Yankees vs. Derek Jeter

 Have you ever stopped to think how long Derek Jeter has been in the New York Yankees Organization, he has been there since he was drafted in the first round in the 1992 draft at sixth overall. Yes that has been eighteen years Derek Jeter has been with the Yankees.

You might be saying to yourself "Why do I care." Well a reason you should is because Derek Jeter and his agent Casey Close have had tough negotiations with the New York Yankees and General Manager Brian Cashman.In 2001, Derek Jeter signed a ten-year one- hundred and eighty nine million dollar contract. Now going into the 2011 season this contract has expired. The Yankees have offered Jeter a three-year 45 million dollar contract which the Yankees believe is a fair deal. Jeter on the other hand would like a five-year deal.I disagree with both sides. .The Yankees don't really have a Shortstop that is major league ready at this point in time. They have Ramiro Pena and Eduardo Nunez, but both haven't shown much that they can be an effective starter at Shortstop. Also, on Jeter's part he is currently thirty-six years old didn't have that good of a season (.270 avg/10 hrs/ 67 rbis) compared to the 2009 campaign in which he posted a .334 avg/18 hrs/66 rbis. He is also thirty-six, Shortstops that old tend to lose mobility and aren't as good fielding. Even though Jeter won his sixth Gold Glove, can you really expect him to keep up his good glove?

 If you having been paying attention, the Yankees didn't offer Jeter arbitation.Which would of gave Jeter a one-year contract. If they did this and Jeter had a great season he would have the control going into next years free agent market. since they didn't do this, the Yankees are telling Jeter to go ahead and test the free agent market. Jeter, along with Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera have been together for fifteen years. This is probably the last time you will ever see three teammates stay together this long for this many years.It also doesn't help that Jeter is the captain of the Yankees. He is their leader on and off the field. He has played with so much class over the years, you might not see another person like him for a while. You probably know for a fact Jeter's name will eventually be in Monument Park and have his number retired.

Imagine if he goes on to a different team like the Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves or St.Louis Cardinals. Even though he will be forever remembered as a Yankee but if he goes on to a different team, it won't have the same meaning. Please Derek Jeter, sign a contract to remain a New York Yankee for the rest of your career no matter how many years you get just please re-sign the Yankees need you out on the field Opening Day versus the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on April 2nd.