Maybe circumstance and spite will give the Reds a second chance at Yankee star Derek Jeter.
The 37-year old shortstop was not offered arbitration by the Yankees and is essentially a free agent. The negotiations have become contentious.
After finishing his senior year at Central High School in Kalamazoo, MI, Jeter was taken by the New York Yankees with its first pick in the 1992 draft. The Reds had the fifth pick. Its choice was outfielder, Chad Mottola. Guess who got the better player?
You can understand the Reds thinking to a point. The Reds already had two young and talented shortstops in the system, Barry Larkin and Pokey Reese. However, Jeter should have been hard to turn down and history has proven that he would have still been the better choice. But what's done is done. It can't be reversed. Or can it?
One source in the Yankee front office was quoted by an ESPN.com reporter.
"Tell Jeter that it is three years at $15 million, take it or leave it. Where's he going to go, Cincinnati?" the source said.
That should make Reds owner Bob Castellini fighting mad. Or should I say signing mad.
The Reds need to watch the budget and of course Jeter at this stage of his career is seeking security in the form of a longer guaranteed contract. Of course his pride more than his financial needs dictate more money too.
The insult to both the Reds and Jeter could however, build an alliance.
The Reds have not offered arbitration to its incumbent shortstop Orlando Cabrera. The Reds are trying to resign him at a reduce rate, given his age 36 and his health. Cabrera is a five months younger than Jeter but was on the disabled list toward the end of the season. Jeter had his worst season since breaking in full time in 1996 but still hit 11 points higher than Cabrera and played in 157 games.
The Reds at this point are counting on Paul Janish at shortstop. It is the same scenario that existed last off-season when the Reds signed Cabrera late.
Could the Reds and Jeter show up the arrogant Yankees with a one-year alliance? Let me know what you think.
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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