Sunday, March 29, 2009

Derek Jeter to move to centerfield?

The New York Yankees are moving Derek Jeter from second to leadoff in the batting order. Per Bill Madden of the Daily News, Jeter may be making another move in the relatively near future.

Jeter, who has decreased range at shortstop, may be moved to centerfield at some point due to the emergence of 23-year-old prospect Ramiro Pena, who's likely to play 3B until A-Rod returns.
"Best looking young shortstop I've seen in a couple of years," said one National League scout.

"When I first saw him three years ago, you could knock the bat out of his hands," said one veteran scout whose primary assignment is in the minor leagues. "But he was a magician with the glove and that made him someone to keep an eye on. Now that he's gained a little weight, put on a little muscle, he's no longer an ‘out.' He can handle the bat. I always felt his glove would get him to the big leagues, but now I can see him as an everyday shortstop."
Madden argues that Pena will likely spend some time in the big leagues and minors in 2009, but could become the everyday shortstop in 2010. At which point, Jeter would move to CF.

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