Replacing Jeter at shortstop

I (J. Churchill) wrote in this very space earlier this season that replacing Derek Jeter at shortstop was long overdue, and that opinion, shared by many in the game, still stands. The scouts and defensive metrics alike agree that Jeter is well below average with the glove and if he's to stay in the lineup regularly, he'll need to move off the position he's played in the majors for 16 seasons to avoid being a detriment to his team, rather than an asset. Whichever approach the Yankees take, there is one problem: The Yankees do not have a replacement.

Eduardo Nunez was touted, by some, as the next New York Yankees starting shortstop, but the 25-year-old is not much of a threat at the plate and is far from a smooth, sure-handed defender, despite scouts seeing adequate range and arm strength.

If the Yankees are to make such a move sometime between now and the end of Jeter's contract -- he's guaranteed $17 million in 2013 but can be bought out for $3 million or play for $8 million total in 2014 -- The Captain could move to third base (with Alex Rodriguezmoving to the DH role) or to left field.

Eventually, however, and in the not-too-distant future, finding a shortstop still has to be on the club's to-do list, even if they plan to leave Jeter at the position until he retires, especially considering the likely timeline for the end of Jeter's career -- he's 38 years of age with a short-term contract.

The Yankees could decide to make a play for Stephen Drew this offseason -- Drew's option can be declined by the Diamondbacks, which would make him a free agent -- or keep an eye on the trade front over the next few years, which may include the likes of Ian Desmond, Jed Lowrie, Yunel Escobar, or even Asdrubal Cabrera or Jose Reyes. J.J. Hardy is slated for free agency following the 2014 season and could also be a short-term option for the Yankees.

No matter which way the situation is sliced, the Yankees have a decision to make that will impact their bottom line, their wins and losses and in some manner their payroll. It's not easy finding shortstops, but the Yankees need one, and soon.