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Originally Posted by sebastian0622
That's how I feel about Derek Jeter. Maybe I've been spoiled watching Rafael Furcal, but I see Jeter go like two steps to his right, backhand a ball, jump straight into the air and sidearm a rainbow to first that gets the runner by a half step, and I think, "WTF?"
Furcal would have scooped it, planted (on the ground!!!!) and thrown a line to first, getting the guy by 2 steps. It would have looked...boring.
I think the SS going into the hole, jumping, and throwing a rainbow to first is one of the most overrated plays in baseball. I mean, when it's necessary, and when it shows great range (like if the SS is in the OF when he gets the ball), then it's great. But I see SS's forcing this play. Jeter literally did this after taking a step towards the ball and backhanding it on the dirt, and they keep showing it over and over and over again on highlights...
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It's no coincidence that the years he looked to me like he was doing that the most (2000-2003) also happened to be the worst defensive years of his career. To his credit, he seems to be cutting down on that move somewhat, although he still does it more than he needs to. At least he only seems to do it now when he's actually on the outfield grass, rather than on every play to his right.