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Just saw this article about moving Jeter to CF. A rather interesting idea.

Yankees should shift Jeter to CF

The article makes a good point about the Yankees having a weakness in CF at the moment. But, who would you play at SS? I think, under the current conditions, we would have more of an unknown with who would play SS than we do at CF.

However, if neither Melky or Gardner takes ownership of the position this season, and Jeter continues to decline at Short...this might not be a bad idea for next season.

Robin Yount did it, albeit earlier in his career....
Personally, I feel Brett Gardner is going to seize the job, but there's a good chance he will start in Scranton as Melky is out of options. It will be really interesting to observe [and comment!] as Cap continues to age.

Well, we do have a guy who has played short in the majors and won rookie of they year coming to camp... but I'm not sure that his fielding would be an upgrade from Jeter.

As for moving Jeter to center... I think we'll see Melky rebound...

I'm sure that, if DJ eventually plays at CF, it won't be as soon as this coming season. He'll be our shortstop at the new Stadium for the whole season, thinking that he'll stay healthy (crossing fingers)

A couple of points on this...

The defense got a decent upgrade with Teixeira being signed.

That allows Cano to be able to shift more toward 2nd than when Giambi covered 1st. Shifting Cano over means that Jeter is between two players who can help cover the diminished range.

Another point is that Teixeira will probably catch some throws that are a bit off line that Giambi wasn't able to get to. That can help by relieving some pressure to act overly quick.

Jeter played hurt last season. We all saw the big decrease in his offense after he got hit by Cabrera's fastball. It took a while for it to get back to normal, and when it did he was back to hitting like the back of his baseball card. The big thing is will there be someone on the bench to be able to give Jeter a day off now and then. There really wasn't last season.

I don't really see Jeter playing CF. If his range is decreasing, what would make him better in the outfield then? Maybe a move to left field, where there is less ground to cover than you need in center.

This season he will be SS unless he out due to injury.

I don't thing there is any question, barring injury, that Jeter will be the SS this season. The question is, what will happen in 2010?

If Jeter has a better season at his position in 2009, he will probably stay at SS for at least the 2010 season. In fact, he will probably stay at SS even if he does decline, as long as it isn't by a very noticeable margin.

If Jeter does have a season in which he struggles to stay healthy, or otherwise declines noticeably at SS, then the pressure for him to move to a different position in 2010 will increase. It is only then that we might see a change.

Wonder if Jeets will walk away while at the top of his game? [or, nearly so, meaning, when his contract is up]

That's why Cashman offered Angel Berroa a Minor League deal. I think Berroa can be a reliable back up SS. Let's see if he can make the team. With Jeter playing for team USA in the WBC, Berroa will have a lot of action during Spring Training.

I agree there, Jorge.

This could be very tough times. Though Jeter strikes me as someone who would want to out before they are asked to leave. Like Bernie's situation.

This year and 2010 will be interesting. If the Yankees do get a WS within these years it could mean Jeter hanging up his glove. How sad is that to think of?

Real sad. Jeter means a lot to the team, to fans, to baseball. I'd like it to happen the way you're saying. Going out of the game before asked to.

I hope he hangs around the team in some capacity, but he doesn't give off the vibe of coaching or managing.

I think Jeter would drive everyone nuts if he were a coach during the season. Its hard to say what role he would eventually have. As he gets older, I could see him doing TV, coaching during ST possibly, maybe some front office work.

Baseball is in his blood, and it will be a tough thing for him to walk away.

Someday we may be hearing about "the person who is responsible for Jeter's golf clubs."

For me, it would be great if Ramiro Peña can have some time at the Big Level this coming season, since he is from México.
Ramiro is a MLB caliber shortstop. He has great hands. His problem, if we can name it that way, is his bat. A little weak. But he's getting better, so, maybe, we'll hear from Ramiro a lot on 2010-2011.