Didi Gregorius Using Derek Jeter’s Advice For Success

When Derek Jeter announced he’d be retiring following the 2014 season, the New York Yankees knew it would be impossible to replace the icon at shortstop.  Simply put, players like Jeter aren’t replaced.  Throw in the fact that the organization, with no available minor league option, had no idea who would be his successor, and the Yankees looked to be in a bad position.

Two years after Jeter’s announcement, and the Yankees are in a much better position than anyone could have predicted, with Didi Gregorius showing that he is a very capable option.  After struggling, in all aspects of the game, to begin the 2015 season, Gregorius really came around to finish the season.  Gregorius, who has stated that he wants to be like Jeter, but also remain his own player, has taken advice from the former Yankees captain to heart:

"Don’t try to do too much.  Just be yourself and play the game the right way.  I use everything that Derek Jeter says.  Derek Jeter [will] always be a legend here, so I wouldn’t be surprised if people keep bringing him up to me."

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Gregorius has stated that he is okay with that as it reminds him to follow Jeter’s advice.  After hitting .265 with nine home runs and 65 RBI’s in 2015, Gregorius’s personal goals for 2016 sounded very Jeter-esque:

"I’m here trying to do my job and get better.  Just play the game the right way and see what happens.  That’s the only thing you can control."

Through the Yankees first five games, it looks like Gregorius has done a good job at that so far, hitting .333 with a home run, three RBI’s, a stolen base, and an OPS of .850.  If Gregorius, as well as Starlin Castro, can continue to swing the bat as well as they have in the early portion of the season, the Yankees lineup should be very formidable in 2016.

What do you think Yankees fans?  Can Gregorius keep it up and continue to improve as he gains advice from Jeter?  Let us know in the comments below.

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