Leter to the Editor: Captain "Me First"

Buffalo News (New York)

November 7, 2010 Sunday

Dear Editors:
Derek Jeter is showing a "me-first" egotism telling the Yankees he wants another five-year contract at the same salary as the deal he's now completing. When Ted Williams had one season somewhat similar to the one Jeter just completed, he insisted on a pay cut.

Jeter hit more than 40 points under his career average, only hit 10 home runs and struck out about 100 times. His fielding was very good, but he still lacks great range to his left.

And he's 36 years old. Does he really think he'll be as productive for the next five years as he has been up till now? Will he also insist that he must continue to play shortstop or no where else as he did when the Yankees signed Alex Rodriquez? Rodriquez was actually the better shortstop, but it was that self-centered player who agreed to move to third base rather than the team-first Jeter.

Jeter is a great player, a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but he is putting the Yankees in a difficult spot demanding another five-year deal for the same salary. Management has to know he's not worth it, but they don't want their fans to think they aren't being fair to the captain.

Richard F. Teetsel
Tonawanda