Yankees and A-Rod

[andyfox]

Who, exactly, is overrating him? The announceers on ESPN? Yeah, probably, but they're trying to boost ratings. The sabermaticians have accurately assessed Jeter's abilities and most non-hucksterish analysts understand his strengths and weaknesses. He had a good fielding year the first year he won the Gold Glove; but that's also something of a popularity award; I remember Palmiero winning it one year when he hardly played in the field.

I used to think a guy like Pete Rose was overrated. But the value of a guy who plays every day, and gets on base a lot is, IMHO, underrated. Especially when he does it year in and year out. That's why I summarized his average year with the counting stats, to show how dependable he's been for quite a long time now. Even the Yankees themselves don't realize this. Jeter's OBP was the best in the majors for a leadoff hitter last year and he has good speed. Yet they felt they needed to go out and get a leadoff hitter.

As for the stats I listed being overrated, I agree that there are better measures of a player's overall value. But show me the list of RBI leaders, or batting average leaders, or hits leaders or times on base leaders, and they're dominated by guys who are pretty good players. (And I note you've said he's a great player.) Jeter gets a big salary because he's good for business and the team has been successful, both on the field and at the bank, since his arrival on the scene.

So I still need to be convinced on the overrated argument.