Derek Jeter's defense wasn't as bad as you think.
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Admittedly, his range wasn't great. However, anyone who unironically believes he was the "worst defensive SS ever" is just incorrect.
You know what the worst defensive SSs in today's game have that Jeter didn't get the luxury of? The shift. In today's game good defensive analytics will correct poor range, making the difference between a good and bad defensive infielder less noticeable.
The shift became popular right towards the end of Jeter's pro career. And for those of you who think he'd have bronze or silver fielding in this game, I'll remind you that your cover boy has diamond fielding despite being the worst statistical defensive SS in baseball (Fangraphs).
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I think Jeter is fine. But what other SS with his skill sets do is move to 3B.
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@theblindrhino said in Derek Jeter's defense wasn't as bad as you think.:
I think Jeter is fine. But what other SS with his skill sets do is move to 3B.
The thing is, poor defensive metrics really don't matter unless they're somehow costing you rings, the ultimate goal of the sport, and Jeters defense certainly didn't cost the Yanks any rings.
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@kdclemson_psn said in Derek Jeter's defense wasn't as bad as you think.:
@theblindrhino said in Derek Jeter's defense wasn't as bad as you think.:
I think Jeter is fine. But what other SS with his skill sets do is move to 3B.
The thing is, poor defensive metrics really don't matter unless they're somehow costing you rings, the ultimate goal of the sport, and Jeters defense certainly didn't cost the Yanks any rings.
Luis Gonzalez enters the chat. I’ll give you a pass since it was before your time.
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Well he does sit at #43 on the all time SS list with a .9762 fielding percentage. He has gold fielding at absolute minimum I would say.
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@thaghettoblasta said in Derek Jeter's defense wasn't as bad as you think.:
Well he does sit at #43 on the all time SS list with a .9762 fielding percentage. He has gold fielding at absolute minimum I would say.
Misleading. He made the plays he could get to.
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People still use fielding percentage to judge how good a player is defensively?
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@raylewissb47_psn said in Derek Jeter's defense wasn't as bad as you think.:
People still use fielding percentage to judge how good a player is defensively?
Oh I know. I just know that if you cannot get to a ball that 80% of you peers get to it will be ruled a hit and not an error.
Didn’t see question mark. Yeah someone said he was ranked 43rd all time or something.
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Who ever said he is the worst defensive shortstop ever?
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@genopolanco_psn said in Derek Jeter's defense wasn't as bad as you think.:
Who ever said he is the worst defensive shortstop ever?
Wasn’t me because the answer is Jose Offerman.
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@theblindrhino said in Derek Jeter's defense wasn't as bad as you think.:
@genopolanco_psn said in Derek Jeter's defense wasn't as bad as you think.:
Who ever said he is the worst defensive shortstop ever?
Wasn’t me because the answer is Jose Offerman.
I would say Johnny LeMaster but solid arguments can be made for either one.
To the OP, Jeter was OK at catching what he got to, but every single advanced fielding metric says he was a below average shortstop for his entire career. Range, runs saved, you name it. Bronze fielder would be appropriate, honestly.
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