I will grant the "Jeter is overrated" people one thing: His five golden gloves may have been more about his popularity than his actual fielding.
However, he was a decent SS for many years, give him that. Below is a picture of a play that I saw him make many times; yes, maybe he doesn't need the leap if he had more range but I saw him nail many runners that way, regardless.
But listen up, you "overrated" guys. He was the first Yankee in over a hundred years of history to reach the 3,000 hit plateau. The first Yankee!
He is number 10 on the all-time list. With a decent season (120 hits), he may end up passing Cap Anson for sixth place. With a very good season (200 hits), he will go past Tris Speaker for #5.
Overrated?
Now, if you are going to say "Hits are overrated in themselves. What was his adjusted BABIP or era-context WAR?" that's when I tune you out.
Besides, part of this thread is devoted to Jeter the MAN which is a difficult standard to apply to anyone in the limelight these days. Just a moment . . . just a moment . . . OK, there. My Yankees fanhood has been put aside.
Yep, he still measures up. Comments about Jeter being overrated are themselves overrated.