Jeter Ready For Boston?

When the New York Yankees travel to Boston to take on the Red Sox this weekend, they hope to have Derek Jeter in the lineup. But what progress is Jeter making on his comeback from his calf strain and how likely is that to happen?

Reports say that Jeter  could do some running this week. But his availability is uncertain. What is certain, is that  he would provide a big boost for the Yankees offensively and emotionally. And Manager Joe Girardi is looking forward to having both Jeter and Alex Rodriguez in the lineup at the same time.

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“We weren’t sure who we were going to get back first when it came to those two,” Girardi explained. “Initially we thought we were going to get Derek back after Spring Training, and that didn’t work. I’m not really sure I find it hard to believe that Alex has played more games than Derek or vice versa. But Derek came back first. It’s been a strange year.”

In Jeter’s case, he has spent the season in a revolving door.  On July 11th, he returned from the DL after his broken ankle. But he returned to the DL after only one game, this time with a quad strain. He returned in July 28, but then was placed on the DL again after only four games. This time, it was due to a calf strain.

With Jeter back in the lineup, the Yankees could make a big statement by sweeping Boston, or at least winning the series. With the exception of Mark Teixeira and possibly Francisco Cervelli, the Yankees would have their best lineup of the season.

And Fenway Park would be a great place for Rodriguez to break out. He could bounce some doubles off of the Green Monster and sail some homers over it. Plus, Curtis Granderson, with his colossal home run to provide the winning run against the Angels last night, could be primed for a big series.

There is a Boston Massacre swirling in the wind. One that could ignite a Yankees surge and get them back in the race. So make it back if you can, Derek.