Derek Jeter is overrated

I'd like to know which team you support in MLB, just to satisfy by curiosity. Just for reference, I'm a Boston Red Sox Fan, and while I do despise the Yankees, I will give credit where it is due. Statistics: Consider this, Jeter has more hits at this point in his career than Pete Rose had at the same point - that's not too shabby at all. Jeter is well on his way to some very rare career numbers in both hits and runs scored. His 123 career OPS+, even in this inflated era, is still very good historically for a SS, and he's one of just 8 shortstops since 1901 to have an OPS+ of over 160 in a season (1999). Jeter also has won 3 adjusted batting titles, meaning that if not for stadium effects that really favored other players in those years, Jeter would have won 3 batting titles. He also had a very strong argument for being the AL MVP in both 1999 and 2006 as he led the AL in Win Shares both of those years (no small feat for a shortstop, historically). He also has great instincts on the bases and seems to have a flair for the spectacular (as made apparent by his many visits to the highlight reel). Granted, I will admit, defense is not a strong suit for Jeter. However, he has a good chance to join Pete Rose and Ty Cobb with 4,000 hits, someday. That is a telling statistic. It says that it puts him at the very FOREFRONT of shortstops for hitting. As for the homerun argument, shortstops are not, and have never really been, power hitters. Historically, they aren't in the lineup at positions that hits for power. Any trend that contradicts that is a trend stemming from the steroid era (which, need I remind you, Jeter has had no allegations of steroid usage), and therefore should be disregarded. A shortstop isn't built for power, but rather for grace and speed sprinkled with dexterity. The hitting of shortstops generally refelcts that. Shortstops always have hit little skippers that put them on base and then score. Also, the importance of the homerun (in historical context) is just to sell the game. Home runs aren't particularly neccesary, and they just epitomize excitement and draw fans. That being said, I think it is impossible to argue that Derek Jeter doesn't draw fans. He was voted 38th in top 100 celebrities (2005) and even has his own cologne. Please try to even suggest that Jeter does not bring home the proverbial bacon. I would love to hear your reasoning. The other important statistic you gave was RBI's. Granted, RBI's are important, and Jeter isn't drowning in them (although he doesn't have a slim number either), but he does have a high run's scored number (1379). If we take into account his regular batting position (don't know for sure, but it can't be lower than third) we must realize that he simply doesn't have as much of a chance to drive in runs. Rest assured, he has been making offense though. Also, he has a very nice batting average (.317) which, again, is very high for a shortstop. A Better Team Makes a Better Player: Granted, the Yankess aren't bad. However, they really aren't good either. By their record for the past couple of years, they are at best, an above average team. He doesn't get nearly as much help as you would like to think he does, and you have no concrete proof that this is a significant factor. Things you Didn't Mention: 1. The untangibles such as: Leadership, revenue, and championship help (4 rings in his first 5 years). 2. The inability of the Pro side to provide what Jeter is overrated on, specifically. Just saying he is overrated doesn't mean a whole lot. Is he overrated defensively? Offensively? What? Say specific things.