ESPN made a statement, a headline that stated “Yanks have old Jeter, not Jeter of old.” Derek is no longer the “wonder boy” who was a steady hitter and clutchman for the Bronx Bombers because he’s now 39 years old. For people like me, Jeter being 39 blows me away. Didn’t he just start playing for the Yanks?
The New York Yankees need Derek back on the playing field, but at his age, healing from a fractured ankle will most likely take about a year with many hours of therapy. At his age, building the strength in his legs and muscles around the affected area takes longer and it also can’t be a so-so preparation, especially when the person is sneaking up on 40. While he was rehabbing with the RailRaiders of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, he did not play a full game and he was supposed to be able to go nine innings in back-to-back games before his return to the Bombers. He did not, and therefore the move into the Yankee lineup was premature. The end result is obvious: he got hurt, but the good thing is it’s just a pulled quad muscle.
Girardi said when asked whether he’s concerned about Jeter’s physical state, “I hadn’t thought about that (Derek’s physical vulnerability). I figured he’d come back and, yeah, I’d have to spell him here and there like I did last year, and have to be smart about it. But I didn’t expect this to happen…I think this will heal fine and he will be fine, but I don’t think it’s a guy that you can run out there 40, 50 days in a row like you used to.”
When asked what he thought about Derek’s situation, Yanks GM Brian Cashman said, “I don’t want to say 39 (years old) as much as he’s coming off a broken foot, a twice-broken foot, so stuff can happen. I don’t want to say it’s Father Time knocking on his door and reminding as much as listen, he really is coming back from something pretty significant, and the kinetic chain can tell you if everything’s not in line, it makes you more susceptible, especially when you ask for that extra from your tank. And when he asked for that extra there, if he’s not 100 percent in line for a period of time, them something’s going to give.”
Many Yankee fans want to see Jeter back as soon as possible, including me, but the reality of his possible return, soon, might not happen. There is a weakness that he has developed in his leg that might not improve. He may never be at 100 percent ever again. He’s physically an older athlete who broke his ankle and the stress from running and being on the infield might not enable him to perform, especially like the Jeter of old. Granted Jeter was never a power hitter, but he was a good hitter, and maybe there should be more time as a designated hitter, which could be part of his rehab.
Whatever happens in the next couple of weeks will determine his return. Change is always constant and there might be an awakening of a career-ending scenario for Derek. How many more years does he have? I’m guessing, if he’s lucky, two to three, but that’s hypothetical. There will be no end to the effect of that ankle fracture. It will be ever-present for him for the rest of his time as a player. I can see him in a few years, as a Yankee coach, and eventually taking over as the Yanks manager, replacing Joe Girardi. His leadership role as captain would help him carry over as manager-in-chief. He has that gift to lead and he’ll do it well. But let’s enjoy what time he has left on the field and hope he goes out like the lion he has been by giving his all and benefitting the team. Think about it, just his presence alone is a winner for the Bronx Bombers. He has always been an inspiration for the team and the fans.
