Should Jeter keep leading off too start the year?

This is being done more out of necessity than anything else to break up the lefty-heavy Yankee line-up.





But it's not like Jeter is unqualified for the job. His on-base percentage over the last three seasons is .389 while Damon's is .361. In fact, Jeter's career OBP is higher than Damon, the career leadoff guy, by about 30 points.





He's not Rickey Henderson, but then again either is Damon or Gardner. Jeter is a smart enough baserunner to get his steals and force the pitcher to make adjustments.





Having lived through the days when it became fashionable to hate Don Mattingly, it's sad to see it all beginning again with Derek Jeter...especially since a lot of it is inspired by self-promoting sportswriters who only break a sweat when they run to the press-room for the free donuts.




The sole reason Jeter is leading off in 2009 is because he has hit into too many double plays during the past two years. He has hit into a total of 45 which puts him near the top in MLB during the past two years. A player that hits into too many double plays is not a good number two hitter.




i think this is how it should be like this: start melky against leftys and gardner vs. right handed pitchers. when they face RHP, damon should lead off. when its a LHP it should be jeter. plus it beaks up the back to back lefty combinations. on top of that jeter will probably have a better on base percentage. if it does not work then there is a good chance damon could be back on top.




Yes because he is breaking up the back-to-back lefty combination of Damon and Gardner. He has less power than Damon and can take the ball the other way. Damon, can pull the ball to get Jeter over. So yes I think it is a good idea but the Yankees will have to see how it goes.




Jeter doesn't seem like much of a lead off hitter.





I wonder how long until they stick him out to LF to hide his lack of range and arm?




He should just retire, he can't hit for power, and can't run. He can't play defense.




Yes because he hits into so many double plays maybe Johnny can drive him in




Why not? If he could bunt better it would help.




Yes......