Everyone Loves Derek
February 22, 2008, 5:16 am by iYankees · 3 Comments
A-Rod had the following to say, yesterday, about the captain:
“I think Jeter is going to have an MVP season. That’s my prediction of the year,” Rodriguez said. “I think he’s going to have an explosive, monster season. He’s in great shape, he did some great things this winter with his workouts. I’m very excited for his year.”
Jeter’s numbers are always great, but unless he hits 20 homers while maintaining his figures, I doubt he has a chance to be the league’s MVP. 2006 was his chance.
Whether or not A-Rod’s prediction is right or wrong, it really doesn’t matter. Hank Steinbrenner says that Jeter is “special” and will be taken care of anyway.
Hard to believe, but Jeter is entering the eighth season of a US$189-million, 10-year contract and is eligible for free agency after the 2010 season. Jeter and the Yankees aren’t making an issue of whether he should get an extension.
“Obviously, Derek will always be special to us and will be taken care of,” Steinbrenner said.
Jeter is pretty much set for life as a Yankee and therefore, as a ballplayer. In fact, if he packed it all up and called it quits tomorrow, he’d still be a HOF player and will ultimately be rewarded for his service and loyalty by the Steinbrenner family.
