Derek Jeter does not care who replaces him at shortstop

Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Does Derek Jeter care who plays shortstop for the New York Yankees after he retires at season’s end? Is he concerned about the legacy of the spot that he occupied for so long in his Hall of Fame career?

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The answer to both questions, it would seem, is a short and direct no.

New York very well might have found their man for that uncomfortable job in 2015 via a trade this week. Stephen Drew is now a member of the Yankees. He will play second base for now, but it is reasonable to think that his defense and his decent enough bat will make him a candidate to fill the shortstop position next season.

As for Jeter, he just doesn’t really care. From David Lennon of Newsday:

"When asked if Drew would be a good candidate to follow him at the position, Jeter responded in typical Jeter fashion.“I have no clue,” he said. “I won’t be here.”"

Drew also declined to give anything away about whether or not he is considering the possibility of replacing an all-time great.

"“I’m just excited to get to play with a guy who’s in his last year,” Drew said, “Try to learn as much as I can from him and take it all in.”But does he want to be Jeter’s replacement?“I’m just going to soak this in,” Drew added. “I really am. It’s something that’s new to me.”"

Both guys are taking the appropriate approach here, especially since it is still this season and there will be plenty of time to put pressure on Jeter’s replacement next season.