2009 may be Jeter’s swan song at the shortstop position. So, what are the Yankees’ options in so far as moving Jeter to a new position? I noodle a few here:

  1. DH: Jeter doesn’t have the prototypical offensive profile of a designated hitter. However, Jeter is still a capable hitter – especially in key situations. But with Jorge Posada signed for a few more years, DH needs to remain available for other players.
  2. 2B: Is there another position for Cano? Right field? Cano can be a lazy infielder and doesn’t possess the best speed, so the outfield might not be the best option. As far as his arm goes, he has a quick release – but I’m not sure that his sidearm sling-it throwing style translates to an outfield arm. If Cano has a good year, might he be packaged somewhere for a young shortstop?
  3. Outfield: Not many career shortstops have successfully transitioned to the outfield. Although, Robin Yount did it. But, won’t Jeter’s lack of range at shortstop translate to some sort of outfield deficiency? Jeter has always been particularly good at tracking down fly balls. I guess it is fair to assume that he could handle the outfield. None of the current Yankee outfielders have the position locked down for the future. There is no Bernie or O’Neill. Nady is a free agent after 2009, so are Matsui and Damon. Only Swisher, Gardner, and Melky remain. And only one of those players has demonstrated any major league staying power. So, openings in the outfield will be available. Available to either Cano or to Jeter.
  4. 3B: Make A-Rod the DH. While he’s not a Gold Glove thirdbaseman, and even though his defense at third has declined since he move there, he still does a formidable job. Move A-Rod to the outfield: he has already moved once for Jeter, I doubt they will ask him to do it again – especially since A-Rod will remain a Yankee long after Jeter retires. A scary thought, but one we should be prepared to realize.  Thirdbase would be a good spot for Jeter, but it isn’t happening.

If I had to pick one, I would move Cano to the outfield. Cano is already a spotty infielder. And since he is the younger player and will probably need to move from 2B anyway, I would move him now…thereby opening the position up for Jeter.