Derek Jeter 2010 Projection

Derek Jeter had one of his best years as a Yankee last season. He was a phenomenal offensive force for the Yankees, manned shortstop like he usually does, was clutch for them when they needed him to be, and was a top contender in the AL MVP race. Oh yeah, he led them to a 27^th World Series title, forgot that important little tidbit. What more can you ask for from Jeter?  You can ask him to do the same thing over again…

Plate Appearances: 711
At Bats: 659
Hits: 210
Walks + HBP: 52
Doubles: 31
Triples: 3
Home Runs: 12
Runs Batted In: 75
Runs Scored: 116
Stolen Bases: 15

Batting Average: .319
On Base Percentage: .369
Slugging Percentage: .429
On Base + Slugging: .798

Unfortunately, it is more realistic to expect a decline in almost all of his statistic categories. That purely comes with another year under his belt on the wrong side of the prime years of a player’s career. But really, the best thing Jeter can do for this team is provide the leadership he has been providing for all these years. Last season, statistically, Jeter differed from the trend he had been going on. From 2006-2008, his statistics were getting worse at a fairly quick clip. His OPS went from .900 in 2006, to .840 in 2007, to .771 in 2008. He came back with a stellar 2009 campaign hitting out of the leadoff spot, and I think he can find more ways to produce runs now out of the leadoff spot. The averages may decline a bit, but he’ll still be a mighty fine hitter. But again, as long as he plays a solid shortstop and provides the sparkplug the Yankees need at the top of the lineup, the numbers will come and he’ll lead this team the way he was meant to.

Tomorrow we’re going to make the jump to the other side of the ball, the guys throwing it from 60 feet and 6 inches away. We start at the top of the rotation with C.C. Sabathia.

How do you think Jeter is going to do this season?

Photo courtesy of Zimbio.com

Related posts:

1. Nick Johnson 2010 Projection
2. Curtis Granderson 2010 Projection
3. How Much Does Priceless Cost? The Derek Jeter Contract Story
4. Marcus Thames 2010 Projection
5. Alex Rodriguez 2010 Projection