…and that’s not such a bad thing. I am going to preface everything with this: I do not believe Eduardo Nunez should play over a healthy Derek Jeter. Having said that, Jeter on the 15-day disabled list can have a positive impact on the Yankees in the short and long term. Here’s why:
Nunez, a 24 year old rookie, will have a unique opportunity to play the most important position not called ‘pitcher’ for a team that does not need him to make big contributions. However, that is not to say he cannot make big contributions. In limited and inconsistent playing time, Nunez has shown signs that he can be a strong offensive force. He has a unique combination of power and speed, similar to that of a young and raw Alfonso Soriano. Additionally, he has not shown signs that he folds under pressure. In 30 at-bats with runners on base, Nunez’ slash-line is .333/.375/.533. In 17 at-bats with runners in scoring position, his splits are .353/.421/.471. He has struck out only one time in those 30 at-bats with men on base, something this team struggles with. His ability to put the ball in play is something that cannot be understated for a player of his age and experience.
Jeter’s trip to the DL, while extremely inconvenient timing, will also give him rest that he otherwise would not have gotten. At age 36, we have seen Jeter show severe signs of age over the past year-plus. Two weeks off in the middle of the season might not be the worst thing for Jeter at this point in his career. Hopefully when he returns to the lineup he will quickly reach 3,000 hits and be rested to make a summer fight for the AL East division title.
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If Nunez does perform well, the Yankees will be able to use him in one of two ways. Assuming the Yankees will still need pitching help as July 31 approaches, Nunez will be an attractive trade chip to a team out of contention. If the Yankees do not decide to trade Nunez (which is what I would prefer), they will add extreme value to their bench and have the confidence to play Nunez in a more defined role at shortstop and third base when Jeter and Rodriguez need half-days off.
Over the next two weeks, we will have the opportunity to see a talented young player play a position that no Yankee has had the chance to play in fifteen years.
