Dear Derek Jeter.....

No one questions your legacy as one of the game's best. No one questions your talent, your dedication to the game, and your place in baseball folklore for generations to come. As much as I absolutely loathe the Yankees (see my previous post), I've always respected you as a person, as a player. Regardless of what happens with your contract, I will still respect you as a player. But, I'm starting to question whether or not I can still respect you as a human being.

You're about to turn 37 years old. You're coming off your worst season, ever. You were absolutely atrocious in the playoffs this year. But guess what, the Yankees are still willing to pay you light years more than you could ever expect in the free agency market. Why? Because of the all the reasons I've stated above - you have been the face of the Yankees, and there is no question you deserve a little "extra" for past performance.

Word on the street is the Yankees are willing to offer you a 3 year contract worth $21 million per year. If you do not accept this, and argue for a.) more years or b.) more money, you will lose my respect as a person. I know, you're a superstar. But at some point, you've got to put your ego behind you and look at what's best for your team. Even if payroll is not an issue for the Yankees (although, who knows, maybe accepting less money would make Carl Crawford AND Cliff Lee an option), the fact that you will almost be 40 years old after a 3-yr deal seems fair enough. I understand you want to continue playing the game we both love for as long as you can. But I'd like to add a caveat to that. I want any player to play for as long as they stay productive and an asset to the team. Do you really think at 40 or 41 years old, you will be worth $20+ million per year? Do you really think you will still be the Yankees best option at SS? Do you think you will make the Yankees a better, more competitive team at that age? I'm not saying it's impossible. In fact, I would fully support the Yankees giving you another 1-year, $15 million dollar contract after three years if you are producing. But, I'm guessing that the Yankees front office are with me and betting your best playing years are behind you.

So Derek... why not go out with class? Go out with the reputation of being selfless, one of the rare players that puts the team ahead of themselves, and truly one of the best players AND people the game has ever had.

At this point, rumors are rumors. I will continue to hold out any judgment until more details are released. I understand baseball is a business -- not only for the front office but also for the players. I have seen some of my favorites - Tom Glavine, John Smoltz -- leave Atlanta for more money. I realize that players like Chipper Jones are one in a million. Only time will tell whether or not my speculations are correct -- and I can honestly say that I hope I'm wrong. We need more players in the game like Chipper. Players who don't think of it like a business, but instead like the timeless team game that baseball used to be.