Derek Jeter placed on DL again, season over

When Derek Jeter went down with an ankle injury that ended his 2012 postseason agains the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS, many feared that Jeter would lose a step or two in 2013.

As spring training approached, and Opening Day with it, it became more and more apparent that Jeter may not play at all in 2013. Little progress was made during his rehab in spring training and in April, and each time he took a step forward, it seemed like he would quickly take two steps back.

Jeter wound up missing the first 91 games of the season. He was quickly rushed back to the big club in mid-July while the Yankees were in the midst of a losing streak, with the hope he could spark something in this lifeless club, but returned to the DL after one game. Then he came back on July 28 and was on the DL again after four days with a calf strain.

After making a third return from the DL on August 26, he was put back on it on September 7 with pain in his surgically repaired ankle. Now he is done for the year.

All told, Jeter played in 17 games with the big league club, with a homer, 7 RBI and a batting average of .190.

Jeter looks like every bit of 39-years-old now.

We knew this day was going to come, and it is sad that is coming this way, but Jeter's career is likely, and should be, over.

"I wasn't moving the way I wanted to move, I wasn't hitting the way I wanted to hit. I wasn't doing anything; I wasn't throwing the way I wanted to throw," he said. "If you can't play how you're capable of playing or what you're used to doing, then you're really not helping out. If I'm not able to play how I want to play, then I'm not benefiting the team."

Jeter has a $9.5 million option for 2014, and with questions now lingering about his effectiveness and ability to even stay on the field it is reasonable to question whether this is the end. Jeter refuses to talk about next year still.

Jeter and the Yankees are planning on a full rehab for the short stop and expect him to be ready for Spring Training.

However, if I were Jeter, or someone who knew him I would tell him to hang it up. No one wants to see Jeter struggle again in 2014. He's been too good a player for too long and has accomplished more than any athlete can dream of. He has 5 World Series rings; was considered the best at his position for over a decade; his number 2 is about as iconic as the interlocking NY, and he has more money than anyone put together.

He doesn't need really need the game anymore, unless he is one of those players who needs the game as a fix.

Jeter is a smart guy; he can do a lot of good here in New York both as a entrepreneur and face of baseball. Michael Jordan is still the most recognizable basketball player on earth, and most marketable, and he hasn't played a game in over 10 years.  Jeter, if he wants to, will be the next Michael Jordan very easily in retirement.

Call it a career Derek, it was a great ride, one that no one will ever forget.