Derek Jeter’s decision to skip the 2011 All-Star game has been a polarizing topic around baseball and through social media. Speaking to reporters Tuesday in Phoenix, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig fully endorsed Jeter’s choice to rest a 37-year-old body that recently required nearly three weeks on the disabled list thanks to a strained right calf.
"There isn't a player I'm more proud of in the last 15 years than Derek Jeter," Selig said. "He has played the game the way it should be played, and he's been a better human being off the field. I know why Derek Jeter is not here. I respect that and I must tell you that I think I would have made the same decision.
"Any suggestion that I or anybody else around is unhappy with him not being here is just false."
Jeter returned to the Yankees last Monday, and manager Joe Girardi considered resting his shortstop and team captain for a day to avoid what would amount to nine straight games played coming off the injury, which included two rehab assignments with Double-A Trenton and a Friday night affair subsequently rained out. Girardi was eventually convinced to play Jeter every day until he reached the 3,000-hit milestone, which he accomplished on July 9 at Yankee Stadium en route to going 5-for-5 in a 5-4 Yankees win over the Rays.
“It's unfortunate, because you guys know how much I enjoy going to All-Star Games,” Jeter said that day. “I love playing in All-Star Games, especially getting voted in by the fans. It's something I would like to do. I'm trying to be smart about it. I know I can be stubborn a lot of times when it comes to injuries, but I'm trying to be smart about it.”
Jeter’s teammates – Curtis Granderson, Robinson Cano, Russell Martin and David Robertson are in Phoenix competing for the AL All-Stars – also supported his decision. While Sox first baseman and AL All-Star Paul Konerko fully understood why Jeter chose to rest, and believes reputation on and off the field further enhances his credibility.
"I promise you his injury is not 100 percent," Konerko said. "Nobody ever comes back from an injury in the middle of the season at 100 percent. It's never gone. So he's playing with it, I guarantee you that.
“It's one of those things where I understand people voted him in and wanted to see him, but if there's any guy in the game who bought a rain check for one of these, he's the one. Let's move on and not make such a big deal about it.”
The All-Star game is a showcase, but ultimately players, managers and front office personnel are in the business of winning. The Yankees need a healthy Jeter to seriously compete for a postseason spot. If it means getting a rare reprieve, so be it.
Follow Jon Lane on Twitter: @JonLaneNYC
