Derek Jeter: The Truth Behind 'The Captain'

The ticket prices for tonight's Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees game range anywhere from $300 to $15,000! This is not because the Yankees are looking for a playoff berth (they've already been eliminated), and it's not because Yankees' fans want to see the Orioles miss a playoff berth (they've already won their division), it's because tonight is the last time SS Derek Jeter will step onto the diamond at Yankee Stadium.

As Derek Jeter's baseball career comes to a close, many people have been reflecting on the impact he had on the sport. He has been praised by writers, analysts and fans alike as one of the greatest skilled players to ever dawn a MLB uniform. Even with all of the "Jeter-Mania" that has been taking place this past season, there is one question in the back of all baseball fan's minds: "Was Derek Jeter ever that good of a baseball player?" The answer to this very controversial question was simple to find. Sorry to break the news to his fans, but judging by the statistics, Derek Jeter is NOT the greatest ball player of all time.

Out of all 19 seasons Derek Jeter stepped into the batters box wearing a Yankees uniform, only once did he exceed 100 RBI's in a season (102 in 1999). I understand that as a leadoff hitter his job is to get on base and not bring runs in, this is noted by his 1,922 career runs scored, but batting leadoff with the Yankees is very different. From 1995 to present, some notable 7-9 guys in the Yankees' batting order have included Paul O'Neill, Tino Martinez, Jorge Posada, Darryl Strawberry, Jose Vizcaino and Alfonso Soriano. Four of the men listed were multiple time Silver Slugger Award winners.

Derek Jeter stands in the batters box awaiting the pitch
during a 2014 regular season game. (Getty Images)

"What about on defense Trevor? He's the greatest shortstop to ever play the game." Derek Jeter is a no-doubt a great defender, but he is certainly not one of the greatest. Of all 19 seasons in which he played shortstop, Jeter won 5 Gold Glove awards. Although his career fielding percentage as of today is an astounding .976, you must also take into account his 253 career errors. People seem to judge Derek Jeter's defensive skills based on one "flip-play" during the 2001 ALDS.

Putting aside all the statistics and all the arguments made against him, I personally believe Derek Jeter is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Derek Jeter is more then all the hits, RBIs, runs scored and stolen bases, Derek Jeter is one of the greatest ambassadors of the game. Jeter has never used performance enhancing drugs, and he gives back as much of his salary to charities and organizations every year. Jeter is a great idol to kids all over the world.

No matter your opinion of Derek Jeter, on or off the field, there is no arguing the impact he has had on the sport of baseball, or more importantly, the impact he has had on our culture.


For More Information See:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jeterde01.shtml?redir
http://www.stubhub.com/new-york-yankees-tickets/yankees-vs-orioles-9-25-2014-4378929/

Super Bowl Sleepers

Before every NFL season, analysts and fans alike predict their Super Bowl champions. This season, for example, the teams you will hear mentioned the most on this topic are the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers. Despite all predictions, if there is anything the 2001 Patriots, 2008 Giants and even the 2010 Saints provided proof that you don't have to be a pre-season favorite to win football's greatest prize.

So what makes a "sleeper"? A "sleeper" is not necessarily a team that hasn't been predicted to win the Super Bowl, but rather a team that has been over looked by many. While "sleepers" are not necessarily Super Bowl "favorites", they still have a realistic chance at winning a title.

Cincinnati Bengals

The defending AFC North champions have come up short in the playoffs in 4 of the last 5 seasons. As many people's favorite to once again win their division, the Bengals have not been praised as possible Super Bowl contenders as much as they should. Behind newly franchised, 4th-year QB Andy Dalton, and receivers like A.J. Green, Mohamed Sanu and Brandon Tate. don't be surprised if the Bengals are playing in February.

Cincinnati Bengals' QB Andy Dalton throws the ball during
a regular season game against the Miami Dolphins in 2013.
(Matt Sullivan/Getty Images North America)

Kansas City Chiefs

Another team that is a borderline "sleeper" would be the Kansas City Chiefs. The 2013 Chiefs, under first-year head coach Andy Reid, finished with an 11-5 record before giving 35 second-half points to the Indianapolis Colts in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Lead by QB Alex Smith, WR Dwayne Bowe and RB Jamaal Charles, the 2014 Chiefs are looking to bring Kansas City it's first Lombardi Trophy in 45 years.

San Diego Chargers

As the second AFC West team to make the list, the San Diego Chargers surprised football fans all over last year when they made the playoffs. The 2013 Chargers would defeat the Bengals in the wild-card round before losing a close game to their rival Denver Broncos in the divisional round. Led by veterans QB Philip Rivers and TE Antonio Gates, the Chargers look to ride last year's momentum, and attempt to capture San Diego's first NFL title.

Detroit Lions

The 2013 Detroit Lions finished with an upsetting 7-9 record. This prompted Head Coach Jim Schwartz to lose his job and several other roster changes to take place. Experienced coach Jim Caldwell leads this years team with players like QB Matthew Stafford, RB Reggie Bush, a star-studded Defensive Line, and one of the greatest receivers of all time in Calvin Johnson. This year's Lions look to bounce back and win the Super Bowl.

Detroit Lions' WR Calvin Johnson stiff-arms a defender during
a regular season game against the Buccaneers. (USATSI)

Chicago Bears

Another NFC North team on this list, the Chicago Bears are also looking to bounce back after a sub-par season. Under first-year head coach Marc Trestman the Bears finished at 8-8 missing a playoff berth. Now, with more NFL coaching experience under his belt, Trestman leads arguably one of the leagues best receiving cores with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey. With the addition of DE Jared Allen, the Bears look to win their first Super Bowl in 29 years.

Arizona Cardinals

Under first-year head coach Bruce Arians, the 2013 Arizona Cardinals barely missed the playoffs after finishing with a 10-6 record, which is remarkable considering they play in arguably the NFL's hardest division (that's right! They had to play both the 49ers and the Seahawks twice!). Led by future hall-of-fame WR Larry Fitzgerald, CB Patrick Peterson, S Tyrann Mathieu and 12th-year QB Carson Palmer the 2014 Cardinals are no doubt a "sleeper"

Houston Texans

Coming off of a disastrous 2013 season, this year's Houston Texans' team already looks to be back in their 2011-2012 form. As arguably the second best team in the AFC South, the Texan's brought in first-year head coach Bill O'Brien from Penn State to help lead the team consisting of DE J.J. Watt, RB Arian Foster and WR Andre Johnson. We've witnessed teams go from top-to-bottom before, and this year's Houston Texans certainly have what it takes.

Atlanta Falcons

Another possible "rags-to-riches" story could come out of Atlanta. After winning the NFC South in 2012 with a 13-3 record, the 2013 Atlanta Falcons disappointed their fans by finishing 4-12. This year's Falcons, under 7th-year head coach Mike Smith, added 3-time Pro Bowler Devin Hester to join Julio Jones and Roddy White at WR. With Matt Ryan under center and Steven Jackson at RB, the 2014 Atlanta Falcons already look like a possible Super Bowl contender.

Atlanta Falcons' QB Matt Ryan holds the ball
during a regular season game in 2013.
(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America)

For More Information See:

http://www.pro-football-reference.com