Will he’ll be the third best shortstop on the team in a couple years? Sure. Don’t his career numbers make him a rich man’s Craig Biggio? Of course. But the Yankees need Derek Jeter as much as the Yankee captain needs the pinstripes. The Yankees are built on quiet professionalism and championship legacy, and no player, now or on the horizon (sorry, Robinson Cano), represents the Yankee brand like Derek Jeter.
Don’t believe me? Well, close your eyes and imagine Jeter in an Astros uniform. Then open them and read the top nine reasons why the Yankees need to pony up and sign Derek Jeter before it’s too late.