But Jeter is no longer an All-Star starter. In fact, he's no longer an All-Star — period. Still, the 37-year-old was selected as the starting shortstop for this year's All-Star Game.
After a subpar 2010 season, Jeter has truly shown his age in 2011. After missing more than 14 games only once in his career, Jeter has already missed 19 games this season due to a nagging calf injury. Prior to the injury, Jeter hadn't been playing well. His current .260 average is the worst of his career and his .324 on base percentage does not reflect his .383 career mark. His two home runs and 20 RBIs rank among the worst power numbers for an All-Star ever. And it's been well known for a while that Jeter's defensive ability has rapidly been decreasing.
Meanwhile, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera has anchored a surprising Cleveland Indians squad, hitting .294 with 14 home runs and 49 RBIs. In addition to his offense, Cabrera has also made some stellar plays in the field. Cabrera made the team, but he was deserving of the starting spot. Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta was snubbed from the team, since his .314 average, 14 homeruns and 48 RBIs certainly warrant an All-Star selection.
While many could argue that "respect" earned Jeter a spot on the team, with three years remaining on his contract, the fans will have another opportunity to show respect for the future Hall of Famer. Sure, Cal Ripken Jr. was only hitting .240 when the 40-year-old started the 2001 All-Star game, but it was his final year.
Last year, people were up in arms regarding Atlanta Braves infielder Omar Infante's selection to the team. Infante, who was chosen as an All-Star reserve, was called the "worst All-Star ever" by one Yahoo writer. Yet compared to this year's American League starting shortstop, Infante's line of .332, two homeruns, 24 RBIs, .404 slugging (compared to Jeter's .324) and .762 OPS (.648) — all in fewer at-bats, mind you — overshadow the captain's stats.
Jeter's spot on the roster may have actually led to teammate CC Sabathia not making the squad. Out of all the players not to make the All-Star game, CC should justifiably be the most upset. The hefty lefty has a league-leading 11 wins with a 3.05 ERA and 106 strikeouts. Sabathia's presense in a shaky Yankee rotation is a big reason why the Yankees have the best record in the AL. Sabathia ranks third among MLB pitchers in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at 3.9. Meanwhile, Jeter has provided his team with a .5 WAR.
Now, despite being on the DL, Jeter has begun a rehab assignment and is planning to return Monday. With a week worth of games, Jeter could be ready to compete in the All-Star game. But considering the injuries and struggles that he's endured, it may be in Jeter’s best interest to skip the game. If he does, a deserving player — such as Peralta — could be added.
Actually, if fans are hoping for the maximum All-Star game experience, it would be in their best interest if Jeter skips out, too.
