Interesting proposition by Joel Sherman at the NY Post today after talking to Mets hitting coach Rick Down: Is Jose Reyes better than Derek Jeter?"OK, he's the best shortstop in the whole National League, but is he the best shortstop in New York?"As for now, I'd think you have to go with Jeter in this debate. If you look a BA, SLG and OBS, Jeter has a clear cut advantage on Reyes. And looking at some sabermetric measurements such as EqA and the like, Jeter still comes out ahead in this one. Fielding percentage-wise, they're about dead even.Down laughed and paused for quite a while. He has been the hitting coach for both Reyes and Derek Jeter, and admires both. But it was obvious, to me, from the pause that he was searching for a diplomatic way to give the nod to Reyes. Down went through a lot of verbal gymnastics about now and the future, citing Reyes' age before I said, "OK, just for 2007, who would you take?"
I got the laugh again and then he said, "With neither one are you going to be wrong. They both have the talent and the great mindset that they want to be up at the big moment. But if you took Jose, you are not going to be wrong."
Now Reyes is much younger than Jeter - nine years to be exact. And there's certainly more upside to his game. He could be just as good or better than Jeter as soon as this year. But, for now, before the 2007 season gets under way, I'd have to say Mr. True Yankee is the more complete player.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
No No And Nooooooooooooooooooo Jeter kicks Reyez's a#s
with age comes wisdom. in time reyes will be at his level
Jeter isn't even the best shortstop on his team. (A-Rod is) There's no denying that Jeter can handle a bat, plays smart, and has leadership ability, but he is probably the most overrated shortstop in baseball. His range and ability at the position is pretty average. He may be a better all-around player than Reyes right now, but Reyes will soon eclipse him. As a shortstop, however, Reyes has him beat by far.
How can you even compare the two? Does that mean that every 2nd and 3rd year player that shows signs of greatness should be likened to someone who has achieved already? If so, then Kerry Wood and Josh Beckett are still the next Roger Clemens, and Mark Prior continues to show all the promise of a young David Cone. Gimme a break. Let Reyes show me he can consistently win, be clutch, lead, charm the media, and be integral beyond being extremely talented for at least 10 minutes before I compare him to Jeter, or anyone else for that matter. Besides, I'd like him to get that ball to tag out Jeremy Giambi.
Jeter is a true yankee{and im a red sox fan}. reyes may someday be what jeter is, who knows, maybe someday even better. the question isnt about tomorrow, and jeter is a true "gamer".if the yankees are ever held to 2 hits in a game, theres a good chance jeter would have both. the mans a winner.