Jeter's Career is Dying

     Derek Jeter was not in Yankee’s lineup for Thursday night’s game against the Tigers. Manager Joe Girardi says that Jeter wasn’t benched because of his sore hip, but was taken out of the lineup because he simply needed some rest. Jeter reportedly shook his head in disgust when he didn’t see his name in the batting order.
     There’s no doubt that Jeter will be back in the lineup and that he will retain his job as the Yankee’s shortstop throughout the 2011 season. However, Jeter has struggled greatly this season, hitting only .250 with 0 homers. We may be witnessing the slow, painful death of Jeter’s baseball career. As a fantasy owner, Jeter’s major lack of production and sore hip issues worry me. He’s easily replaceable with a young player though. Darwin Barney of the Chicago Cubs (who is available as a 2B and SS) was named National League Rookie of the Month for April and is owned in only 39% of Yahoo! leagues. He’s a great replacement for Jeter, especially in a keeper league.