Derek Jeter

Let me start by saying that I'm one of the biggest Derek Jeter fans in the world.

I have followed Jeter since his first days in early 1996 and continue to be one of his strongest supporters, both on and off the field. This article is in no way a knock on Derek or an attempt to infer that he may be gay.

A lot of Derek Jeter haters like to insult him by saying that he "drinks wine coolers" or "sucks A-Rod" as the Red Sox Nation shirts would read. What if Derek Jeter was actually gay and all of his super model and celebrity girlfriends were a cover up!?

We are only a few weeks until it is the end of this decade, I was thinking and I decided that I would make the New York Baseball All-Decade Team.

This decade was great for the Yankees in winning two World Series but not great for the Mets in only making the playoffs a couple of times.

In fact, in the first World Series of the decade the two New York teams faced eachother in the Subway Series, The Yankees won the series in five games with Derek Jeter being named the MVP.

In this decade, both New York teams had players that will forever be a part of the franchises' history such as Piazza, Jet

I try to keep it to myself.  I try to just let it slide.  I try to just move on and say, "They will do better next time."

Unfortunately, they never do better. 

I'm tired of the larger sports media outlets simply getting things wrong when publishing "top" lists. 

When I say "wrong," I mean completely ridiculous and not even arguable.  It is one thing to post an opinion that is arguable, but it is another thing to post it when it is just plain wrong and conveniently focused on one part of the country. 

Some things are rock solid for the New York Yankees going into the 2010 season.

To begin with they have the best infield in all of baseball both offensively and defensively.

Mark Texeira - First Base.  Robinson Cano - Second Base.  Alex Rodriguez - Third Base. Derek Jeter - Shortstop.  No need for any changes there.

Jorge Posada will back behind the plate but don't expect him to catch more than 100 games. He will DH a great deal more and they will give his aging legs a lot more rest.

While every one now is pondering why Roy Halladay is needed on the Yankees (he isn't), I want to focus on the first important deal that Brian Cashman will attempt to get done.

Creating a championship team has never been more difficult than it is now in professional sport.

Annual play-off contenders in all sports are working hard to continue the trend and make important post-season revenue to pursue or re-sign important team components.

Dave Hall will examine the most successful builders of champions in each of the major sporting leagues in a four part series.

I realize that Derek Jeter won the 2009 Gold Glove award for shortstops a few weeks ago, and this article may seem dated. Honestly, I admit that I've just been a little lazy. But part of it stems from the fact that I didn't want to get into this mess just yet. 

I think I'm ready now, however, and before you comment on this article, please read it. I did put some thought into this, and the least you could do is respond with something intelligent. That having been said...

Pete Rose has more hits than any other man who ever played professional baseball.

He finished his long career with 4,256 hits, surpassing the immortal Ty Cobb.

Derek Jeter has now played fourteen seasons with the New York Yankees and is generally recognized as one of the best players and best hitters of his era. 

I have long been intrigued thinking of the comparisons of these two men on the field.  (Off the field there is no comparison.)

The 2009 American League MVP award will be handed down on Monday, and Joe Mauer is the front-runner to take home the trophy. 

There are a number of players in pursuit of the Golden Boy, including Derek Jeter and Mark Teixiera. 

Jeter has certain unmeasurable qualities that have earned him the title of Yankee Captain, and Teixiera was the most powerful weapon on the best team in the majors.