Derek Jeter's Failed Bunt Attempt

(Photo by Newsday.com) - I got a really bad feeling in my stomach when Derek popped up to Ivan Rodriguez in the first inning of game two with Johnny Damon on first base.

Why, oh why, Derek, are you thinking about sacrificing yourself with the hope of a quick one run lead for the Yankees? After getting seven hits in your last seven at-bats, all of us want to see you swing away. Chances are that you and Damon won't get doubled up in that situation since both of you have great wheels, but even if you do get doubled up, at the beginning of the game, isn't it worth the risk to swing away?

Some people might think that you were trying to surprise the Tigers and earn a base hit. I don't think this is a great move, as laying down a great bunt on a 100 mph fastball is not much easier than getting a hit. It might even be harder than getting a hit from swinging away.

Let me say that I am a huge Derek Jeter fan. I love the way that he plays hard every day, how he runs hard out of the box even if he knows that he has hit a homerun. Still, I have to say that sometimes, I think that Derek becomes slightly intoxicated with the idea of being the ultimate team player.

By laying down a sacrifice bunt, perhaps he was thinking that he would bolster his image as a guy who only cares about winning. He got seven hits in his last seven at-bats, but hey, if the situation calls for a bunt, then he's up for it.

It's almost as though he sometimes takes on the mindset of a baseball martyr.

Derek, if there is a hint of truth in this thought, you don't need to do this. You have the respect of almost all Yankees fans out there. We want you to swing a way in that kind of situation. If you are in the 8th inning and trailing by one run or tied up with Johnny on first with no out, it makes a lot of sense to sacrifice yourself to put Johnny into scoring position.

But please don't waste your talents like that in the first inning.

Because truly, a mistake like that can deflate the entire team and all Yankees fans. I know that this is how I felt when you popped up. I felt like I just lost a few thousand dollars in the woods. A wasted opportunity.

Now go out there and give us another 3-5 night in game 3!

Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com