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04/01/2003 Archived Entry: "Your New Yankee SS- Erick Almonte- This is Not April Fools!"
Yankees Make a move to replace Jeter
by Bart Ewing
Derek Jeter is out at least 6 weeks after suffering a shoulder dislocation in last nights collision at 3b with a Toronto catcher. Today as I watch the Yankees not miss a beat in game 2 the YES network showed the newest Yankee, Erick Almonte. Almonte was anounced as starting at SS in their next game.
Almonte is a 25 year old product of their minor league system who has played in AA ball last 2 years.
First point I would make is even if Jeter gets the benefit of quick healing and doesn't go under the knife it doesn't mean he bounces back with typical numbers. Without surgery Jeter would be constantly at risk to replicate the dislocation. With surgery he could easily miss the rest of the season or at least until August. The Yankees may survive this more than most of Jeter's alternitive reality owners.
The scoop on Almonte: Don't get excited. He has some pop but not a great prospect by any means (didn't even merit a mention in John Sickels' Baseball Prospect Book). He has little speed. His last 2 years MLE's are for 2001 .269 15 55 5, for 2002 .213 15 52 10. Even with those steals he had too many caught stealings. Almonte has power potential but I would not even expect full time status and eventually he won't be even part time. Enrique Wilson will fill in for a bit and if it's determined Jeter is out long term look for a trade as George gets impatient. If you want to think big think Orlando Cabrera. If you want to think smaller how about Mike Bordick or ex Yankee fill in Jose Vizcaino? The Yankees don't need a star there, what they really need is defensive stability especially with Soriano at 2b.
As for fantasy strategy to deal with Jeters' loss I'll be addressing that in my soon to be released April fantasy article. Don't get your hopes up though.
