Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
In news that’s been seeming more and more likely to be announced, Derek Jeter has been placed back on the DL and his season is very likely over due to lingering issues with his surgically repaired left ankle. To call Jeter’s 2013 season a disappointing one, would be a huge understatement. In total, the Captain has only played in 17 games for the New York Yankees. You certainly have to give him credit for trying to get back on the field numerous times during the second half of the season, but it just wasn’t meant to be this year. Now, the question becomes – is this the end of the legendary shortstop’s career?
At 39-years of age, it’s very clear that Jeter’s body is breaking down. Even the greats can’t go on forever and they all reach a point where they just can’t hold up, physically, any longer. With Jeter, it all happened very quickly. He’s been healthy his entire career. In fact, before this year and excluding his first year in the majors, his career-low for games played was 119 (2003). Other than that, the Captain has had an iron man-like career in MLB.
At this time, my guess is that Jeter will give it one more go in 2014. It’s hard to see him being okay with going out on such a down note. But on the other hand, he knows how his body truly feels and maybe he’s just out of gas?
It’s unfortunate when the all-time greats aren’t able to go out on their own terms. If there’s anyone that deserves to be able to that, it’s number two, Derek Jeter.
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