on their game?