Both local and national writers have discussed Eduardo Nunez a bit in the last few days. He’s taking over at shortstop while Derek Jeter spends two weeks on the disabled list and we’ve heard that this period is a showcase for Nunez, a time for him to prove himself. But there is one big question: prove himself for what purpose?
There is some talk about Nunez as the “shortstop of the future” and that he will replace Derek Jeter at the position. I just can’t see this happening. Nunez has flashes of brilliance both offensively and defensively, but I’m not confident that he can put it all together. The biggest detractor, though, is time. When exactly will Nunez replace Jeter at shortstop? It’s not going to happen for the rest of this year and definitely not for the rest of next year. Maybe it could happen in the third year of Jeter’s contract, but then where does that put Jeter? Will the Yankees even move Jeter off of shortstop? As a bench player for the next 2-3 years, it’s possible that he may not develop properly and may not be able to handle the role when the time comes.
Because of all that, I can’t help but think that the only thing Nunez is going to be doing in the next two weeks is auditioning himself for other teams and building trade value. If he shows that he can play competently at the position, his value to the Yankees in the near future is probably better in a trade. After all, if he does turn out to be even semi-productive, he could help bring in a more valuable piece to the team. That piece could, and probably will, outweigh the value Nunez would add as a bench player who doesn’t get much playing time. Granted, he has been getting a decent amount this year, spelling Alex Rodriguez and Jeter quite often.
Every action the Yankees have taken with Nunez shows they believe him more than just a little bit. They’ve shown enough belief that I can’t envision them trading Nunez for something that isn’t exactly right, but if he isn’t on the team after July 31, I won’t be surprised in the least.
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18 Responses to The Nunez Question
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The underlying assumption of this column seems to be that Jeter will remain as starting SS even if Nunez is better. I think that’s true, but I don’t like it.
We are on the same page, David.
It seems all 3 of us are in agreement, and that is the unfortunate part for Nunez. I can’t help but think and hope that the Yankees management can someway convince Jeter that he should go out on top or near the top. And give a young, more athletic player with more upside a shot. After this year really what else is there for Jeter to accomplish in a Yankees uniform. In my opinion he can do more for his legacy and image by “hanging it up” on his own terms.
Least we not forget that if not for the ridiculous 3 year contract plus a player option year Jeter just signed. The Yankees might well be interested in Reyes who will be a free agent at seasons end.
Why would Yankee management try to convince Jeter to go out near the top (and it’s really too late already for that) when said management handed him a four-year deal last winter? The Yankees were negotiating against themselves, and could have held the line at two years or simply offered him arbitration. Management reacted out of fear of a fan backlash, failing to see that we have even less patience with a player who can no longer contribute on the field than with shoving an icon out the door. No, sorry, we are stuck with Jeter starting at short for at least the next two seasons beyond 2011.
I agree Jeter will be the SS in 2012 I’m not convinced that will be the case come 2013. I think there is a chance that at the very least Jeter gets moved to another position in 2013 and depending on his ego will he accept that change if it happens or retire? I’m not sure any of us can answer that question.
Where exactly would you move him? His bat does not play adequately at any other position. He’d be a black hole at DH.
Let’s get over this whole Jeter thing. Get your 3K hits etc this year and move on. Nunez for SS in 2012.
I am a die hard Yankees fan since the mid 1960s, but think we’re getting too attached to these “icon” types.
No ones getting “too attached”, it’s simply realistic. The Yankees aren’t going to bench him, especially making that much money, and he isn’t going to retire. At worst Jeter will just think he had a really off year, and will believe he can bounce back. Despite what the fans want, or what’s best for the team, Jeter will start at short stop for 2 more years following this one.
If Nunez shows he can hit consistently, and smooth out the jitters with a stretch of ML games, he both qualifies for trade bait and proves himself valuable as a frequent substitute. No small value, the latter, with Derek and Alex aging.
Myself, I hope you are right, Matt; and that Ramiro has caught the hitting fever. A good switch-hitting glove wizard is even better.
There’s about as much chance of Jeter regaining his 1999-2006 form as there is that Ramiro Pena has suddenly turned into a legitimate MLB hitter. Don’t get fooled by one at bat (impressive as it was).
