How will Derek Jeter preform upon his return to the ball field in 2014?
According to one New York Yankees teammate there should be no cause for concern. Pitcher David Phelps told the New York Daily News that he had seen Jeter practicing and delivered some encouraging news.
“Derek looks amazing. That’s awesome.”
Jeter is working his way back from breaking his ankle twice. He appeared in just 17 games last season.
“You can tell he’s determined to go out there and do well,” Phelps said. “If you had to place a bet on it, you know he’s going to go out there and have a good year. I’m really looking forward to seeing him play again. He’s having a lot of fun right now.”
Jeter arrived in camp two weeks ago, well ahead of the report date of Feb. 19 for position players.
What the Yankees get out of the 39-year-old Jeter is anyone’s guess. In 2012 he appeared in 159 games posting by far his best stats since 2009 as he finished with a .316/.362/.429 line with 15 home runs and 99 runs scored.
As Jeter goes, so too do the Yankees.
“You look in the past, this team’s usually only as strong as he is. It’s going to be nice having him back there behind us.”
