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Which SS Reigns Supreme in NY?
By Andrew McCarten, TheSportsStand.com (6/26/07)

A recent hot topic in the New York area is the debate over who is the best SS in New York. Yankees fans say that Jeter is a great leader and has proven himself on the big stage. Mets loyalist clamor that Jose Reyes has been passed the torch and is now a better player than Jeter. Reyes is only 24, while Jeter is now 33. So the question is, if today you had a choice between who you could have for the rest of the year, who would it be? Not being a fan of either team, I decided to take on the challenge.

Reyes is currently batting .319, a very good average, but Jeter outshines him with an outstanding .342 mark. Jeter also has the edge in basically every major statistical offensive category, except for walks and stolen bases. They are currently tied for totals runs.

AVERAGE

Jeter- .342

Reyes- .319

RUNS

Jeter and Reyes- 52

HOME RUNS

Jeter- 5

Reyes-3

RBI

Jeter- 36

Reyes- 33

STOLEN BASES

Jeter-7

Reyes-38

WALKS

Jeter- 33

Reyes- 42

ON BASE %

Jeter- .419

Reyes- .401

SLUGGING

Jeter- .486

Reyes- .455

Reyes is 9 years younger, and also has the advantage of being a switch hitter. He has been a terror for opposing teams on the basepaths this season, stealing 38 bags while Jeter has stolen a modest 7. This is especially bad when considered Barry Bonds has already swiped 5.

Fielding, however, is a much different story. Jeter has already amassed an uncharacteristic 12 errors and a .963 fielding percentage, while Reyes has only tallied 4 for a .986 mark. Reyes has also played 48 more innings, roughly about 5 1/3 more games. While Jeter is still a great defensive player, Reyes has shown real flashes of brilliance in the field, making himself a perennial Gold Glove candidate.

In conclusion, this would prove to be a very tough decision. As much as I would love to have Jeter’s playoff experience and great hitting on my team, I would pick Reyes. He still hits for a great average, scores runs, plays fantastic defense and is always a threat on the bases.

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