Jeter’s bat has regressed to the point that the only place it can play at (even at close to league average) is at SS. The reality is that he is going to be in the lineup so as long as he remains sure-handed then he needs to stay at short as long as possible. It’s a lousy situation but ownership’s involvement in these contract negotiations (posada and arod as well) has created these huge roster issues. His place in the lineup must be addressed ASAP as he is their worst everyday hitter and should be situated in the lineup accordingly.
Matt, I disagree with your thesis. Over the next 3.5 years, Jeter will play progressively less, whether it’s because his ability deteriorates or because of health problems. Jeter has been remarkably durable during his HOF career, but that may not continue to be true in the twilight of his playing days. Look at how Posada was on the DL for large portions of his last contract. Nunez should get 200 at bats this year, and progressively more at bats in 2012 and 2013. That doesn’t mean he will be the starter in 2013, though we can’t rule that out. He’s cheap and has some potential; he’s at least the bridge to the next great Yankee SS (Cito Culver won’t be ready for at least 4 years).
Fuck Jeter or Nunez at SS.
Posada let go: $13.1M cleared
Igawa let go: $4M cleared
Marte let go: $3.75M cleared ($4M 2012 club option – $250K buyout)
Brackman let go: $1.4M cleared
$22.25M cleared and put towards Jose Reyes.
Reyes becomes the new Yankees shortstop and Jeter can do three things:
1. Accept the DH and learn to play the bases so he can start there when a baseman needs a rest along with start at SS when Reyes needs a rest.
2. Ask for a trade and be traded to the NL only.
3. Retire and save the Yankees $36M or $41M ($16M for 2012 + $17M for 2013 + $3M buyout or $8M player option exercised up for 2014.)
2012 Yankees:
Jeter DH (Hope Reyes protecting him helps his BA and OBP, fuck his SLG.)
Reyes SS
Teixiera
Rodriguez
Cano
Swisher (Switch-hitter splitting up the lefty bats.)
Granderson (Speed in the #7 slot.)
Martin
Gardner
Jeter and Gardner switch places if Gardner has a higher OBP at a to be determined point in time. I’d give Jeter April only.
That plan is all good, except for Jeter. The DH would hit .255 with Cervelli-like extra base power. Montero would what, stay in the minors for a few more years? Scouts have said he can hit .320 in the majors with huge power. Don’t we want a better team, or is more important to pacify this “icon”. I don’t even think he is a real leader. That person would readily and graciously accept a drop in the lineup for the good of the team. He is a certain first ballot Hall of Famer who has rapidly declined, and the only way he can save the team from it’s stupidity is to dramatically turn that decline around, which is very unlikely to occur.
I’m basing the lineup on the assumption than Jeter will be a Yankee next year, Reyes a Yankee or not.
I’d give Jeter through say May to get his act together and if he doesn’t, drop him to ninth, that way the Yankees can say they gave him two full years to get his act together in the leadoff, he didn’t, so they had to make the move.
If he turns out a subpar 2011-12, he should be released, Ideally, he retires to avoid release. Or I make him a $20M bench player ($17M salary for 2013 + $3M buyout) in his final season then buy him out.
The Steinbrenner Bros. were absolute idiots to give Jeter three years.
The Yankees could do this for 2012, too:
Re-sign Posada, Chavez, and Jones cheap so Jeter has to learn 2B only.
All three can share DH and pinch-hit for each other.
The bench would be:
Posada (backup 1B/emergency C/DH at-bats)
Chavez (backup 3B/pop off the bench/DH at-bats)
Jones (backup OF)
TBD
Jeter is the primary DH and backup 2B/SS.
If they traded Soriano in the offseason, another $11M cleared for 2012, $25M total since he’d make $14M for 2013 if he picked up his 2013 player’s option.
And who says they couldn’t re-sign Marte on the cheap?
Jeter is here this year. Listen, baseball is fun. I never got it out my system after college ended and still play wood bat mens league. I dont blame him going as long as he can.
He may have to suck it up though. This would b less an issue if jeter was doing what vizquel did. Become a multi position 350 ab player.
If this continues to next asb (which it will) he will lose his job. Icon or no.
Question is does he love the game enough to stick around as a.bench player?
Shame with reyes drew and perhaps hardy all fas in the next year and a half
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