No defense for this argument

Longtime sports fans ranting about the evils of ESPN is nothing new. For all the good ESPN has done for sports over the last thirty years, one bad thing it has done is demonstrate the dangers of monopoly in any business. When you have no serious competition, you can get away with just about anything.

But this post/rant has nothing really to do with ESPN as the unchecked behemoth, but rather with ESPN as the latest on the list of "experts" who continue to pile on the "Jeter's defense sucks" argument.

In their 2008 season preview of the Yankees (look for the JUST THE FACTS box), ESPN's baseball analysts cite the "defensive metrics used by opposing clubs" to support the argument, popular for several years now, that the Yankee Captain has become not only a liability in the Bronx, but also one of the "worst shortstops in the majors." (Never mind that no real numbers are offered to support the claim, although I'm sure somewhere these numbers have been cooked up by someone.)

No Yankee fan would ever argue that Jeter revolutionized the position, or was even one of the top five fielding shortstops of his era, an era of some unusually excellent play in the six hole. The names are well-known: Omar Vizquel, Miguel Tejada, Alex Rodriguez (way back when), Nomar Garciaparra (for a while), and there are many other guys that could make this list a post unto itself. But while Jeter may not have the best range, hands, relay, first step, etc., etc., etc., to call him one of the worst shortstops in the majors is ludicrous.

Devotees of the various en vogue sabermetric systems will tout all of these factors, and Jeter's supposed deficiency in any or all of them, as proof that the Captain isn't all that he's been cracked up to be over the years. Baloney.

Would these same "mathematical dicks" (best line from Good WIll Hunting, by the way) claim that Jeter's defense is the reason the Yankees have not won six (or more) World Series titles, instead of the four Jeter does have? If Jeter were more like Ozzie Smith, would the Yankees have won the 2004 ALCS? That's the reason Boston won four straight games? Derek Jeter's lack of range? Please!

There is not one -- NOT.... ONE -- fan of one team in the majors who would not have wanted Jeter on his (or her) team over the past 12 seasons. And if anyone suggests that Jeter would have been welcome on their clubs, just at a different position, they're exposing their jealousy. And f@#& them.

There are, and have been, more talented players, sure. But there is not one player any Yankee fan would rather have had in place of Jeter over the past decade plus. In fact, I can't imagine another player, ever -- at least not a non-Yankee -- who I would rather have had on my team at any time. And of the Yankee greats, only Ruth and Mantle would make me even consider thinking about it.

Jeter has been the consumate player, if not the ultimate shortstop. And for ESPN to suggest that Jeter may be asked to switch positions, when Joe Girardi hasn't even hinted that that is on his mind, is just irresponsible, and beneath the worldwide leader..... or at least it used to be.