The Yankees captain and shortstop has been on a tear since this past July 9, when he roared past the 3,000-hit mark. And it’s not a bit preposterous to believe that 4,000 hits is a real possibility, with that lofty plateau just 895 away.
“I wouldn’t put it [past] him,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said prior to Monday night’s rare 7-3 Minnesota win in New York. “He doesn’t look like he’s aged. His body is still in fantastic shape and he still moves just fine. I haven’t seen any missteps. I haven’t seen his swing go too bad. He’s the hottest hitter on their team right now.
“I don’t know, 4,000 hits is a lot of hits. How far is he away, 900? Good luck, Derek.”
...“Great players are professional players, and he’s right at the top on and off the field,” Gardenhire said about Jeter. “He’s been the ultimate professional when it comes to playing this game. You just have to admire the guy.”
This testament comes from a man who has every reason to despise Jeter, who is hitting .326 lifetime against the Twins, with 12 homers and 53 RBIs. Number 12 was the 26th leadoff shot of his career, which, of course, extended his own Yankees record. Jeter has 158 hits against the Twins.
“I know I heard last year that his range was [diminishing],” Gardenhire added. “Every time he plays we can’t get a ball past him. He never misses one. I don’t know whether he’s ever made an error against us. He’s a great hitter, a great player. Mr. Clutch. He’s the whole package, what a baseball player should be.”
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1. RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) Posted: April 17, 2012 at 07:19 AM (#4108652)*Obviously he isn't going to hit .378 the rest of the season, but you know what I mean
I was ready to suggest that Gardenhire's quote reflects a desire to get his hands on one of Jeter's gift baskets, but then I remembered that he also has an altecocker playing shortstop.
You bunt too much.
...as opposed to Janis Joplin, who was sort of an alto Cocker.
Seconded. Anyone reaching 4,000 hits would be pretty awesome. He needs to be a regular for 4 more seasons after this one though right? That's a hell of a task.
And in stark contrast to Isaiah Washington who played an alt Clocker.
I wondered if the nanny checker would block Cocker.
Actually, I don't think it'll happen with him as a Yankee SS. 4 years from now, the Yankees won't possibly be running him out there at SS. But if he's still a 200 hit kind of guy, I could see them trying him in the OF, just to keep him around. I wouldn't recommend it, but I could see them doing it for PR shins and grits.
Indeed. In fact, why not aim for something only slightly less awesome: 3,500 hits is 395 away, and Jeter could get there within the terms of his current contract. And once at 3,500, Tris Speaker, fifth all-time, is just 14 hits away, a mere tap-in. That would be a confoundingly amazing accomplishment, the heck with 4,000.
Well let's see, how often will the Yankees be playing the Twins in the next four years?
Gardy might just be playing up to the local media, but there's a chance his perspective of the Yankees' prowess is a little warped by getting stomped for six or eight years straight. He might think Jeter gets 40 hits a year against the Twins, and that would make 4000 less impossible than the rest of us imagine.
It would be cool, sure - anyone reaching such a stupidly high total is fun to watch. Let's put it in perspective, though: If Jeter tied the record for most hits by someone each season from age-38 to age-42, he'd add 969 hits - giving him 4057.
Even 5 years as a starter probably doesn't get him there, and his career trajectory doesn't seem to point to that happening.
Except last night up the middle against Doumit with the shift on.
If Jeter's going to get 4,000, I sure as hell hope he keeps going and gets Pete's mark. I generally hate to see lifelong Yankees accomplish good things, but I'd make an exception if it knocks the Hit King off his perch.
Yeah, in an ideal world it takes him until he's 45-46, while still wearing Lucifer's Pajamas.
If he does, it's probably more of a "one last time" great season, like Rickey in '99, than a re-establishment of his talent at 38, but who knows. Jeter looks like he's 34 again.
Ted Williams hit .388
Frank Thomas had his big year in Oakland
Darrell Evans led the league with 40 homers
Pete Rose hit .331 and led the league in OBP
Cal Ripken hit .340 and slugged .584
Randy Johnson : 24-5, 334K's, ERA+ of 197
And as player-manager, which seems within the realm of possibility.
I've definitely never thought that, and what's more I've never heard it. I really doubt Jeter's going to be any kind of manager. I think someone other than he is going to be saddled with the decision to play him or not.
"Now, when you go up to the plate, picture yourself as a centaur when you dig in. You're fearless, powerful and gifted with bows and arrows. Roar your pain and anger when you swing your blade and connect with the ball. Gallop down the basepath!"
Clemens, 1.87 ERA, and Sphan winning 23 games.
How about Cap Anson driving in 100 runs in 84 games!
And Bonds' last year, with an OPS > 1000
If he does, it's probably more of a "one last time" great season, like Rickey in '99, than a re-establishment of his talent at 38, but who knows. Jeter looks like he's 34 again.
I've thought the same thing. Though I keep reminding myself we're just to the middle of April.
I would LOVE Jeter to pass Rose.
I know I'm on the outside looking in at all things Jeterian, but with all the talk for the last 10 years at least of him being a capital-ell Leader, doesn't that scream managerial material?
Jeter has always hit - regular season, playoffs, All-Star Game, spring training or World Baseball classic, so it isn't exactly far fetched that he ends up among the leaders in hits from age 38 on.
Not with Florida looking to unload Reyes after next year.
I admit I thought he was toast last year, and he rebounded in the second half, giving hope that maybe he has something left. (Though let's not get _too_ crazy about an .800 OPS.) The one thing, though, is that it looks like the only batting skill he's retained is mashing lefties; he's pretty terrible against righties.
Don't see it. From afar, it doesn't seem like he's the type who likes having people on his bad side. And as a manager, you need to cross people and lecture them and make unpopular decisions.
Jeter has said he isn't interested in managing, but might like to own a team. Perhaps the Wilpons are stringing things out to accommodate him.
Do the Yankees see more left-handed pitching than other teams? Do they get set up that, because of the left power and switch hitters and the short porch in right?
and a respectable .779 ops against righties. It's not like he is overmatched right now from either side of the plate.
It'd be nice to have those big round numbers to go with his 8 rings.
You forgot the 12 gold gloves.
How about Carlton Fisk catching 116 games, and hitting a 134 OPS+? And stealing 7 of 9 bases?
How about Nolan Ryan 301 K's in 239.1 IP!
And Hoyt Wilhelm 1.81 ERA in 144 relief innings!
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