It’s Time To Move Derek Jeter Down In The Lineup

May 4, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) during the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

It’s never fun to see the great ones start to have their skills deteriorate before your very eyes. Derek Jeter announced his retirement coming into this season and so far he hasn’t gotten off to the start in his final season that he was hoping for. When Jorge Posada was in his final season in 2011, manager Joe Girardi dropped him in the lineup and then stopped playing him all together for the most part. It’s time for Girardi to make a move with another Yankee legend and drop Jeter in the lineup.

Jeter so far this year has a .240/.271/.311 slash line so far this season. He has three hits in his last 28 at-bats. He hasn’t scored a run or walked since April 25.  You can’t have someone who’s doing that poorly hitting behind Jacoby Ellsbury and ahead of Carlos Beltran in the lineup.

It’s time to move Brett Gardner into the spot where Jeter is. Yes Gardner and Ellsbury are both left handed hitters but so what? Having Ellsbury and Gardner 1-2 in the lineup is going to be a pain in the neck for opposing pitchers. They have a combined 17 stolen bases and 31 runs scored.

Here’s what the lineup should look like:

Ellsbury

Gardner

Beltran

Mark Teixeira

Alfonso Soriano

Brian McCann

Yangervis Solarte

Jeter

Brian Roberts

If/when Jeter begins to hit again then bring him back up to the top of the order. The Yankees need as many people as they can to get on base right now with a struggling pitching staff. Having Ellsbury and Gardner at the top may ignite a struggling offense. The Yankees can’t afford to keep Jeter at the top right now. It’s time to drop him in the order.