Regardless of his glove, Yanks need Jeter at short

Over at the beloved ESPN New York, writer Andrew Marchand ponders Derek Jeter’s defense on the season, and, related to that, his future with the Yankees. Essentially, Marchand views Jeter’s defense through a fairly negative lens – he has had a few issues going to his left, but his defense, on the whole, has not [...]

Granderson or Gardner, it doesn’t matter…

According to Dave Cameron of FanGraphs, it does not matter who the Yankees select this spring to play center field or left field, whether it be Curtis Granderson or Brett Gardner, as both players are capable of playing center field. Therefore, it is not entirely important who ultimately mans center or left when either candidate [...]

Sheffield looking for a full-time role?

From Bill Ladson’s (MLB.com) latest mailbag:
I wanted to know what your thoughts were about possibly bringing in Gary Sheffield as a big bat off the bench for the Nationals?
– David H., Laytonsville, Md.
I spoke to a baseball source who told me that Sheffield would not be a good fit with the Nationals because he [...]

Fielder Available

From the George King & Bart Hubbach (NY Post):
PHILADELPHIA – The Brewers have informed teams they are willing to listen to offers for first baseman Prince Fielder.
“They have put it out there they are will talk about him but it has to be a substantial package,” an industry source said.
The Yankees need a first baseman [...]

The Future

From Ken Rosenthal (FOX Sports):
Here’s the scary part: Jeter, according to the plus-minus defensive rating system, isn’t even the Yankees’ worst fielder relative to his peers. Giambi ranks 29th among first basemen, Cano 29th among second basemen, Bobby Abreu 33rd among right fielders. A-Rod is 16th among third basemen — just average.
The Yankees’ defensive shortcomings [...]

Jeter Doesn't Want to Switch Positions… Not Yet, Anyway

Mark Feinsand did a good job and asked Jeter about the old “Jeter’s defense is getting worse every year and will inevitably have to switch to another position” theme. The Captain had some interesting comments in response:
One recent University of Pennsylvania study tabbed Jeter as the worst defensive shortstop in the majors, but the Yankees’ captain [...]

Cuddyer Shift Could Effect Santana Trade

 
From the Pioneer Press:
Torii Hunter’s successor in center field for the Twins could be Michael Cuddyer.
“With Delmon Young in right and Jason Kubel in left,” manager Ron Gardenhire said.
That’s a consideration of Gardenhire’s if minor leaguers Denard Span and Jason Pridie can’t convince the manager during spring training that they’re ready to succeed Hunter, who [...]